Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Athletic Training Aide Program
Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities.
Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences. (http://www.nata.org/about_AT/whatisat.htm)
While SIU does not currently have an Athletic Training Education Program that leads directly to certification as an athletic trainer, the Intercollegiate Athletic Department does utilize Athletic Training Aides to assist in providing athletic training care to our student-athletes. Athletic Training Aides are student employees that are trained in some of the skills utilized by certified athletic trainers and have the opportunity to assist and observe certified athletic trainers and team physicians working with SIU student-athletes. This practical experience can be a great asset when applying to post-graduate programs such as entry-level graduate athletic training, physical therapy, physician assistant programs as well as medical school.
If you are interested in becoming involved in the Athletic Training Aide Program contact Christian Ortega at (618)453-8352.