April 14, 2003

Athletic training education granted continuing accreditation

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs has granted continuing accreditation to Indiana State University's entry-level athletic training education program until the 2009-10 academic year.

The seven-year accreditation granted the undergraduate program is the maximum allowed and illustrates the commission has confidence in the program's ability to meet and exceed standards and guidelines for athletic trainers.

First approved in 1970 by the National Athletic Trainers Association, Indiana State's athletic trainer education program is the oldest in the nation.

"Indiana State University has produced more certified athletic trainers than any other university in the nation," said Steven K. Pontius, the university's provost and vice president for academic affairs.

"The university has hundreds of highly skilled alumni who are working with athletes at all levels, both amateur and professional, throughout the nation and around the world," Pontius said. "We are pleased the commission has recognized the hard work of the dedicated faculty, staff and students in our athletic training department."

The goal of accreditation is "to ensure appropriate classroom and clinical experiences for our students. In return, our alumni provide superior athletic health care to patients when they enter the profession. I am excited to be a part of the longstanding tradition of athletic training education at Indiana State University," said Catherine L. Stemmans, entry-level athletic training program director.

"The continuance of accreditation granted to our entry-level athletic training program is confirmation of the athletic training department's enduring commitment and ability to well position our students within the athletic training profession. I commend the efforts and dedication of our faculty and staff in development and implementing a progressive, contemporary curriculum that challenges our students and meets the need for the profession," said Mitchell Cordova, athletic training department chair.

"The Indiana State University athletic training department is a leader in the field," said Barbara Passmore, dean of the School of Health and Human Performance. "The seven-year continuing accreditation decision by the commission demonstrates this leadership. I commend the faculty and students for this accomplishment."

The American Medical Association recognizes athletic training as an allied health care profession. Athletic trainers work to prevent, recognize, evaluate, provide immediate care and rehabilitate athletic injuries and illness for physically active individuals.

Sponsored by the AMA, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredits educational programs that prepare health professionals in 18 different disciplinary areas. Accreditation is one step in a process that is meant to protect the public and ensure a supply of qualified health care professionals. Programs are accredited when it is established that they meet the educational standards and guidelines established by the profession.

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Contact:
Catherine Stemmans, assistant professor, entry level program director,
(812) 237-8336 or cat@indstate.edu

Writer:
Dave Taylor, ISU Public Affairs, (812) 237-3743 or devtaylo@isugw.indstate.edu

ISU Public Affairs:
(812) 237-3773 or http://isunews.indstate.edu