Academic Coursework

The undergraduate athletic training education program (ATEP) at Chapman University is a competency-based medical education model that combines rigorous and comprehensive on-campus academic coursework with hands-on clinical courses, which are conducted at approved affiliated sites.

Guiding the ongoing development of our curriculum is the set of approved educational requirements delineated by The National Athletic Trainers' Association Education Council:

          Athletic Training Education Overview (PDF)

Chapman’s ATEP has 12 educational competency areas:
    
     1. Risk Management and Injury Prevention
     2. Pathology of Injuries and Illnesses
     3. Orthopedic Clinical Examination and Diagnosis
     4. Medical Conditions and Disabilities
     5. Acute Care of Injuries and Illnesses
     6. Therapeutic Modalities
     7. Conditioning and Rehabilitative Exercise
     8. Pharmacology
     9. Psychosocial Intervention and Referral
     10. Nutritional Aspects of Injuries and Illnesses
     11. Healthcare Administration
     12. Professional Development and Responsibility

Didactic and clinical courses are designed to progressively challenge our students to build upon their knowledge and skills throughout the course of the program (see our Plan of Study...).

Want to become an athletic trainer/teacher?

During the final semester of their undergraduate studies, our ATEP senior students can expand their academic expertise and career opportunities by initiating coursework pursuant to a secondary school teaching credential and/or Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) through Chapman University’s School of Education. Another option is the Integrated Educational Studies (IES) program. Athletic training majors interested in serving as educators— whether within the school system or community-based programs— can pursue an IES minor.

Want to become an ATC, PT?
Our ATEP graduates are well-prepared to apply to any physical therapy program in the country, including Chapman University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program – the oldest ongoing PT school of its kind in the United States.  Chapman’s ATEP and DPT faculty collaborate to ensure that our ATEP graduates meet or surpass the DPT prerequisite coursework.