Athletic training program mission and learning goals

Mission

The Northwestern College Athletic Training Program is an accredited professional program engaging students in a Christian academic community to become a certified athletic trainer which empowers them to serve Christ through the prevention, recognition, rehabilitation, and care of injuries in the physically active.

Learning goals

As a product of the student learning goals from the kinesiology department, students will achieve the following upon completion of a bachelor’s degree in athletic training.

1. Content knowledge
   • Demonstrate the knowledge of prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities.
   • Demonstrate mastery of knowledge and skills outlined in the current edition of the Athletic Training Program Competencies published by the NATA (National Athletic Trainers’ Association).
2. Communication
   • Demonstrate love and respect for all patients regardless of their culture, social status, or beliefs, while providing the best healthcare available.
3. Reflection & critical thinking
   • Be lifelong learners who critically examine the body of knowledge in athletic training and related fields, while using evidence-based practice as a foundation for providing quality healthcare.
4. Professional practice skills
   • Apply their classroom and clinical experiences into their future professional practice.
5. Professionalism and ethics
   • Incorporate their Christian faith into their professional and ethical practice as an athletic trainer.
   • Use their gifts as a healthcare professional to service God, humanity and creation.
6. Value physical activity and fitness
   • Counsel individuals and develop treatment plans that promote physical fitness and wellness for the whole individual.
   • Model physical fitness by living a healthy lifestyle in all aspects of life so that the best care can be given to others.