DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS MEDICINE ASSESSMENT PLAN
I. DEPARTMENT VISION STATEMENT
Educational programming within the Department of Sports Medicine is predicated upon the philosophical belief that the physically active of all ages should be able to pursue their activities with vigor and enthusiasm; that such athletic participation has inherent value to the individual participant, to the institution sponsoring the activity and society as a whole; that most injuries suffered by the physically active are preventable; and that these individuals receive quality medical care for their injuries. Given this the department is committed to provide quality educational programming in athletic training, a specialized and recognized allied health profession which concerns itself with the health and safety of the physically active.
II. DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT
The department prides itself on aligning with the university and college of health sciences missions by providing high quality classroom education. Furthermore, our students experience clinical instruction within a variety of educational settings, which afford our students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in real-life situations, under the supervision of experienced athletic training professionals. The department curriculum provides students with ample opportunities to develop and apply critical thinking and problem solving skills, communicate effectively, respect and understand diversity and to act ethically and professionally to develop skills to become life-long learners. A knowledgeable and diverse faculty serve as both classroom educators and clinical supervisors and thus professional role-models for the students. The faculty is also committed to life-long learning as providers of sports medicine services to the Universityís intercollegiate athletic program, as well as providing educational opportunities for students from other majors within the University and students from other institutions of higher learning.
III. STUDENT LEARNER OUTCOMES
For assessment purposes the student learner outcomes of the Sports Medicine Department can be simplified into 4 areas-
1) To educate students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers in the content knowledge of athletic training. This content knowledge centers around the 12 content areas of athletic training which are:
a. Acute care of injury and illness
b. Orthopedic clinical examination and diagnosis
c. Medical conditions and disabilities
d. Health care administration
e. Pathology of illness and injuries
f. Pharmacology
g. Psychosocial intervention and referral
h. Risk management and injury prevention
i. Conditioning and rehabilitative exercise
j. Therapeutic modalities
k. Professional development and responsibility
l. Nutritional aspects of injuries and illnesses
2) To help students to acquire effective communication skills as it relates to content knowledge.
a. Verbal
b. Non-verbal
c. Written communication
3) To help students acquire skills to become life-long learners through:
a. Information literacy
b. Research skills
c. Evidence based practice skills
4) To prepare students for life after graduation by emphasizing the following attributes in students:
a. understanding their role in society with respect to service
b. encouraging respect for diversity
c. instilling an appreciation for the field of athletic training.
