College of Education and Human Development
Mason Students Pass Rigorous Board Exam for Athletic Trainers
November 21, 2013
The Athletic Training Education program at George Mason University announced that nine seniors passed the national Board of Certification examination last week.
The results reflect a 90 percent first time pass rate on the rigorous exam, a testament to the quality of Mason's Athletic Training Education program. (The national average is an 80 percent first time pass rate). Congratulations to the ATEP students: Nevada Watson, Kathleen Taylor, Danielle Ulekowski, Tyler Golden, Kate Romm, Allyson Nagle, Christina Lorete, and Cole Powell.
George Mason University student Cole Powell (right) was among nine seniors who were first time passers of the athletic training board exam. He is currently interning at the National Sports Medicine Institute with orthopedic surgeons Dr. Timothy Johnson and Dr. David Johnson.
The national credential qualifies the students to practice as athletic trainers in 46 states.
Athletic trainers are highly educated and skilled allied healthcare professional who specialize in caring for physically active individuals. To become certified athletic trainers, students must successfully complete a bachelors or master’s degree from an athletic training education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Students enrolled in their final semester then become eligible to sit for the National Athletic Trainers Certification exam.
The Athletic Training Education program at George Mason University is one of the largest and most highly recognized in the nation. Offered through the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism, the program includes formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention and assessment, first aid and emergency care, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. Clinical education experiences are an important part of the program, with students putting their knowledge and skills to work alongside professionals at high schools, physician offices, and healthcare clinics.
Earlier this year, Jeane Ryder, a graduate assistant in the Athletic Training Education program, was credited with quick, expert action that helped save a young high school wrestler's life.
Athletic trainers are recognized by the American Medical Association as health care professionals who collaborate with physicians as part of a health care team. The profession focuses on prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation. Employers of athletic trainers include professional and collegiate sports, intermediate and secondary schools, sports medicine clinics, hospital and rehabilitation clinics, and physician offices. More than 70 percent of certified athletic trainers hold at least a master’s degree.
About CEHD
George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the largest teacher preparation and education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a comprehensive range of degrees, certificates, courses, and licensure programs on campus, online, and on site. The college is distinguished by faculty who encourage new ways of thinking and pioneering research supported by more than $75 million in funding over the past five years.
For additional information:
- CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
- School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism: rht.gmu.edu
- Athletic Training Education program: rht.gmu.edu/atep
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