April 12, 2010

Gadsden State to offer pre-athletic training degree

PRESS RELEASE

 Gadsden State Community College is proud to announce the addition of a new associate degree in Pre-Athletic Training which will begin Summer Semester 2010. The focus of the program will include areas such as athletic injury prevention, first aid, emergency care, injury assessment, and therapeutic massage.

The National Athletic Trainer’s Association describes athletic training as, “used to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients.”

Gadsden State’s Pre-Athletic Training degree will serve as a preparatory program to allow for a smooth transition to a Commission on Accreditation Athletic Training Education (CAATE), which is available in some colleges. The six CAATE recognized programs in Alabama are offered at Huntingdon College, Samford University, Troy University, University of Alabama, University of Mobile and University of West Alabama.

“Having the pre-athletic training degree can make a student more competitive in obtaining admission to these highly competitive programs,” said Lance Gilliland, therapeutic massage instructor at Gadsden State. The program will provide students with hands-on experience by working with Gadsden State athletic teams and within the professional clinical setting in the area.

Students interested in the Pre-Athletic Training Program will need to take two preliminary courses, HED 231-First Aid and HED 232-Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries, offered at Gadsden State this summer. Students who complete those courses will be admitted to the Practicum in Athletic Training class in the Fall Semester. Gilliland said that students are also encouraged to work toward a personal trainer certification while obtaining their Pre-Athletic Training degree at Gadsden State.

“Attaining an associate's degree before applying to a university demonstrates a high level of commitment to the study of athletic training and the ability to succeed in the courses,” said Gilliland.

Pre-Athletic Training courses begin June 2. For more information call 256-549-8326 or send email to lgilliland@gadsdenstate.edu.

Priority Online Registration for summer semester begins at noon on April 16. Students currently enrolled who have completed 24 semester hours at Gadsden State, and have a 2.0 GPA or higher qualify.