What is an Athletic Trainer? This is a question that our students are often asked, whether they are with family, friends, neighbors, athletes, other classmates, etc. The term Athletic Trainer is often associated or confused with personal trainers, physical therapists, and trainers. These professions to the general public may all appear relatively the same, however, there is a certain curriculum it takes to become a Certified Athletic Trainer. Athletic Training is recognized as an allied healthcare profession by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the American Medical Association (AMA). Athletic Trainers must graduate from an CAATE-accredited athletic training education program (ATEP) and pass the board of certification (BOC) exam. These ATEP are where students become certified in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions through the curriculum they are taught and the hands-on clinical experience that they receive.
The Future Athletic Trainers' Society (FATS) is a student organization primarily compromised of students who are currently in the San Diego State University Athletic Training Education Program (SDSU ATEP). There are 13 different clinical rotations throughout San Diego County, and while in the program students will go through two different clinical experiences. Along with clinical rotations, students will be taking their academic courses at SDSU. In order to be accepted into the Athletic Training Education Program prospective students must be eligible to apply. Please refer to the link below for more information!
The Future Athletic Trainers' Society (FATS) is a student organization primarily compromised of students who are currently in the San Diego State University Athletic Training Education Program (SDSU ATEP). There are 13 different clinical rotations throughout San Diego County, and while in the program students will go through two different clinical experiences. Along with clinical rotations, students will be taking their academic courses at SDSU. In order to be accepted into the Athletic Training Education Program prospective students must be eligible to apply. Please refer to the link below for more information!
Prospective students are highly encouraged to become involved in FATS. Admission into the SDSU ATEP is NOT required in order to participate in the organizations meetings and events. Becoming involved in FATS would allow prospective students or those who are interested in finding out more about Athletic Training to get a glimpse at what our organization and major entails. Our organization participates in a variety of community service events that help bring awareness to the profession and also coordinates some events such as:
- High School Seminars
- High School's over the years have incorporated an awareness to the Sports Medicine profession by offering classes for their students to participate in. FATS has helped out various High School Seminars by assisting with demonstrations of bracing, anatomy, spine boarding, ankle taping, and CPR.
- Job Fairs, provide opportunities to educate the public about Athletic Training
- Community Outreach
- Local Fundraisers
- Explore SDSU Open House (March)
- Fundraiser for Advocates for Injured Athletes (A4IA)
- Dodgeball Tournament
- Annual Golf Tournament (April)