Altering the Athletic Training Curriculum: A Unique Perspective on Learning Over Time

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Context: The cohort athletic training curriculum features a competency-based approach that allows the student to matriculate through the program in a systematic fashion. This method is desired as it allows for efficient delivery and mastery of the educational content and associated clinical skills. The result may be an inflexible curriculum that can be unforgiving when unforeseen circumstances arise. Objective: To introduce a unique curricular design to the undergraduate athletic training setting that is more flexible than the traditional curricular model. Background: Athletic training education has expanded and proliferated greatly since 1998. The high rate of growth resulted in programs that are similar in design. The curricular structure is based on competency-based categories whose subjects rely on each other so strongly that there is little flexibility. This rigidity can create matriculation issues for students who are unable to proceed through the program at the required pace. Synthesis: Review of the current curricular model and accompanying literature indicates a desire for a new curricular model to provide flexibility within the athletic training curriculum. Results: The Adaptive Athletic Training model provides a flexible alternative to the cohort athletic training curriculum. This design uses a holistic and problem-based approach that is more closely associated with the entry-level workplace. Limitations include its ability to conform directly to the Commission onbetter Accreditation of Athletic Training Education competency matrix and the increased academic resources needed for implementation. Recommendations: Professional athletic training education programs should examine whether their current curricular model benefits their student population in the greatest extent. If room for improvement is identified, then alternative curricular models should be explored. Conclusions: The Adaptive Athletic Training model provides a flexible curricular option when examining alternative professional athletic training education program curriculums.