Dr. Bill Estes, left, and Dr. Debbie Murray, right, of Lee’s Helen DeVos College of Education stand in the athletic training suite of the McKenzie Athletic Training Center. The program officially passed through the rigorous national accreditation process this fall. Click to enlarge.
photo by Lee University
The Athletic Training Education Program at Lee University took a huge step forward on Sep. 16 when it was granted full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
The announcement of national accreditation was made by Dr. Debbie Murray, dean of the Helen DeVos College of Education, which offers the athletic training program. "We have an outstanding staff and faculty in athletic training," Dr. Murray said, "and expect a growing number of students now that accreditation is complete. This is a part of the educational world in which there is a rapidly growing demand for well-trained professionals, and we believe the degree we offer is excellent in the quality of both its clinical and academic aspects."
Lee's athletic training major is designed as an academic program which collaborates with the care already being given college athletes in twelve sports and numerous intramural activities.
“Anytime you are recognized by a national agency it is an accomplishment worthy of celebration,” said Dr. William E. Estes, Chair of the Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Secondary Education. “This accreditation gives our athletic training students a gateway to success in all areas of the medical field.”
To become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), students must complete an approved athletic training education program and graduate from an accredited college or university in the U.S. This ensures that all students will meet the entry-level educational competencies and clinical proficiencies established by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Education Council.
Students who graduate from Lee’s athletic training program will be eligible for certification after successfully completing the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification examination. Career opportunities for an ATC include fitness centers, hospitals, physical therapy facilities, sports medicine clinics, and both intercollegiate and professional athletic programs.
“As a service field, athletic training is a career that closely follows the mission of Lee University,” said ATC Program Director Kelly Lumpkin. “We expect continued growth in our program as we elaborate upon the success this recognition confirms.”
The four-year accreditation process included the construction of the McKenzie Athletic Center on Lee’s campus in 2003. The facility provides an environment where athletic training students can combine classroom knowledge with practical skills under the guidance of a certified athletic trainer.
The program was initially accepted by the National Athletic Trainers' Association's Joint Review Committee for Athletic Training as a candidate for national accreditation in 2002.