Through
the athletic training major offered by the department of health,
leisure and exercise science (HLES) and through the Student Athletic
Training Association (SATA), Appalachian State University students
learn to become future athletic trainers.
The purpose of the athletic training major is “to prepare qualified
athletic trainers for employment in public schools, junior colleges,
four year institutions and professional programs,” according
to the HLES Web site.
SATA was established several years ago here at Appalachian.
It currently has 35 members and meets once a month in the Owens
Field House. Current president of SATA is senior athletic training
major Abby R. Russell.
“The purpose of SATA is to better educate students inside and
out of the training rooms,” Russell said.
Continuing education programs and guest speakers aid this education.
Goals for SATA for the upcoming semester are to become more active
in the community and at Appalachian as well. SATA is also trying
to actively promote the athletic training major and do educational
speeches for the Appalachian community and the public.
SATA has worked with many organizations in the Boone community,
including the Hunger Coalition and O.A.S.I.S.
The group has also participated in a 5-kilometer run, the adopt-a-road
program, homecoming festivities and some members attend intramural
events and events outside Appalachian as student athletic trainers.
Sophomore athletic training major Terra D. Walker said she feels
her major will help her in her future profession of working as an
athletic trainer at a university.
“I plan on being an athletic trainer. I feel that it prepares
me for what I have to do when I have to find a career of my own,”
Walker said.
It is a requirement that students who want to become athletic trainers
must graduate from an accredited program, which Appalachian offers.
Students must also complete competency tests and gain clinical experience
by working in the on-campus training rooms. Athletic training majors
work with professors both in class and in the training rooms.
Russell said the athletic training major itself helps prepare student
athletic trainers for their future professions by giving students
a chance to graduate from an accredited athletic training program.
