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Aug. 3, 2015 - The Athletic Training academic program at King’s College has been granted 10 years continuing accreditation by The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), the maximum continued accreditation available.
Programs requesting continuing accreditation from CAATE are granted terms between two to 10 years, according to CAATE officials. The King’s program also received the maximum accreditation term on its initial accreditation in 2001 and its reaccreditation in 2006. There are 368 CAATE accredited programs in the United States.
The Athletic Training program at King’s was established in 1998 and its first graduating class in 2000 consisted of two students who transferred to King’s at the beginning of the program. In May, 16 students received a bachelor’s of science degree in Athletic Training at Commencement ceremonies.
There have been approximately 80-90 students majoring in Athletic Training in any given recent academic year.
Graduates of the King’s program have a 100% pass rate on the Board of Certification (BOC) examination, which is required before candidates can begin practicing as athletic trainers. Certified athletic trainers are recognized by the American Medical Association as Allied Health Professionals.
Ninety-seven percent of King’s Athletic Training majors pass the exam on the first try, compared to the national average of 78 percent, according to Jeremy Simington, clinical professor in sports medicine and chair of the department. Members of the Classes of 2001, 2003, 2012, and 2014 all achieved a 100 percent pass rate on their first attempt.
Every graduate of the program has also secured employment in the field, Simington added. Graduates are employed in numerous settings, including high schools, college and universities, sports medicine clinics, and professional athletics, including one graduate with the Philadelphia Eagles.