The semester begins: May 7, 2012

RMUoHP’s program in athletic training combines a rehabilitation science core with a pedagogy emphasis. The central element of the program is the completion of a dissertation that incorporates original research and advances knowledge in the area of concentration. Research, biostatistics, and professional writing courses provide a complimentary foundation. The curriculum is designed to increase the student’s abilities to utilize research theory to enhance evidence-based practices. Advanced therapeutic intervention courses enhance the student’s abilities in the assessment and implementation of sound scientific principles in the treatment of athletes and other physically active individuals. The pedagogy emphasis affords students an interactive environment focusing on athletic training issues. Pedagogy coursework includes instructional design/delivery, curriculum development, and higher education administration. The core courses are designed to enhance research, teaching, and administrative skills. The program is designed to enable athletic trainers to continue professional work obligations during the three-year didactic portion of the program.

The PhD in Athletic Training program is committed to the development of an individual who can:

• Integrate current literature and evidence-based practices into assessment and therapeutic intervention plans for athletes and other physically active individuals.
• Analyze, critique, and synthesize literature to prepare manuscripts for publication and to apply to clinical practices.
• Conduct methodologically sound research.
• Collect and critically analyze research data.
• Write grants to fund athletic training research.
• Develop learner-centered instruction and instructional delivery skills based upon evidence-based practices.
• Integrate curriculum/leadership theory into professional teaching and administrative practices.