Hi all-

I appreciate the comments concerning the number of advertised jobs for
athletic trainers being greater than the number of students looking for
placements. What a fantastic position to be in for the profession of athletic
training! We have hoped for this day for years!

I say this with sarcasm (I am sure you will forgive me). What a shame, if there
are more jobs than there are athletic trainers! Maybe we will see salaries
increase? Maybe jobs will be developed to be "just" full-time and not have
ridiculous overtime requirements? Maybe employers will come to appreciate the
job athletic trainers do and
support their positions more fully??

Frankly, I think the ATEP's are doing a great job of preparing athletic
trainers. I think we can do better. I think that research should be a
fundamental requirement for an athletic trainer. I think we need to prepare
students to enter graduate studies so that they can gain a greater appreciation
for the scientific method. Graduate schools allow students to realize that
research can be an extension of their positions as athletic trainers in all work
settings. More outcome based research will advance the profession and bring
recognition to athletic training in medical, educational and research settings.
With strong candidates for graduate schools fulfilling their academic potential
we help not hurt the profession of athletic training.

I do not believe that we have too much to teach them in our ATEP's, I
believe that we are finally reaching our deserved potential as
healthcare providers. Although my background is more clinically driven, I have
come to realize the importance of adding more research
opportunities to our undergraduate program. I encourage all AT
Educators to consider this addition, not just as a course, but as a
required project.

Sincerely,


Mark

Mark H. Gibson, MSEd, MS, ATC, PT
Director, Athletic Training Program
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
135 Mitchell Hall
La Crosse, WI 54601
608.785.8190
608.785.8172 fax