Athletic training is a rigorous major for fifteen students (juniors and seniors) in the professional phase and eighteen students (freshmen and sophomores) in the pre-professional phase.
One of the toughest tasks befor these students is the rotations that they have to complete at a number of different schools. They also have to prioritize sports above schoolwork and other commitments.
Each athletic training major starts with thirty hours of observation experience. As a sophomore, they will spend five weeks per site, usually coming in about two days a week. The juniors and seniors in the program spend four or five days a week, up to 20 hours total, at each of their sites.
“Our rotations are vital,” said Doug Horton, athletic training clinical coordinator. “Our students get a variety of experience which allows them to be flexible in any setting.”
Each student gets to go where they want, depending on several other factors. If they do not have a car, their rotation can be within walking distance. Carpooling is another option.
“It’s a special thing to be able to learn something in class and then apply what you learned later in the afternoon at your rotation,” Horton said.
Anyone interested in athletic training should contact Doug Horton at dhorton@eastern.edu.