McNeese State University’s undergraduate athletic training education program has been awarded initial accreditation for a five-year period by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.

The recent peer review recognizes the program’s compliance with the nationally established standards for athletic training education. The standards are established by CAATE as well as the American Academy of Family Physicians, The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and The National Athletic Trainers’ Association Inc.

The on-campus accreditation process included meetings with faculty, students and administrators along with a review of the curriculum for the program. The findings are then reported to the national board for approval of accreditation.

“This accreditation recognizes the quality of the program and the strength of its faculty, curriculum and clinical partners, ” said Chad Chaisson, athletic training education program director. McNeese’s athletic training education program is one of several degree programs offered through the department of health and human performance.

“The program is designed to provide a comprehensive educational and clinical preparation for a career in athletic training,” explained Chaisson.

He said athletic training students have the opportunity to experience working in the profession in a number of clinical settings, including working with professional athletic trainers in McNeese’s athletic programs. Students also intern at several orthopedic and sports medicine clinics and in athletic programs at several area high schools.

The accreditation also allows graduates of the program to take the national board exams for athletic training after graduation. “The accreditation lets students and parents know that we meet the national guidelines and our students will get a quality education in the field,” Chaisson said.

For more information about McNeese’s athletic training education program, contact Chaisson at (337) 475-5378.