Southeastern Louisiana University

     HAMMOND – The Southeastern Louisiana University athletic training education program has been nationally re-accredited for the maximum five years.

     The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) issued its approval of the program with no sanctions following a comprehensive evaluation earlier this year that included a self-study and an on-site visit by independent reviewers.

     “A determination of accreditation is a sign that a program is in compliance with nationally established standards,” said Tammy Bourg, Southeastern interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “It is a stamp of approval that recognizes the quality of the program and the strength of its faculty, curriculum and clinical partners.”

     Southeastern’s athletic training education program is one of several degree programs offered through the Department of  Kinesiology and Health Studies, said Eddie Hebert, department head.

     “The program is designed to provide a comprehensive educational and clinical preparation for a career in athletic training,” explained Hebert. “Students receive considerable training on injury prevention, evaluation and assessment of patients, immediate care, treatment and rehabilitation, and professional development.”

     Karen Lew, program director, 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 Southeastern’s athletic programs and at the university health center.

     Students also intern at North Oaks Health System, several orthopedic and sports medicine clinics and in athletic programs at several area high schools. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Reiss Plauche of Covington serves as medical director of the program and provides opportunities for students to observe medical and surgical procedures.

     Lew said that following completion of the curriculum, Southeastern students are immediately qualified to take their certification examination. Currently, approximately 90 Southeastern students are enrolled in the program

     According to CAATE, the standards used to evaluate athletic training education programs were developed with the support of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Inc.

     For more information on the Southeastern Athletic Training program, contact Lew at 985-549-2350 or at klew@selu.edu.