Welcome from the Department Chair

Welcome to the Department of Athletic Training, Entry-level Master of Arts in Athletic Training degree at The College of St. Scholastica!

I am proud to have the opportunity to lead the newest program in the School of Health Sciences at St. Scholastica. Athletic Training is positioned as a peer to the existing and very high quality programs in exercise physiology, health informatics and information management, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social work. The academic rigor will challenge any program in the country. In addition, lab experiences in courses like Cadaver Anatomy, Applied Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology/Biomechanics, and a number of athletic training courses will provide distinct advantages over your peers at other institutions.

We are planning to enroll our first class in June 2009. We are the only entry-level Master's program of its kind between Michigan and North Dakota. Upon completion of the program, you will need to successfully pass the national certification exam and become credentialed in whichever state you choose to practice. Our program will prepare you well for succeeding on both the certification exam and in your career. We are currently pursuing accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). We hope to be fully accredited by late spring 2011. Students must graduate from an accredited program in order to take the BOC, Inc. certification exam.

Although our beginning status may concern you and undoubtedly influence your choice of school, I can assure you that CSS is well positioned for success. First, the institution has a long track record of success with accreditation in health science programs. Second, its commitment to this process is well conceived and substantial. The program, supported by the college, is in the first year of a three year business plan to phase in faculty positions, equipment, and other resources. On a personal level, I am well prepared to assist the College in reaching its destination. I previously developed an undergraduate program from scratch to successful accreditation as well as serving as a site visitor for CAATE. The program I previously led achieved a 100% pass rate on the BOC, Inc. exam. The quality of education and values based preparation is second to none and Duluth is a beautiful city with much to offer.

Our facilities are top notch. We have a new 2,000 square feet athletic training clinical facility in Burns Wellness Commons as well as laboratories for Cadaver Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, and Motor Behavior. We are in the process of creating a lab space for Athletic Training. We currently have a clinical staff of four, are searching for a clinical director, and plan to add an additional faculty position as well as adjunct (part-time) instructors for a few specialty courses. Finally, we are in the process of cultivating relationships with external agencies for clinical placements. The response thus far has been outstanding!

I welcome your interest and strongly encourage you to undertake more in-depth exploration. We begin review of applications on Nov. 15th and continue to accept them on a rolling basis until our class is full.  Please contact me at hstrough@css.edu or 218-723-6798 if you have any questions.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Hal Strough, Ph.D., ATC
Department Chair