As you know, the Minnesota State University, Mankato (Mankato State College) Athletic Training Education Program was one of the first four approved programs of study in the United States and is currently the oldest program to maintain continuous approval or accreditation since 1969. The program has moved from a minor to a major and now, beginning with the class of 2007 the students will no longer graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training they will graduate with a Bachelor of Athletic Training. This is an exciting change and would not have occurred had it not been for the long success of the program. In addition, during the 2008-09 academic year the program underwent continuing accreditation (re-accreditation) through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). This process went very well, the program was in complete compliance with all CAATE Acreditation Standards and has received continuing accreditation for another 10 years!
Since the first graduating class in 1971, there have been approximately 700 program graduates with an overall passing percentage on the Board of Certification (BOC) examination of 91.9%. Also, on average, program graduates have passed all three portions of the BOC examination at a rate significantly higher than the national average.
This type of success is a tribute to the students and the alumni of our program, the institution, the community, and to the support that we receive from all. One vital area of support, both academically and for our athletic teams, that we all owe a great debt is the Orthopaedic and Fracture Clinic (OFC) of Mankato. The physicians of the OFC have helped us to provide student education and athletic health care for over 40 years! This is probably one of the oldest relationships of its type in the United States. Not only has this been a long term relationship it has been an outstanding relationship in all respects. I can say that as a student of the program, as a head athletic trainer of the program, and as the program director my experiences with the physicians of the OFC have been the best of my career. We are lucky to have had this relationship for 40+ years and continue to celebrate it.
The Athletic Training Program as Minnesota State University, Mankato enjoys a recognized reputation, a reputation that is directly the result of you, our alumni, who have gone out into the professional world using your education and clinical skill to affect countless lives. Please continue to do the wonderful work you are doing and please remember this program, OUR program as you refer students into the profession and as you make any generous contributions to your alma mater! Finally, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding the Athletic Training Program.
Thank you, and I hope to see you sometime during coming the year!
Patrick Sexton, EdD, ATC, ATR, CSCS
Director of Athletic Training Education
