Clinical Experience Requirements

Clinical Education

Clinical education is an integral part of the Minnesota State University, Mankato Athletic Training program.

Students complete clinical rotations beginning in the fall of year one. During year one students have three 10-week rotations in a variety of settings where they are supervised by our exceptional preceptors. During the first-year, student clinical hours are limited to an average of 15 to 20 hours per week.

Students can complete clinical experiences during their second summer with places such as the Mankato MoonDogs and various professional teams within and outside of Minnesota. Clinicals are not required during this term because we understand many of our students may need to work in the summer.

	Clinical Classes	Clinical Rotations	Locations
First Year	AT 671, AT 672	3 - 10-week Rotations total	The majority of first year students complete clinical rotations in the Greater Mankato Area.
Second Year	AT 673, AT 674	Immersive Experience + 1 or 2 more depending on the length of your immersive	The locations depend on the student’s goals and their progression in completing the CAATE requirements regarding clinical education.

 

• During the second year in the program, students will complete an immersive clinical experience.
• Minnesota State University, Mankato's immersive experiences last at least six weeks but many students complete an entire term at an immersive clinical site. Immersive experiences average 30 to 40 hours per week.
• Minnesota State University, Mankato faculty work with the students to help them pick an immersive clinical site that meets their needs and helps to get them started in their future career.

Simulation and Standardized Patients

Students also gain clinical experience through simulation and standardized patient encounters. During the spring of the first year and the fall of the second year, students participate in life and death situation simulations in the Maverick Family Simulation Center.

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Athletic Training Program also uses standardized patient encounters to ensure a comprehensive clinical education experience.

Example Clinical Sites (this list is not exhaustive)

• Minnesota State University Mankato DI and DII sports
• Greater Mankato Area High Schools
• Professional teams within and outside of the state
• Mayo Clinic Health System
• Allina orthopedics
• Twin Cities Orthopedics
• TRIA Orthopedics
• Fit for Work
• University of St. Thomas
• Twin Cities Metro Area High Schools
• The Training Haus
• Colorado State University, Pueblo

Note: Clinical experiences in athletic training are a required component of the athletic training students' education and is the scheduling priority; outside work, outside activities, or obligations (other than personal or family related emergencies) will not be considered during the clinical scheduling process.

Note: Clinical experiences will take place during each weekday afternoons, evenings and weekends will also be required by the assigned clinical instructor based on the clinical experiences practice and competition schedule for that venue (within the 20 hour per week limit). The student is to have at least one day per week (Monday - Sunday) where no clinical experiences are assigned or obtained.

Note: The student bears the cost and responsibility of transportation to and from assigned clinical settings (e.g. travel to local clinics and high schools) as well as the cost of appropriate clothing as per program dress code. The student is not required to travel outside of Mankato/North Mankato city limits, at his/her own expense, for a clinical experience.