GATP Clinical Education
UTC-GATP faculty and preceptors are dedicated to the training and education of professional-level athletic training students (ATS) who are equipped beyond the typical entry-level expectations. We have over 70 highly trained and devoted preceptors, many of whom are UTC alumni, at over 35 clinical sites! ATS's gain over 1200 supervised clinical hours throughout 5 semesters, including an 8-week immersion experience. Our students have even gained experiences outside of the Chattanooga area with MLS, USL Championship, XFL, SEC, and Big 12 clinical sites!
Clinical education provides students with authentic, real-time opportunities to practice and integrate athletic training knowledge into skills and clinical abilities. To provide a well-rounded clinical education experience, clinicals will allow students the opportunity to practice with different patient populations, health care providers, and in various health care settings. The GATP has affiliation agreements with area private and public high schools, colleges/ universities, professional teams, outpatient clinics, hospitals, health and wellness centers, and physicians' offices. A specific overview of the clinical education plan for each semester is provided below:
| Semester: | Rotation Length: | Setting/ Populations: |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 1 | 3-4 week clinical rotation | Solely UTC Sports Medicine |
| Fall 1 | 2 clinical rotations | 1 college or pro rotation & 1 high school rotation plus EMS/ ER rotation |
| Spring 1 | 2 clinical rotations | 1 college or pro rotation & 1 high school rotations plus Ortho rotation |
| Fall 2 | 1 clinical rotation | Clinicals determined by ATS goals/ career interests and Preceptor input plus General Medical rotation |
| Spring 2 | 1 clinical rotation followed by Immersion | Clinicals determined by ATS goals/ career interests and Preceptor input |
We offer an 8-week clinical immersion during the 2nd year of the program. The immersive rotation is designed to allow the ATS to be mentored by a preceptor with minimal classroom interruptions so they may be fully integrated into daily certified athletic trainer responsibilities. During the immersion, students may obtain clinical experience anywhere across the nation if the experience is unique and in accordance with accreditation standards and agreements. We have found this offers students the opportunity to get a head start for job placement upon graduation! Our list of clinical immersion sites is growing, with recent ATSs being immersed at:
- DC Defenders - XFL Team
- FC Dallas - MLS Team
- Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic
- Harbin Orthopedic Clinic (Rome, GA)
- Memphis 901 FC – USL Championship Team
- University of Georgia
- University of Kansas
- University of Mississippi
- University of Missouri
- University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- University of Tennessee-Martin
- The Citadel
- Samford University