The UTM Athletic Training Education Program in the Department of Health and Human Performance recently received initial accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) following a site visit from the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Athletic Training.

“I am very pleased with the result of our accreditation process,” said Janet Wilbert, program director and instructor in health and human performance (HHP) since 2000. “We’re the only public university in West Tennessee and only one of two public schools in the state offering this program at the undergraduate level. It’s one of our (HHP) biggest recruiting sources. It’s a very popular profession to pursue.”

“UTM has offered an athletic training program for many years. However, several years ago, a decision was made to pursue an accredited curriculum program,” said Wilbert.

As part of the process, several courses were added, including pharmacology, sports psychology, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise and two courses on orthopedic assessment. “We have had great response from our alumni, who have supported this program through the supervision of our students and providing excellent learning opportunities for them,” said Wilbert.

CAAHEP is the largest programmatic/specialized accreditor in the health sciences field. In collaboration with its committees on accreditation, CAAHEP reviews and accredits more than 2000 educational programs in 21 health science occupations across the United States and Canada.

Accreditation is an effort to assess the quality of institutions, programs and services, measuring them against agreed-upon standards and thereby assuring that they meet those standards. Accreditation in the health-related disciplines also serves a public interest. Along with certification and licensure, accreditation is a tool intended to help assure a well-prepared and qualified workforce providing health care services.

“We have worked really hard to receive this accreditation,” said Dr. Paul Blair, chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance. “I think we have been graduating some really outstanding students from our program, but it’s great to have it affirmed by accreditation.”

Dr. Mary Lee Hall, dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Science, added, “I am very proud for Janet Wilbert as athletic training coordinator and the Department of Health and Human Performance. Being able to recruit students for our athletic training program as an accredited program adds a dimension that lets everyone know we have passed a rigorous review. I expect it will make a difference in recruitment and retention of students.”