News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Angey Saucier Date: 11/12/02   SOUTHEASTERN’S ATHLETIC TRAINING BACHELOR’S PROGRAM GAINS ACCREDITATION       HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University’s newest bachelor’s program, the bachelor of science degree in athletic training, has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).       The university’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies began offering courses in the new degree program in the fall 2002 semester with 157 declared majors and 20 enrolled in the program’s courses.        Before courses were offered, the program received a visit by CAAHEP in April and after extensive overview, was awarded accreditation.       “With this accreditation, Southeastern now offers the only athletic training academic program in Louisiana that guarantees students will be able to qualify to take their certification exam immediately following completion of the program,” said Southeastern President Randy Moffett.       "The site visit was extremely positive," said  Karen Lew, interim program director of Athletic Training Education. “Southeastern’s athletic training program is now the only such program in the state to achieve this status.”       According to CAAHEP, a recent peer review conducted by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Athletic Training (JRC-AT) and CAAHEP’s board of directors recognizes the Southeastern program for its substantial compliance with the nationally established accreditation standards.       “The commission commends Southeastern for its commitment to continuous quality improvement in education,” said Sondra Flemming, president of CAAHEP.       Southeastern’s athletic training program prepares students for entry level jobs in athletic training through course work paired with hands-on clinical rotations in the community. Students Southeastern’s Athletic  work with Southeastern’s athletes and football programs at Southeastern, Southwest Mississippi Community College, and various local high schools. During their final semester, students complete a rotation in a medical clinic under the direct supervision of a physician, nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant.       Graduates of athletic training can expect to enter the workforce as integral members of the athletic health care teams in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, and other athletic health care settings.       For more information on the athletic training degree program, contact Lew at 985-549-2350 or klew@selu.edu or visit www.selu.edu/athletictraining. Return to News Releases