The Ohio Northern University athletic training program has received the maximum continuing accreditation award of 10 years from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

The ONU program has met all of the nationally recognized Standards for Accreditation of Professional Athletic Training Programs as set by the CAATE. The award resulted from a comprehensive evaluation of the ONU athletic training program, including a self-study and on-site visit in February 2013. ONU’s program was initially accredited in 1998.

“We are thrilled with the full 10-year re-accreditation outcome from this comprehensive review by CAATE,” said Michelle Wilson, ONU associate professor of athletic training and athletic training program director. “This award demonstrates the dedication and commitment of our faculty, staff, students and administration to our athletic training program.”

         ONU is one of 26 professional (entry-level) programs accredited in the state of Ohio, and one of more than 350 professional programs accredited nationally. The next comprehensive review of ONU’s athletic training program will occur during the 2022-23 academic year.      

         ONU’s athletic training program, which has four full-time faculty and three full-time staff members, strives to offer athletic training students the academic and professional services needed to become a certified athletic trainer. ONU offers students a unique and comprehensive educational and clinical foundation relating to the profession of athletic training and strives to promote excellence through scholarship, skill and professionalism.

         Once a student has been accepted into the athletic training education program, “hands-on” athletic training clinical experiences must be completed along with required coursework. Clinical experiences will be obtained in a variety of environments with athletic teams and at a local hospital or outpatient rehabilitation clinic.

         During these times, athletic training students gain valuable knowledge and skills that will prepare them to successfully complete the athletic training curriculum and sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) Exam. The ONU athletic training program has met or exceeded the national passing rate the past 11 years.