The clinical education component of the USF Athletic Training Program is designed to provide "real life" learning experiences for students in addition to classroom and laboratory experiences. Clinical education encompasses within five clinical courses totaling 13 credit hours. Within each course, students are assigned to supervising preceptors throughout the community. All students will gain clinical experience at a large college, small college, and high school. Additional settings are available and are assigned to meet each individual student’s professional goals. All aspects of the clinical experience emphasize cooperative and collaborative learning among students as well as directed practical applications from a licensed athletic trainer or other healthcare provider. Although all students will have specific required clinical experiences and specific competencies for each clinical course, it is expected that an agreement is formed between the student and preceptors at the site, defining specific learning opportunities provided at that facility.

All students are required to successfully complete the five-phase clinical component of the curriculum. Clinical assignments are delineated to facilities providing comprehensive health care services, including but not limited to, athletic practice and game preparation, injury/illness evaluation, first aid and emergency care, follow-up care, rehabilitation and related services.

The Director of Clinical Education assigns placement of students with preceptors. During the Fall and Spring semesters, immersion experiences of 2-4 week periods allow students to become fully immersed in their clinical rotation. There are no didactic responsibilities during these periods, and it is expected that students are completely available for clinical experience regardless of the time or day to fully understand the role of the athletic trainer within that setting.

There will be additional costs (above tuition and fees) for the clinical rotations (See Cost of Attendance tab). Costs may include, but are not limited to professional liability insurance, physical examination and immunizations, professional association fees, uniforms, and travel expenses related to clinical education. Transportation is needed for all off-campus clinical sites. Each student will have a minimum of two off-campus sites.

Students completing clinical rotations off campus at area high schools will be required to submit to a background check and must be fingerprinted. The student is responsible for these additional costs. Students should check with their assigned preceptor prior to the start of the clinical rotation to be sure that all requirements are met ahead of time.

Our diverse network of clinical partners spans multiple settings. We have affiliations with 125 sites, and 140 preceptors for students to gain clinical experience with diverse patient types.

Collegiate

·         USF Athletics

·         USF Student Health

·         USF Campus Recreation

·         USF Concussion Center

·         Eckerd College

·         Southeastern University

·         Florida Southern College

·         University of Alabama

·         Clemson University

·         Florida Atlantic University

·         University of Florida

·         University of Colorado – Boulder

Professional

·         Tampa Bay Lightning

·         Tampa Bay Buccaneers

·         Tampa Bay Inferno

·         Tampa Bay Sun FC

·         Inter Miami FC

·         Orlando City SC

·         Toronto Blue Jays (Englebert Complex – Dunedin)

·         Philadelphia Phillies (Carpenter Complex – Clearwater)

·         Dallas Wings

·         Atlanta Falcons

·         Pittsburgh Steelers

·         Indianapolis Colts

·         Minnesota Vikings

·         Los Angeles Chargers

High Schools

·         Berkeley Preparatory

·         Anclote High School

·         Armwood High School

·         Blake High School

·         Cypress Creek High School

·         Carrollwood Day School

·         Strawberry Crest High School

·         Tampa Catholic High School

·         Wiregrass Ranch High School

Emerging Settings

·         MacDill Air Force Base

·         USF ROTC

·         Pepsi Co

·         Pasco County Sheriff’s Department

·         Amazon

·         Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps

·         Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps