FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Reed Greenwood, dean of the UA College of Education and Health Professions, announced the establishment of a new graduate program in athletic training to commence July 1, 2002. The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas and the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board have approved the addition of a master of science in kinesiology with a specialization in athletic training.

"Faculty in the department of health science, kinesiology, recreation and dance have developed an innovative and challenging program to prepare graduate students to become leading health care professionals in the field of athletic training," Greenwood said.

A collaboration between the department and the men’s and women’s athletic programs, the athletic trainer program is directed by clinical assistant professor Jeffrey Bonacci, who has spent the last year coordinating development of a curriculum that meets national accreditation standards. Program graduates will be eligible to take a professional certification exam offered by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification.

"This interdisciplinary effort will result in a winning situation for all involved," said Sharon B. Hunt, professor and head of the department of health science, kinesiology, recreation and dance. "We believe that in the next few years this pioneering program in athletic training will be known as one of the premier programs in the nation."

Hunt described the athletic trainer program as cutting-edge and predicted that it will attract a significant number of graduate students, including highly qualified minority students. Already, many potential students have inquired about the program, and seven have completed the application process.

Bonacci credits two key factors for the keen interest in the athletic training program: outstanding educational and clinical experiences available at the University of Arkansas and expanding employment opportunities for graduates.

"Students will be able to interact with internationally respected researchers and teachers in exercise science and kinesiology. In addition, Northwest Arkansas offers a variety of clinical settings, from our partners in the university’s athletic programs to outstanding sports medicine clinics and hospitals," Bonacci said.

Bonacci also reported that the demand for certified athletic trainers has increased and expanded to include hospital and industrial settings in addition to athletic teams at the professional, university, college and secondary school levels.

In addition to Bonacci, the athletic trainer program is supported by two lecturers, Philip Vardiman and Ronald Wagner, who also work in men’s athletics. Vardiman is an assistant athletic trainer with football and Wagner serves as the athletic trainer for men’s track.

Further information about the graduate program for athletic trainer education is available on the web at http://www.uark.edu/depts/atepweb/.