Program Overview
Moravian University's Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) program is a professional doctoral program that develops clinical experts in the field. Delivered online with on-campus residencies, the program emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practices, and clinical reasoning. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in athletic training, research, and education, with career opportunities in professional sports, collegiate athletics, and healthcare settings.
Program Outline
Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT)
at Moravian University is a professional doctoral program focusing on developing clinical experts in the field. The program aims to equip graduates with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to analyze, develop, and implement practical solutions for delivering top-notch care and achieving optimal results.
Objectives:
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to effectively manage complex athletic training situations.
- Foster a deep understanding of evidence-based practices in athletic training and related fields.
- Enhance clinical reasoning and decision-making skills to provide comprehensive patient care.
- Cultivate effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.
- Promote ethical and professional behavior aligned with the highest standards of athletic training practice.
Program Description:
- Modality: Delivered online with two week-long on-campus residencies.
- Duration: 6 semesters (2 years).
- Flexibility: Start the program in Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.
- Features:
- DAT Summer Institute for intensive, conference-style learning experience.
Outcomes:
Graduates of the DAT program are prepared to excel in various athletic training settings, including:
- Professional sports teams
- Collegiate athletic programs
- High schools
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Private practices The program also prepares graduates for leadership roles in the athletic training profession and opportunities for further research and education.
Unique Features:
- State-of-the-art facilities: Students have access to a 40,000+ sq. ft. Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center equipped with advanced modalities, high-tech classrooms, and research laboratories.
- Experienced faculty: The program boasts a lineup of nationally recognized content experts who bring real-world experience and expertise to the classroom.
- Flexible learning: The online format allows students to balance their studies with professional commitments while maintaining a full-time schedule.
- Summer Institute: The DAT Summer Institute offers an immersive, week-long learning experience focused on advanced topics and practical skills.
- Dual degree option: The DAT-MBA degree allows students to pursue leadership and business skills alongside their clinical training.
- Career support: The program provides career services and guidance to help graduates secure fulfilling positions in the field.
Outline:
Course Schedule:
The program is structured around a carefully designed curriculum that covers a comprehensive range of topics. Courses are offered online and delivered in a modular format.
Modules:
- Evidence-Based Interventions for Spine, Upper and Lower Extremity
- Advanced Therapeutic Modalities
- Performing Arts Medicine
- Psychosocial Issues in Athletic Training
- Advanced Neurologic Evaluation & Treatment
- Clinical Imaging in Sports Medicine
- Entrepreneurship in Sports Medicine
- Leadership in Athletic Training
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Exams: Students will complete regular exams to assess their understanding of the materials covered in each module.
- Assignments: Assignments will be used to evaluate students’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
- Presentations: Students will be required to deliver presentations on various topics related to athletic training.
- Clinical Practice: Clinical practice experiences will be evaluated based on students’ performance and demonstration of skills.
- Accuracy and depth of knowledge
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Clinical skills and decision-making
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Professionalism and ethical behavior
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The DAT program utilizes various teaching methods to engage students and promote active learning. These methods include:
- Lectures: Lectures provide foundational knowledge and introduce key concepts.
- Discussions: Interactive discussions allow for deeper exploration of topics and exchange of ideas among students and faculty.
- Case studies: Case studies present real-world scenarios to challenge students to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting.
- Group work: Collaborative group projects foster teamwork and enhance communication skills.
- Simulations: Simulations provide opportunities for students to practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment.
- Clinical Experiences: Supervised clinical experiences allow students to gain hands-on experience working with patients under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Faculty:
The program boasts a team of highly qualified faculty members with extensive experience in athletic training and related fields. The faculty members are dedicated to providing students with a rigorous and supportive learning environment.
Unique Teaching Approaches:
- Focus on clinical reasoning: The program emphasizes the development of clinical reasoning skills, enabling students to make informed decisions in complex situations.
- Integration of technology: The program utilizes various technological tools to enhance learning, such as online learning platforms, virtual simulations, and interactive case studies.
- Emphasis on ethical and professional development: The program cultivates ethical decision-making and professional behavior in all aspects of the curriculum.
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the DAT program are qualified for a wide range of career opportunities in athletic training and related fields. These careers include:
- Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)
- Clinical Athletic Trainer
- High School Athletic Trainer
- College or University Athletic Trainer
- Professional Sports Athletic Trainer
- Athletic Training Educator
- Researcher
- Healthcare Administrator
Career Outcomes:
The DAT program prepares graduates for successful careers in the athletic training profession. Graduates have secured positions in various settings, including:
- Professional sports teams (e.g., Green Bay Packers)
- Collegiate athletic programs
- High schools
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Private practices
Career Services:
The program provides comprehensive career services to support students in their job search. Services include:
- Individual career counseling
- Resume and cover letter writing assistance
- Interview preparation workshops
- Job postings and networking opportunities
Other:
DAT Summer Institute:
The DAT Summer Institute is a unique program feature that provides incoming students with a week-long immersive learning experience. The institute focuses on advanced topics in athletic training and offers hands-on training in the program's state-of-the-art facilities.
Dual DAT-MBA Degree:
The DAT program offers a dual degree option in partnership with Moravian University's School of Business and Leadership. This option allows students to earn both a Doctor of Athletic Training degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, providing them with valuable business and leadership skills to enhance their career prospects.
Student and Alumni Success Stories:
- Program brochure
- Program FAQs
Conclusion:
The Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) program at Moravian University offers a comprehensive, well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for successful careers as clinical experts in the field. The program's unique features, including the DAT Summer Institute, dual degree options, and focus on clinical reasoning, provide students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to excel in various athletic training settings.
