Clinical Education

Clinical education is supervised by the Board of Certification certified athletic trainers and approved allied health professional clinical instructors in affiliated clinical settings which include athletic health care facilities at MSU (with 24 intercollegiate sports), local secondary schools, sports medicine clinics, other health care settings, and professional athletic organizations. Student athletic trainers learn to function as an integral member of the athletic health care team in cooperation with medical personnel, athletic administrators, coaches and parents in the development and coordination of efficient and responsive health care delivery systems. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health care personnel, the athletic trainer functions in secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports programs, sports medicine clinics, and other health care settings.

Clinical education experiences are carefully selected to develop the skills and knowledge that stimulate the critical thinking and inquiry that results in the completion of the specified learning outcomes.

MSU clinical instructors are committed to excellence and guide students in the development of the personal attitudes, clinical skills, and professional attributes necessary for compassionate and competent clinical practice.


Clinic 3 students recently met with Brian Siemann, a student at the University of Illinois and US National Track and Field Team Member, to learn about the challenges for wheelchair athletes. Mr. Siemann will be competing at the World Championships in New Zealand in January of 2011.



In addition to the athletic training room at MSU, other clinical education sites are affiliated including:

  • Bloomfield HS
  • Eastside HS
  • Felician College Athletic Training Room
  • Felician College Health Center
  • GEM Medical Associates
  • J.F. Kennedy HS
  • New Jersey Institute of Sports Medicine
  • NJ Center for Physical Therapy
  • Northern Highlands HS
  • Orthopaedic Surgery Specialists of Montclair (E. Fisher, MD)
  • Pascack Hills HS
  • Passaic HS
  • Wayne Hills HS
  • Wayne Valley HS
  • Pascack Valley HS
  • Montville Physical Therapy/One Human Performance
  • Northern Highlands HS
  • Active Foot and Ankle (R. Braver, DPM)

Students spend about 16 hours per week fulfilling the clinical education component part of the major. Students regularly interact with a number of physicians and other allied health personnel during the experiences, which are gathered over the course of five semesters. Most of the clinical experiences occur during the hours of 1-6 PM (some nights and weekends). Students are responsible for their clinical uniform; fanny pack; small instruments & supplies; and transportation to the site. Students are evaluated on their academic, personal, professional, and clinical skill development. Students are required to attend an annual in-service prior to the start of traditional fall coursework. Students are expected to complete 16 clinical hours during the pre-season that precedes Clinics 3 & 5. Courses must be completed with a grade on record before taking subsequent coursework.