Accreditation and continuous quality improvement in athletic training education

Area of Science:

• Allied Health Education
• Athletic Training
• Quality Improvement Models

Background:

• Entry-level athletic training education programs are now accredited.
• Accreditation serves as a quality assurance mechanism.
• This initiative integrates business, education, and athletic training principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt continuous quality improvement (CQI) models from business for athletic training education accreditation.
• To enhance the quality of entry-level athletic training programs through accreditation.

Main Methods:

• Applied accreditation by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Integrated literature from business, education, and athletic training.
• Utilized accreditation as a tool for quality assurance.

Main Results:

• Mandatory accreditation compels institutions to critically evaluate their educational programs.
• Accreditation is expected to foster continuous quality improvement via control measures and process enhancements.
• This paradigm shift aims to elevate educational standards within athletic training.

Conclusions:

• Accreditation, despite initial professional resistance, will ultimately fortify the athletic training profession.
• Educators must leverage the momentum from accreditation to ensure high-quality student education.
• This strategic alignment positions athletic training for a stronger role in the allied health care market.