The USF Athletic Training Program uses more than 25 clinical sites and greater than 60 preceptors at facilities throughout the Tampa Bay Region and the country.

Clinical Education Plan

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 Program Director and Clinical Education Coordinator decide placement of students with preceptors. The clinical rotation will last for the entire semester including immersive experiences. Immersion experiences are 2-4 week periods that allow you to become fully immersed in your clinical rotation. There are no didactic responsibilities at these times and it is expected that you are completely available for clinical experience regardless of the time or day.

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 asked 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.

Collegiate

USF Athletics
USF Campus Recreation
USF Student Health
USF Concussion Center
Saint Leo University
Eckerd College
University of Alabama
University of Maryland
Arizona State University
Clemson University
Mercer University

Professional

Tampa Bay Lightning
Toronto Blue Jays (Bobby Mattick Training Center - Dunedin)
Cleveland Indians
Pittsburgh Pirates (Bradenton)
Tennessee Titans
Atlanta United

High Schools

Berkeley Preparatory School
Freedom High School
Wharton High School
Steinbrenner High School
HB Plant High School
Lakewood Ranch High School
Newson High School
Hillsborough High School