Health Sciences

The Whitworth Health Sciences Department offers majors in health science (for both a B.S. and a B.A.), athletic training, and nursing.

The mission of the Whitworth Health Sciences Department is to equip its graduates to serve humanity through study of the form and function of the human body and the body’s connection to health and wellness. Through a curriculum that integrates theory and practice, graduates will be able to  appreciate this relationship both critically and creatively and will learn to apply it to various health-related fields.

The learning outcomes of this major prepare graduates to:

• identify their gifts and interests and learn how these can be used to serve humanity and the greater good of the communities in which we live;
• begin to understand and appreciate the human body’s relationship to health and wellness through science, theory and application;
• demonstrate communication skills necessary to teach others effectively and accurately about human health and wellness in a variety of organizational and institutional settings;
• demonstrate critical-thinking skills and the ability to access and evaluate relevant health information and resources;
• demonstrate the interpersonal skills required to work cooperatively with individuals and groups on issues related to the human condition;
• begin to understand cultural, ethical and professional considerations related to health and wellness;
• develop a worldview that integrates students’ spiritual and ethical values with their vocational calling;
• experience a health-related internship that clarifies career goals and provides practical preparation for students’ careers.

Major Electives

• Classes identified in the catalog as recommended for “Preparation for Health Professions” may also qualify as major electives
• Courses should be selected in consultation with advisor, and based on post-graduate goals

Athletic Training Education

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Athletic Training Education Program at Whitworth University is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become proficient and professional entry-level athletic trainers. This is accomplished through high quality instruction and experiences that model ethical practice, effective communication and compassion. The program utilizes a holistic approach in developing multi-dimensional healthcare professionals and servant-leaders within the context of a Christian liberal-arts environment.

EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES

Graduates of the Whitworth University athletic training program will:

1. Understand the role of an athletic trainer as a health care provider within the larger context of the continually evolving health care system.
  a) Work in collaboration with other health care providers  
  b) Communicate effectively with all those involved in health care of the patient, both in oral and       written form
  c) Recognize when referral of a patient to another health care provider is warranted and                 facilitate that referral
2. Incorporate ethical, moral and legal behavior into the practice of athletic training.
  a) Abide by the Standards of Practice established by the Board of Certification
  b) Abide by the NATA Code of Ethics
3. Appreciate the value and nature of incorporating personal faith into vocational practice.
4. Develop competence in evidence-based clinical practice.
  a) Establish habits that will result in life-long learning and professional development
  b) Recognize quality evidence from a variety of sources and incorporate into practice
  c) Recognize unknown areas as problem-solving opportunities and engage in critical analysis in       attempt to provide solutions
5. Demonstrating contemporary knowledge and skill in the comprehensive examination, assessment, management and rehabilitation of patients with injuries.
6. Demonstrate contemporary knowledge and skill in the comprehensive examination, assessment, management and treatment of patients with illnesses as they pertain to an active lifestyle.
7. Achieve 100% ultimate pass rate on the BOC exam for those who continue to attempt it.
8. Invest in and promote the profession of athletic training or other chosen vocation
  a) Remain members of the NATA or respective professional guild
  b) Advocating for changes in laws, regulations, standards and guidelines that affect athletic             training and/or respected vocation
9. Support their professional community by assuming a service and/or leadership role in an area that impacts the practice of athletic training or respective vocation.

EXPECTED FACULTY OUTCOMES

Faculty of the Whitworth University athletic training program will:

1. Abide by the Standards of Practice established by the Board of Certification
2. Abide by the NATA Code of Ethics
3. Integrate their Christian faith to their teaching and practice of athletic training.
4. Maintain an ongoing commitment to evidence based practice in teaching, clinical practice, service and scholarship.
5. Maintain active Washington licensure and membership in the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.
6. Assume a service and/or leadership role in an area that impacts the practice of athletic training. 

Requirements for Athletic Training Major, B.S. (56)

This is a limited-enrollment major. Applicants for admission to the athletic training major are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Current enrollment or completion of AT 270 and 271 with a grade of "B" or higher
2. Demonstration of professional decorum and dispositions
3. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 at Whitworth University for full admission. Applicants with a GPA less than 2.75 but above 2.5 may be admitted conditionally. Transfer students must meet GPA requirements at Whitworth.
4. A completed application form and two written recommendations
5. A written essay providing the requested information
6. Submission of completed immunization records prior to engaging in patient-care activities 
7. Completion of the Technical Standards form that can be obtained at www.whitworth.edu/athletictraining  and in the Athletic Training Student Policy and Procedure Manual
8. Copies of CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certification cards (or current enrollment in AT 270)
9. No grade below "C" in any course in the athletic training major
10. Commitment to six semesters of didactic and clinical education
11. Possible personal interview