Athletic Training Education Program and Graduate Studies in Sports Medicine
2 01 5 A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T
Department of Exercise & Sport Science
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S2
Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP)
The Bachelor of Science
in Athletic Training
at the University of
Utah is a 5 semester,
cohort style, clinical
health care program
that is Commission
on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited.
Students experience numerous clinical assignments within University
Health Care, Athletics, and the community. The program has outcomes
that exceed similar programs nationally and provides the health care
field with distinctive, BOC Certified Athletic Trainers that work as
licensed health care providers.
AT
EP
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S 3
59Declared Majors Spring 2015
17 Athletic Training Degrees Awarded 2014
82% 48Retention rate Clinical Preceptors
25 Clinical sites
ATEP Snapshot
10 High Schools7 Clinics or Professional Sports5 University or College Locations3 Performing Arts Locations
What are your future plans?
PT School
n Before Applying n After Graduation
Graduate School AT related
PA School Professional Sport
Medical School (other Health
Care Education)
High School AT (or other AT work)
Unsure/No plans Other
8
4
7
3
6
2
1
5
0
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S4
Distinction 2015
2015 GRADUATING CLASS DISTINCTIONS AND THE ATEP MISSION
One of ATEP’s student learning outcomes is that students leave the program as distinctive, well-prepared, and
experienced athletic trainers. One way we measure distinction is by the opportunities in which students engage
that are beyond the classroom or requirements of the program. The graduating class of 2015 participated in the
following distinctive opportunities:
CLINICAL SITES/LIST (NOT EVERY SITE IS ACTIVE EACH SCHOOL YEAR):
High School: Alta, American Fork, Davis, East, Granger, Tooele, Corner Canyon, Herriman, Highland, Jordan, Juan
Diego, Judge Memorial Catholic, Park City, East, and West High School
Clinics, Professional Sports: Hand and Orthopedic Specialists (North & South locations), REAL Salt Lake,
Rocky Mountain Therapy Services, Utah Jazz, Utah Grizzlies, Summit Sports Performance and Rehab Center, and
the STAR Clinic
College & University sites: University of Utah Athletics, University of Utah Sports Clubs, Westminster
Performing Arts College Locations: Ballet West, Modern and Ballet Dance Department
ATSA Leadership
Undergraduate Research Scholar Designation
Professional Sport Internship
Other Internship
Attended Professional Conference
Teaching Assistant
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program Grant
Additional University Internship
Volunteer for Sporting Events
Presented at Conference (Oral/Poster)
0 4 82 61 5 93 7 10
Number of student participants
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S 5
PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS
Rockwood AL, Bean J, Hicks-Little CA. The Acute Effects of Russian Stimulation on Peak Torque in the Elbow
Joint. Journal of Athletic Training. 2015; 50(6):S184.
Cherrington AC, Sefton JM, Hicks-Little CA. Double Nerve Transfer in a Recreational Alpine Skier: A Case
Study. Journal of Athletic Training. 2015; 50(6):S230.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Rockwood AL, Bean J, Hicks-Little CA. (2015). The Acute Effects of Russian Stimulation on Peak Torque in the
Elbow Joint. Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers’ Association – Annual Meeting and Symposium, Mesa, Arizona.
Rockwood AL, Bean J, Hicks-Little CA. (2015). The Acute Effects of Russian Stimulation on Peak Torque in the
Elbow Joint. National Athletic Trainers’ Association – Annual Meeting and Symposium, St. Louis, MO.
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Cherrington AR, Woods KM, Hicks-Little CA. (2014) Double Nerve Transfer in a Recreational Alpine Study: A
Case Study. Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers’ Association –Annual Meeting and Symposium, Provo, Utah.
Philips SR, Woods KM, Hicks-Little CA. (2014) Bilateral Nerve Root Decompression of L4-L5 in an Active Male: A
Case Study. Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers’ Association –Annual Meeting and Symposium, Provo, Utah.
Tippetts SK, Asay NB, Woods KM, Hicks-Little CA. (2014) Discoid Meniscus Tear in a High School Athlete.
Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers’ Association –Annual Meeting and Symposium, Provo, Utah.
Chaston RA, Hicks-Little CA. (2015) The Effects of Fluoroquinolone Toxicity in a Healthy Athletic Female: A Case
Study. Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers’ Association –Annual Meeting and Symposium, Mesa, Arizona.
Shahmirzadi S, Lorens K, Hicks-Little CA. (2015) Bilateral Os Trigonum in Division I Female Gymnast. Rocky
Mountain Athletic Trainers’ Association –Annual Meeting and Symposium, Mesa, Arizona.
Linstrom M, Hicks-Little CA. (2015) Non-Surgical Transverse Patella Fracture in a Division I Football Athlete.
Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers’ Association –Annual Meeting and Symposium, Mesa, Arizona.
Cherrington AC, Sefton JM, Hicks-Little CA. (2015) Double Nerve Transfer in a Recreational Alpine Skier: A
Case Study. National Athletic Trainers’ Association – Annual Meeting and Symposium, St Louis, MO.
Undergraduate Research and Activities
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S6
2015 Accepted Student Snapshot
22Admitted for 2017 cohort
3.4 3.4Average U of U Median U of U Grade Point Average Grade Point Average
83 44.5Average Total Credit Hours Median Total Credit Hours (Class standing Junior) (Class standing Junior)
43 82Median Observation Hours Average Observation Hours
84% of applicants with transfer credit hours
43 Average Transfer Credit Hours at time of application
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S 7
AT Vision – A student-focused professional health care major distinguished by professionalism, board certification,
clinical expertise, academic excellence, and collaboration.
AT Values – Compassion, Professionalism, Intelligence, Ingenuity, Education, Motivation, Distinction
AT Mission – Supply the health care field with distinctive, board certified athletic trainers that effectively operate as
critical partners in the health care field.
ATEP – The purpose of the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is to provide a comprehensive health care
education that focuses on the physically active while preparing students for successful completion of the Board of
Certification exam through formal instruction in prevention, evaluation, rehabilitation, and management of injuries
with clinical experiences in a variety of settings.
Student Learning Outcomes
• Students demonstrate proficiency and knowledge in the 8 content areas of competency as outlined by the
National Athletic Trainers’ Association
• Students leave the program as distinctive, well-prepared, and experienced entry-level athletic trainers.
• Students value the program and the unique learning experience at the U.
• Post-graduation, students find jobs in the field or appropriate continuing education.
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S8
During the 2014–2015 Academic Year there were several leadership transitions. Dr. Brad Hayes started the year
functioning as the Program Director and Clinical Education Coordinator. After national searches over the course of
the year, the ATEP found expertise close to home and hired Dr. Lee Dibble as the Program Director and Dr. Jessica
Tidswell as the Clinical Education Coordinator. This brings the core faculty (a faculty member whose appointment is
entirely with one entity) to 2 people. Along with this number of core faculty, the ATEP relies on a dedicated cohort
of adjunct instructors for core curriculum classes. During the 2014–2015, these instructors were academic year
included: Bradley Hayes, Charlie Hicks-Little, Stephen St. Thomas, Blake Johnson, Heather Elliott, Lindsay Adams,
Joshua Larson, Megan Pales, Ryan Fuhriman, Bill Bean, Eric Yochem, Jess Tidswell, and Joe McBeth.
At the end of the 2014–2015 academic year, Dr. Hayes transitioned to a full-time clinical role with University Health
Care. It was Dr. Hayes who originally accredited the Bachelor Degree ATEP and built the program to be successful,
stable, and revered around the country. Thank you Dr. Brad.
LEE DIBBLE, PT, PHD, ATC
Director, Athletic Training Education Program
Dr. Lee Dibble is a Licensed Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist as well as a PhD trained
rehabilitation researcher who is currently an Associate Professor within the Department of Physical
Therapy. Dr. Dibble received his Bachelor’s degree in Physiology from UC Davis in 1989, his certification
as an Athletic Trainer in 1990, his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Duke University in 1991,
and a PhD in Exercise and Sport Science with an emphasis on Motor Learning and Motor Control from the University
of Utah in 2001. Lee has worked clinically with sports medicine and orthopedic patients at Duke University and at the
University of Utah. For the past 15 years, Dr. Dibble directed the University Rehabilitation and Wellness Clinic, a clinic
that delivers preventative and traditional rehabilitation care for persons with balance disorders. His current research
examines mobility, postural control, and gaze stability in persons with nervous system injury. This research has been
supported in part, by grants from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Parkinson Disease
Association, the Parkinson Disease Foundation, the US Army, and the National Institutes of Health. Outside of work,
Lee enjoys camping, hiking, playing soccer, and skiing with his family.
Current State of Faculty and Staff
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S 9
JESSICA TIDSWELL, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC-L, CSCS*D
Clinical Education Coordinator
Dr. Jessica Tidswell is a Licensed Athletic Trainer, a Board Certified Sports Physical Therapist and a
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Dr. Tidswell received her first Bachelor’s degree from
Montana State University—Bozeman in Exercise Science in 1999, where she was also a collegiate
athlete in the sport of alpine skiing. She went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree at
Duke University in 2002 and then returned to the University of Utah Athletic Training Education Program to earn her
second Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training in December of 2008. Jess has worked clinically with professional
Olympic and elite athletes for most of her career. She worked with the US Ski & Snowboard Association both as a
traveling Coach/Physical Therapist and as the in-house Rehabilitation Specialist at the USSA’s training facility in Park
City. She worked privately for professional freeskier Tanner Hall for two years and most recently started her own
clinic in Park City. Jess remains the Head PT/ATC for the USA Nordic Sports Organization (USA Ski Jumping and
USA Nordic Combined). She is a senior classifier with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and volunteers
her time to serve on a special advisory panel for the IPC and to classify athletes for alpine skiing and snowboarding
around the world. Outside of work, Jess is a professional photographer, an avid skier, hiker, road biker and loves to
be outdoors with her husband and three Labradors: Bridger, Aksel and Sage.
JOSH LARSON
Manager, Academic Advisor
As the Manager for the program, Josh Larson is involved with all operational, procedural, and financial
matters involving the Athletic Training Education Program and the Graduate Studies in Sports Medicine
Program. Josh is also the academic advisor for students in the program. Josh is also the coordinator
and instructor for various emergency response certifications required of the program. Josh Larson
received a Master of Arts in Dance with an emphasis in Kinesiology from the University of Utah, BA in Dance (Ohio
University), and a BS in Psychology (U of U).
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S10
Upcoming Changes and Goals
THE NEW DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AND ATHLETIC TRAINING
Recent reorganization of the College of Health will move the Athletic Training Education Program and the Graduate
Studies in Sports Medicine master’s program from its historic home in Exercise and Sport Science to combine with
the Department of Physical Therapy. The newly formed unit will be known as the Department of Physical Therapy
and Athletic Training. This new department is an exciting combination of educational, clinical, and research offerings
that encompass a broad range of health management options.
Prospects for interprofessional collaboration and education will have a robust base with this department that will
be offering its historically strong professional preparation and science degrees in Athletic Training (BS), Sports
Medicine (MS), Physical Therapy (DPT), and Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD). This new department offers exciting
opportunities for students interested in injury prevention and health management across many spectra within a
health-focused College at the prestigious University of Utah.
From a solid foundation of current education and research in movement, exercise, biomechanics and health policy,
the union of each program offering has great potential to grow even stronger. The blended programs in this new
department provide access to research resources like biomechanics/motion capture facilities, as well as to premier
clinical facilities at the University Health Sciences Center and with University of Utah Athletics and other community
opportunities. The department provides access for students to nationally renowned, highly qualified and attentive
faculty mentors. This new departmental combination presents students with multiple options for exploring questions
related to human performance and injury recovery.
As Chair of the new Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, I look forward to future strategic planning
and efforts to enhance our community outreach and our influence on the health of the public we serve.
Sincerely,
R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Unca
tegor
ized:
Prog
ram Tr
avel,
Develo
pmen
t, Othe
r
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S 11
PROGRAM FEE ALLOCATION
Students in the Athletic Training Education Program pay an additional fee to be part of the ATEP. This fee is approved
by the University of Utah and must be re-justified and re-authorized every three years. The University approval for this
fee requires that the ATEP not use these funds for instructors, but rather utilize them to support the administrative
personnel and equipment infrastructure required for the clinical and didactic health care education components
of the program. During the 2014–2015 academic year, the program fee covered only a portion of the operating
expenses of the ATEP and therefore funds from other budget categories were utilized to cover costs related to
students in ATEP. See the graph below for a breakdown of how the program fees were utilized.
ASSESSMENTS
ATEP uses numerous assessments to track program goals, meet its mission, and to ensure a quality education
and experience. Assessments for 2014–2015 include tracking measures of distinction, senior exit survey, Alumni
Survey, Competency Tracking, BOC pass rate, and tracking of student hours.
Program Fee Allocation by Percentage of
Total Fee
Unca
tegor
ized:
Prog
ram Tr
avel,
Develo
pmen
t, Othe
r
Stud
ent C
lothin
g sup
plies
Scho
larsh
ips, F
und-r
aising
,
alumni
salar
y effo
rts BOC
Repa
irs an
d Main
tenan
ce
Membe
rship
Dues i
n Ass
oc.
Stud
ent P
rofes
siona
l Dev
elopm
ent:
Confer
ence
, res
earch
, etc.
Traini
ngs/
Gradua
tion/
Socia
ls/Aw
ards
Admini
strati
on an
d Pers
onne
l (inc
luding
acad
emic
advis
ing, w
ork s
tudy,
and t
rainin
g cos
ts)
Licen
sing F
ees/
accre
ditati
onSu
pplie
s: Cli
nical,
clas
sroom
, offic
e
2013–2014
2015–2016
2012–2013
2014–2015
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S12
CLINICAL HOURS AT CLINICAL SITES
Students in ATEP are assigned clinical hours that must be completed at assigned clinical sites. The program requirement is that each student must complete a minimum of 1200 and no more than 1800 hours during the 88 weeks which students are assigned to clinical sites.
STUDENT CLINICAL HOURS
Hours Through 3rd Semester Clinical Assignments
Average Median Semester Average Weekly Average
807 796 269 15 Graduating Senior Clinically Assigned Hours
Average Median Semester Average Weekly Average
1437 1412 287 16
BOARD OF CERTIFICATION
The Board of Certification (BOC) is the exam that all persons who wish to be certified as Athletic Trainers must pass. A student is eligible to take the BOC when s/he is in his/her last semester of a CAATE accredited Athletic Training Program. The BOC is a 175 question exam with a maximum time allowance of 4 hours. The first-time pass rate is the metric by which programs and the Commission for Accreditation of Athletic Training Education measure success.
BACHELORS STUDENT BOC PASS RATE
Template to print the BOC table
FIELDS 2010–2011
2011–2012
2012–2013
2013–2014
2014–2015
3 YR Aggregate
Number of students graduating from program. 19 16 18 18 15 51
Number of students graduating from program who took examination. 18 15 15 18 13 46
Number of students who passed the examination on the first attempt. 15 13 14 12 11 37
Percentage of students who passed the examination on the first attempt. 83 87 93 67 85 80
Number of students who passed the examination regardless of the number of attempts. 18 15 15 16 12 43
Percentage of students who passed the examination regardless of the number of attempts. 100 100 100 89 92 93
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S 13
Surveys
The Athletic Training Education Program accomplished its mission: To supply the health care field with distinctive, board certified athletic trainers that effectively operate as critical partners in the health care field.
False
True
True
SENIOR SELF-REPORT (EXIT SURVEY)
I believe my ATEP education prepared me academically for an entry-level athletic trainer position
Not All 75 (median)
Completely0 100
I believe my ATEP experiences prepared me clinically for an entry-level athletic trainer position
Not All 80 (median)
Completely0 100
I learned the competencies/proficiencies associated with the roles of an athletic trainer?
Not All 79 (median)
Completely0 100
ATEP students self-reported learning all 252 competencies except a median of 4 competencies required by the National Athletic Training Association. None of the self-report data on which competencies were learned and not learned agreed.
77% of students who responded plan to stay in the field of Athletic Training.
77% of students agreed that a contact or relationship made at the U of U played a role in obtaining current employment or position in school.
70% of ATEP students participated in a distinctive experience.
86% believed this made a difference in their ability to gain employment, pay, job satisfaction or positive view of education.
85% of students in ATEP and GSSM would choose the U of U again.
Overall, my athletic training experience at the University of Utah’s ATEP was positive.
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S14
GSS
M
Graduate Studies in Sports Medicine (GSSM)
The Master’s Program with
an emphasis Sports Medicine
has been in place since
August 2009. The mission
of the program is to provide
the advancement of evidence
based practice through education, research, and clinical experiences
with the objective of developing well rounded professionals who can
contribute to the field through the understanding of current literature,
trends, equipment, and practices within sports medicine. The program
offers a MS in Exercise & Sport Science with an emphasis in Sports
Medicine. It is a 2 year program offering a Thesis or Project option. All
students offered positions by the program receive a tuition waiver and
an 11 month stipend each year in the program.
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S 15
GSSM Snapshot
100+Number of applicants to GSSM in 2015
16
Graduate Studies in Sports Medicine Students
8M.S. Degrees Awarded 2015
UP TO 9 Candidates selected each year
ALL
Clinical Graduate Assistant Positions receive a tuition waiver and a stipend
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S16
GRADUATE STUDENT PUBLISHED PAPERS
Rosemeyer J, Hayes BT, Switzler CL, Hicks-Little CA. Effects of core fatigue on maximal shoulder strength.
Journal of Sports Rehabilitation. 2015 Feb 6. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2014-0216
Beese ME, Joy EA, Switzler CL, Hicks-Little CA. Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) differences Between
Single-Sport and Multi-Sport Female High School Athletes. Journal of Athletic Training. 2015, 50(8):806-811.
Woods KM, Shultz BB, Petron DJ, Hicks-Little CA. Lower Leg Anterior and Lateral Intracompartmental
Pressure Changes before and after Classic versus Skate Rollerskiing in Collegiate Nordic Skiers. Journal of Athletic
Training. 2015, 50(8): 812-818.
PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS
Janicki JJ, Switzler CL, Hayes BT, Hicks-Little CA. Ankle Dorsiflexion and Hip Range of Motion and Hurdle Step
Scores. Journal of Athletic Training. 2014; 49(3):S199
Chelette CJ, Switzler CL, Hayes BT, Hicks-Little CA. Dynamic Stretch Versus Compex for EMG Activity and
Vertical Jump Performance. Journal of Athletic Training. 2014; 49(3):S190
Moffatt MD, Johnson BS, Stephensen CH, Switzler CL, Hayes BT, Hicks-Little CA. Inter-Rater Reliability of
the Functional Movement Screen. Journal of Athletic Training. 2014; 49(3):S234
Fragnoli EF, Hicks-Little CA. Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Healthy High School Division I Baseball
and Football Recruit. Journal of Athletic Training. 2014; 49(3):S263
Lareaux JM, Bailey TR, Smith AQ, Moody RK, Menefee KK, Hicks-Little CA. Quantification of Vertical Ground
Reaction Forces Developed during Standing Box Jumps at Varying Box Heights. Medicine and Science in Sports &
Exercise. 2015; 47(5S):348-358.
Guldstrand AE, Fuller AA, Petron DJ, Elliott HB, Hicks-Little CA. The Effects of Gait Retraining on Iliotibial
Band Syndrome in Runners. Journal of Athletic Training. 2015; 50(6):S50.
Arduini J, Pales-Taylor M, Hicks-Little CA. Return to Play at 5 weeks, Grade 1 Spleen Laceration in a Club Sport
Hockey Player. Journal of Athletic Training. 2015; 50(6):S142.
Gardener IK, Bailey TR, Bires SM, Menefee KK, Hicks-Little CA. Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on
Functional Joint Stability during a Land and Cut Task. Journal of Athletic Training. 2015; 50(6):S273.
Garrison AN, McKay RT, Hicks-Little CA. Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fracture in an Adolescent Football Player.
Journal of Athletic Training. 2015; 50(6):S288.
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S 17
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Chelette CJ, Switzler CL, Hayes BT, Hicks-Little CA. (2014) Dynamic Stretch Versus Compex for EMG Activity
and Vertical Jump Performance. Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers’ Association – Annual Meeting and Symposium, Provo, Utah.
Guldstrand AE, Fuller AA, Petron DJ, Elliott HB, Hicks-Little CA. (2015) The Effects of Gait Retraining on Iliotibial
Band Syndrome in Runners. National Athletic Trainers’ Association – Annual Meeting and Symposium, St. Louis, MO.
Arduini J, Pales-Taylor M, Hicks-Little CA. (2015) Return to Play at 5 weeks, Grade 1 Spleen Laceration in a
Club Sport Hockey Player. National Athletic Trainers’ Association – Annual Meeting and Symposium, St. Louis, MO.
GRANTS FUNDED
Omdal R, Hicks-Little CA. Effects of Plyometric and Functional Training on Cervical Muscle Strength and Activation
in Female High School Soccer Players. NATA-Research and Education Foundation Masters Grant 2014. $1000
(Funded) Role: Mentor/Co-Principal Investigator
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Janicki JJ, Switzler CL, Hayes BT, Hicks-Little CA. (2014) Ankle Dorsiflexion and Hip Range of Motion and
Hurdle Step Scores. National Athletic Trainers’ Association – Annual Meeting and Symposium, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Chelette CJ, Switzler CL, Hayes BT, Hicks-Little CA. (2014) Dynamic Stretch Versus Compex for EMG
Activity and Vertical Jump Performance. National Athletic Trainers’ Association – Annual Meeting and Symposium, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Moffatt MD, Johnson BS, Stephensen CH, Switzler CL, Hayes BT, Hicks-Little CA. (2014) Inter-Rater
Reliability of the Functional Movement Screen. National Athletic Trainers’ Association – Annual Meeting and Symposium, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Fragnoli EF, Hicks-Little CA. (2014) Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Healthy High School
Division I Baseball and Football Recruit. National Athletic Trainers’ Association – Annual Meeting and Symposium, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Lareaux JM, Bailey TR, Smith AQ, Moody RK, Menefee KK, Hicks-Little CA. (2015) Quantification of Vertical
Ground Reaction Forces Developed during Standing Box Jumps at Varying Box Heights. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting and World Congress on Exercise is Medicine, San Diego, CA.
Gardener IK, Bailey TR, Bires SM, Menefee KK, Hicks-Little CA. (2015) Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration
on Functional Joint Stability during a Land and Cut Task. National Athletic Trainers’ Association – Annual Meeting and Symposium, St Louis, MO.
Garrison AN, McKay RT, Hicks-Little CA. (2015) Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fracture in an Adolescent Football
Player. National Athletic Trainers’ Association – Annual Meeting and Symposium, St Louis, MO.
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S18
2015 THESIS/PROJECT TITLES
▪ Michele Galvin MS Non-Thesis 2015
Comparison of Gluteus Medius Strengthening Exercises in Healthy Female Collegiate Athletes
▪ Katherine Hughes MS Non-Thesis 2015
Comparison of Shoulder Isokinetic Strength in Division I Collegiate Swimmers Pre and Post One Competitive Season
▪ Bryan Lindl MS Non-Thesis 2015
Validity of ImPACT Group Baseline Testing in High School Athletes
▪ Reed Omdal MS Thesis 2015
Effects of Plyometric and Functional Training on Cervical Muscle Strength and Activation in Female High School
Soccer Players
▪ Anthony Peters MS Non-Thesis 2015
Comparison of Isokinetic Shoulder External and Internal Rotator Strength in Collegiate Pitchers Before, During,
and After a Long Toss Program
▪ Patrick Richards MS Non-Thesis 2015
The Effects of Gender and Concussion Symptom Severity Scores on Time Lost from Team Activity Participation
in Division I Collegiate Athletes
▪ Natalie Swanson MS Non-Thesis 2015
Dynamic Balance Measures of Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis Patients Compared to Healthy Age-Matched Population
▪ Christopher Toone MS Non-Thesis 2015
Leg Spring Stiffness: Developing a Field Test for Safe Return to Play
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S 19
GSSM CURRENT STATE AND CHANGES
The Graduate Sports Medicine program currently has one employee, Dr. Hicks-Little. This equates to a 16:1 student
teacher ratio. Dr. Hicks-Little is currently the only staff dedicated to the Sports Medicine Program. In this role she
coordinates all recruitment, interviews, and application processing for the graduate program in addition to teaching,
mentoring all graduate students and managing the Sports Medicine Research lab. Currently, GSSM obtains funding
for all of the students to which it makes an offer, totaling $273,000 in funds each year for 11 month stipends.
GSSM also procures all funds externally for recruitment and administration costs for the program. Moving forward
GSSM would like to add 1 Tenure Track Faculty, and a part time research lab technician.
CHARLIE HICKS-LITTLE
Coordinator Graduate Studies in Sports Medicine, ESS Faculty
Dr. Charlie Hicks-Little received her BS in Athletic Training and MS in Exercise Science with an
emphasis in Sports Medicine from East Stroudsburg University, Pennsylvania. She received her PhD in
Biomedical Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Charlie is currently a faculty
member in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science and member of the Center on Aging at the
University of Utah, where she teaches undergraduate courses in the Athletic Training Education Program and
graduate courses in the Sports Medicine Program. She is the Director of the Sports Medicine Research Laboratory
and the Sports Medicine Graduate Program. Charlie’s areas of research interest include investigating the
mechanical, sensorimotor and neuromuscular effects of osteoarthritis of the knee and the neurobiological and
clinical correlates of brain health in student-athletes vulnerable to concussion.
Current State of Faculty and Staff
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S20
<10%Acceptance Rate
151 151 4 verbal quantitative written Average GRE Score
3.5Median GPA at time of application
1:1Current ratio of females to males
Class of 2016 Applicant Pool Snapshot
Class of 2016
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S20
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S 21
As a result of my clinical experiences [while at the U of U], my clinical skills have improved.
Not All 82 (median)
Completely0 100
I received the appropriate amount of mentorship and oversight as a clinician.
Not All 100%
Completely0 100
GSSM provided a great opportunity as a Clinician and Preceptor.
Not All 100%
Completely0 100
Dr. Hicks-Little was an excellent academic mentor.
Not All 100%
Completely0 100
I achieved my goals or reasons for attending the graduate program at the University of Utah.
Not All 81 (median)
Completely0 100
The Graduate Studies in Sports Medicine program met its mission to, “Provide the advancement of evidence
based practice through education, research, and clinical experiences with the objective of developing well rounded
professionals who can contribute to the field through the understanding of current literature, trends, equipment, and
practices within Sports Medicine.”
Not All 100%
Completely0 100
Overall my experience in the University of Utah’s Graduate Studies in Sports Medicine program was
Negative100%
Positive0 100
GSSM Statements
A T E P / G S S M A N N U A L P R O G R A M R E P O R T S22
GSSM Mission
Provide the advancement of evidence based practice through education, research, and clinical experiences with
the objective of developing well rounded professionals who can contribute to the field through the understanding of
current literature, trends, equipment, and practices within sports medicine.
GSSM Vision
Provide a rigorous graduate-level educational program with an emphasis on research and clinical practice to
certified athletic trainers who are motivated and committed to professional advancement.
Where did they come from?
1. Albany, Oregon2. Williamsville, NY3. Osaka, Japan4. Alberta (Edmonton), Canada5. Burlington, VT6. Louisville, OH7. Orlando, FL8. Athens, GA (2)
9. Madison, WI (2)10. Cedar Rapids, IA11. Puyallup, WA12. Pullman, WA13. Fresno, CA14. Bellevue, IA15. Fort-Worth, TX
1
2
3
4
5
7
6
8
910
11
12
13
14
15
To find an electronic version of this report, the Alumni Newsletter, or other ATEP/GSSM information, please visit our website at www.health.utah.edu/ess/athletictraining.
ATEP/GSSM
1860 E. 250 S. HPRE 208
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
801.585.1820
To find an electronic version of this report, the Annual Newsletters, or current research and activities of the faculty and staff,
please visit our website:www.health.utah.edu/ess/athletictraining