VOCATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE PROGRAMS IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
The development of sports medicine/athletic training programs in the State of Washington began in 1991-1992 school year with the development of a programs at Auburn High School, Auburn, Washington and at Davis and Eisenhower High Schools in the Yakima School District, Yakima, Washington. This number has grown over 60 in 2001.
A few innovative school administrators saw the need (with some eye opening from high school athletic trainers) for formal programs to prepare students for the variety of professions related to sports medicine. Fortunately, Mr. Buck Evans, the State Director of Vocational Education looked at these proposals with a very open mind and realized there was an interest and a need. Without the efforts of Mr. Evans, these vocational sports medicine programs probably would not have gotten off the ground.
Many "traditional" vocational programs (agriculture, wood shop, mechanics, etc.) prepare students to work in the field immediately after high school. However, vocational directors in Washington felt that America's changing work force needs to possess a higher level of skills for the jobs of the future. Although many careers in sports medicine do require a bachelors degree or higher, it was felt that starting the preparation process in high school would give these students a tremendous head start.
The State of Washington has also started a "Tech-Prep" program where high school students can earn college credits for high school classes. Articulation agreements between vocational high school programs and colleges (mainly community colleges) are presently being worked out. Wenatchee High School in Wenatchee, Washington is the first vocational sports medicine program to have a Tech-Prep Articulation with a local community college, Wenatchee Valley College. Students completing a full year of the high school program with a B or better will earn 4 college credits (equivalent to Athletic Training I at the college level).
Funding is another reason for the evolution and success of these vocational programs. Vocational programs are funded at aslightly higher rate compared to regular education programs. This made vocational education more attractive to school districts since they receive a more money per pupil from the state for vocational students. The push to start these programs probably would not have occurred without these additional funds.
One weakness with sports medicine programs in the State of Washington is the lack of standards required of the sports medicine instructors. A teaching certificate is not required to teach in the vocational classes in the State of Washington. The instructor must only prove "three years (6000 hours) of gainful employment in the occupation beyond the learning period or two years within the past six years." Thus, the only requirement to be a sports medicine instructor in Washington state is some type of employment in the field. Most school districts are recognizing the certified athletic trainer as the best choice to lead these programs.
Vocational sports medicine programs can be successful in states with open minded vocational directors who can see the need to prepare students for a variety of health care professions. The sports medicine curriculum should be the backbone of this program with avenues leading to a number of related areas in the health care field.
The schools in Washington with a Vocational Fitness Specialist Program are:
