Southern University

Purpose of the SU Sports Medicine Department
Southern University Sports Medicine Department is dedicated to promoting comprehensive health care for every SU student-athlete to promote physical and mental well-being. A dedicated, compassionate, and enthusiastic team of professionals utilized a multi-disciplinary approach to skillfully combine evidence-based practice and emerging technologies to ensure each student athlete has the opportunity to compete in their sport safely and at the highest level possible. The Sports Medicine Department commits itself to the total development of the student transformation experience. We create an environment that is welcoming and supportive for all student athletes while adhering to the professional standards set forth by Southern University Athletics, NATA (National Athletic Trainers Association), LATA (Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association) and within the guidelines of the NCAA and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

About Athletic Training 
Athletic training is part of the Sports Medicine profession that may require many hours of total dedication, hard work, self-discipline, and extensive educational course work in a CAATE accredited undergraduate/graduate curriculum. The NATABOC certified athletic trainer, or ATC, is highly educated and skilled professional whose specialty is in athletic health care. The ATC is recognized as an Allied Health Professional. As a sports medicine expert and member of the complete health care team, the ATC work works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care professionals and sports team members. The ATC is skilled and knowledgeable in five areas, otherwise recognized as the five domains of athletic training. They are:
 

• Injury/illness prevention and wellness protection
• Clinical evaluation and diagnosis
• Immediate and emergency care
• Treatment and rehabilitation
• Organizational and professional health and well-being

Athletic Training Unit Goals
Objectives for the Athletic Training Room are to provide the highest level of athletic and sports medicine care to the intercollegiate student athletes of Southern University. This includes the care, prevention and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and helping to direct the nutritional and physiological needs of the student-athlete. We strive to provide the highest level of athletic and sports medicine care, going above and beyond the industry standard and NCAA guidelines.