About Winona State University:

Established in 1858 as a State Normal School, Winona State University (WSU) has since become a recognized leader in providing excellence in higher education. WSU has adopted the Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education, and has incorporated them in lectures, labs and learning centers throughout campus. WSU has been nationally recognized for Quality and Excellence as one of "America’s 100 Best College Buys." WSU is located in the picturesque Mississippi River Valley of southeastern Minnesota and is considered "a small school with a big curriculum, with 7000 students representing 30 states and 51 countries and 80 academic programs. WSU is a NCAA II University with nine women’s and five men’s varsity sports. One hundred and thirty student clubs and organizations are also available on campus. In 1999 a state-of-the art library will open and enable students to utilize advance technology in library research, Internet access and multimedia applications. Currently, WSU is initiating the "Laptop University" concept, allowing students the use of laptop technology in and out of the classroom. WSU is also the first university to offer all students the opportunity to develop electronic portfolios that use multimedia computer technology to record and demonstrate skills and abilities. Winona State University has demonstrated respect for its’ heritage and a design for the future.

Brief history of Athletic Training Program and Services

Winona State University has a long-standing tradition of certified athletic trainers who have contributed to the allied health profession of athletic training. Graduates have secured positions with professional teams, semi-professional teams, Olympic teams, as University Head Athletic Trainers, as Athletic Training Clinical Directors, and as Clinic-High School athletic trainers. During the 1970’s students followed a traditional internship route to certification. In the late 1980’s a Bush Grant funded an Exercise Science Major that included specific athletic training coursework. Additional space, equipment, modalities, supplies and faculty soon followed. By the 1990’s the reputation of WSU graduates attracted increased numbers of majors to the program and an objective Selection and Retention Program was implemented. Planning and programming changes were initiated in the areas of academics and athletics. Athletics moved from a NAIA I program to a NCAA II program and focused on gender equity issues. The former Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department split into two new departments and the new Health and Human Performance Department (HHP)  relocated to the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. The Exercise Science: Athletic Training Major has shifted from it’s traditional educational roots and is focused on the allied health paradigm. The athletic and academic administrators support curricular, clinical education, service and accreditation objectives of the Athletic Training Program. The Athletic Training Program has 21 junior and senior student athletic trainers enrolled in the major courses and performing clinical education hours at two universities, a high school and a sports medicine clinic. Thirty to sixty additional freshman, sophomores and transfer students express interest in the major each year. These students will participate in the Pre-professional Program and apply for admission into the two-year academic/clinical program. The athletic training faculty at WSU is committed to providing comprehensive academic and clinical education to our student athletic trainers, as well as providing quality athletic training services for WSU athletes. Promoting professionalism and providing a wide variety of student experiences that enhance critical thinking, problem solving and clinical skill refinement are predominant goals of the certified staff each day.