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AMHERST, N.Y. – ˿����Ƶ College’s athletic training graduates have for the fifth consecutive year achieved a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the rigorous National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification exam, a rate that far surpasses the national average of 83 percent.

“The impressive success of our 2017 athletic training graduates continues the high level of performance achieved by previous classes on the national certification exam,” said Dr. Michael Brogan, vice president for academic affairs and dean of students. “Attaining this pass rate speaks to the academic strength, quality of our faculty, and hard work of our talented students to develop the advanced competencies needed for the athletic training profession.”

Class of 2017 athletic training graduates who achieved a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the NATA Board of Certification exam are: Luke Alioto of Sunderland, Ont.; Stephanie Czaja of North Tonawanda; Caleb Earl of Kenmore; Courtney Hayden of Angola; Mallorie Larson of Amherst; Erin Seiner of Pittsburg, Pa.; and Morgan Stefanik of Cameron.

The BOC exam tests a student’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in prevention and wellness, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, treatment and rehabilitation, and organization and professional health and well-being.  To become a certified athletic trainer, a student must graduate with a degree from an accredited professional athletic training education program and pass the BOC exam. After earning certification, athletic trainers must meet ongoing continuing education requirements to remain certified.

˿����Ƶ’s Professional Master’s Athletic Training Program, one of only two accredited programs in New York State, received continuing accreditation earlier this year from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The 10-year accreditation is the maximum term available to institutions.

Dr. Nicole Chimera, athletic training program director and associate professor, praised the graduates for earning a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the national certification exam.

“Achieving this remarkable pass rate is a milestone for our program and for our current and past graduates, who have gone on to become very successful athletic training professionals,” said Chimera. “The depth and breadth of our athletic training program and broad clinical experiences provide our students exceptional learning opportunities to develop the essential skills and knowledge to be well prepared for the certification exam’s high standards.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, employment of athletic trainers is expected to grow 21 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average of all occupations. New York is among the top five states with the highest employment level in athletic training.

To learn more about ˿����Ƶ’s athletic training program, contact Dr. Chimera at 839-8413 or at nchimera@daemen.edu.