Allied Health: Pre-Athletic Trainer Degree/Chiropractic

Embark on a journey in health and movement with Graceland’s Pre- Athletic Trainer education and chiropractic degree.

pattern

Promote Movement Health. Become an Allied Health Professional.

This track within Graceland's allied health program is designed to prepare students for athletic training and chiropractic graduate schools. Upon graduation, students will have an in-depth understanding of biomechanics, functional anatomy, nutrition, and movement science. You'll become well-versed in movement health science and leave with the tools needed to excel in any graduate programs at Graceland or otherwise.

Chiropractors care for patients with health problems in the neuromusculoskeletal system, and athletic trainers offer injury prevention and rehabilitation, wellness promotion, and emergent care services. Both professions leave on movement health science to understand human anatomy and movement. Graceland's athletic trainer degree and chiropractic degree are the place to start if you're interested in either of those two professions.

Offerings

Bachelor of Science - Allied Health

Field of Study

Health & Movement Science

Format

Lamoni Campus

Apply Admissions Request Info

Apply Admissions Request Info

Pre- Althetic Trainer Degree & Chiropractic Degree Curriculum

Pre-Athletic Training/Chiropractic is one of three tracks available under the Allied Health major. In order to complete this program, you must complete both the core requirements for the Allied Health major, and the Strength and Conditioning track requirements.

BS Degree - Allied Health Core Requirements
In addition to Graceland’s general education requirements(*), all majors in Allied Health must complete the core requirements listed below. Additionally, it is highly recommended that students choose from one of the three tracks: Pre-PT/OT, Pre-AT/DC, or Strength and Conditioning.

Requirements for Allied Health Major (36):
- ATHT2500 Medical Terminology – 2 s.h.
- ATHT3100 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries – 3 s.h.
- HLTH1100 CPR and First Aid – 1 s.h.
- HLTH2560 Nutrition – 3 s.h.
- HMSC3200 Foundations of Evidence Based Practice – 3 s.h.
- MATH1370 Statistics for Sciences* – 3 s.h.
- PHED1500 Introduction to Kinesiology – 3 s.h.
- PHED1600 Corrective Exercise – 3 s.h.
- PHED2120 Motor Learning – 3 s.h.
- PHED2260 Introduction to Performance Training – 3 s.h.
- PHED3340 Biomechanics – 3 s.h.
- PHED4360 Physiology of Exercise – 3 s.h.
- PHED4725 Practicum of Clinical Assessment or PHED4726 Practicum of Human Performance – 3 s.h.
- PHED4750 Allied Health Capstone – 3 s.h.
- PSYC1300 Introductory Psychology* – 3 s.h.
Courses Offered
- ATHT2500Medical Terminology
  ATHT2500 Medical Terminology - 2 s.h.
  A self-study, programmed-based opportunity to learn and understand medical terminology.
- ATHT3100Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries
  ATHT3100 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries - 3 s.h.
  Techniques of injury prevention and caring for athletic injuries. Prerequisites: PHED1500 or BIOL2300 or BIOL3420
- HLTH1100CPR and First Aid
  HLTH1100 CPR and First Aid - 1 s.h.
  The development of practical skills in the emergency treatment of the injured. Some attention will be given to the prevention of injuries. The content to be covered will include the Standard and Advanced levels of the First Aid program sponsored by the National Red Cross. Students holding current, equivalent certifications will receive an automatic waiver for the class. This is to be verified by the instructor of the class or the Health and Movement Science Division Chair. Additional fee required.
- HLTH2560Nutrition
  HLTH2560 Nutrition - 3 s.h.
  A study the principles of nutrition as it relates to health, exercise, sports and disease. Students will be presented with applied content that includes research-based guidelines meant to help students differentiate between nutrition recommendations that are backed by science and the overabundance of false and misleading information.
- HMSC3200Foundations of Evidence Based Practice
  HMSC3200 Foundations of Evidence Based Practice - 3 s.h.
  Presentation of introductory research and writing methods. Introduction to the application of evidence-based practice using various tools to evaluate the research as evidence. This class will result in a final critically appraised topic paper and poster presentation.
- MATH1370Statistics for Sciences
  MATH1370 Statistics for Sciences - 3 s.h.
  Data analysis and measures of central tendency, dispersion, and correlation. Introduction to probability. Estimation and hypothesis testing. Bivariate regression. ANOVA. Introduction to nonparametric techniques. Prerequisite: 1 year high school algebra. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
- PHED1500Introduction to Kinesiology
  PHED1500 Introduction to Kinesiology - 3 s.h.
  This course is designed to introduce students to the musculoskeletal system and its relationship to anatomical movements in the body. Students will examine the skeletal system, muscular system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, endocrine system, and their relationships with exercise science.
- PHED1600Corrective Exercise
  PHED1600 Corrective Exercise - 3 s.h.
  A detailed view of the NASM Corrective Exercise Continuum with analysis of movement dysfunction and the principles applied to musculoskeletal function. The course examines the anatomy of full-body movement and function as it relates to activities of daily living, athletics, and exercise. Utilizing theory and practice-based approaches, the course details functional movement impairments and application of restorative theory. Prerequisite: PHED1500 Introduction to Kinesiology
- PHED2120Motor Learning
  PHED2120 Motor Learning - 3 s.h.
  Introduction to the principles involved in learning and teaching motor skills. Prerequisites: PHED1240 or PHED1500.
- PHED2260Introduction to Performance Training
  PHED2260 Introduction to Performance Training - 3 s.h.
  Theory and application of performance training to include flexibility, core, balance, plyometric, resistance, and power training. Using an integrated approach to performance students will explore programming and periodization for sport and human performance. Prerequisite: PHED1500. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
- PHED3340Biomechanics
  PHED3340 Biomechanics - 3 s.h.
  A systematic study of the bones, joints, and muscles of the human body as well as internal external forces initiating and modifying movement. Prerequisite: BIOL2300 or BIOL3420 with a grade of "C" or higher. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
- PHED4360Physiology of Exercise
  PHED4360 Physiology of Exercise - 3 s.h.
  The principles and practices of energizing the human body for physical exercise. Prerequisite: BIOL2300 or BIOL3440 with a grade of "C" or better. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
- PHED4725Practicum of Clinical Assessment
  PHED4725 Practicum of Clinical Assessment - 3 s.h.
  Practicum of Clinical Assessment is designed to allow students to apply appropriate dynamic and transitional movement assessments, strength and range of motion screening, and design and apply appropriate corrective exercises to various populations. Students will continue to incorporate and master skills learned in previous core coursework. Practical experience outside the scheduled classroom will be required. Pre- or Corequisite: PHED4500. Must pass with "C" or better.
- PHED4726Practicum of Human Performance
  PHED4726 Practicum of Human Performance - 3 s.h.
  Practicum of Human Performance is designed to allow students to design and apply appropriate corrective exercises, and initiate fitness and performance enhancement programming for various populations. In addition, students will continue to incorporate and master skills learned in previous and concurrent coursework. Pre- or Corequisite: PHED4500. Must pass with "C" or better.
- PHED4750Allied Health Capstone
  PHED4750 Allied Health Capstone - 3 s.h.
  The Allied Health Capstone is designed to enable students to continue to incorporate and master skills learned in previous core coursework in a practical setting(s).  The clinical focus of the Allied Health Capstone will be the student’s chosen career field (ex: athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic, etc.).  Class time will be spent focusing on the connection between coursework and practical application.  Clinical sites will be arranged for each student prior to the beginning of the course.
- PSYC1300Introductory Psychology
  PSYC1300 Introductory Psychology - 3 s.h.
  An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. ELO5 Social Science – Innovation, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences.
ATHT2500Medical Terminology ATHT3100Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries HLTH1100CPR and First Aid HLTH2560Nutrition HMSC3200Foundations of Evidence Based Practice MATH1370Statistics for Sciences PHED1500Introduction to Kinesiology PHED1600Corrective Exercise PHED2120Motor Learning PHED2260Introduction to Performance Training PHED3340Biomechanics PHED4360Physiology of Exercise PHED4725Practicum of Clinical Assessment PHED4726Practicum of Human Performance PHED4750Allied Health Capstone PSYC1300Introductory Psychology
Course Descriptions

ATHT2500 Medical Terminology - 2 s.h.
A self-study, programmed-based opportunity to learn and understand medical terminology.

ATHT3100 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries - 3 s.h.
Techniques of injury prevention and caring for athletic injuries. Prerequisites: PHED1500 or BIOL2300 or BIOL3420

HLTH1100 CPR and First Aid - 1 s.h.
The development of practical skills in the emergency treatment of the injured. Some attention will be given to the prevention of injuries. The content to be covered will include the Standard and Advanced levels of the First Aid program sponsored by the National Red Cross. Students holding current, equivalent certifications will receive an automatic waiver for the class. This is to be verified by the instructor of the class or the Health and Movement Science Division Chair. Additional fee required.

HLTH2560 Nutrition - 3 s.h.
A study the principles of nutrition as it relates to health, exercise, sports and disease. Students will be presented with applied content that includes research-based guidelines meant to help students differentiate between nutrition recommendations that are backed by science and the overabundance of false and misleading information.

HMSC3200 Foundations of Evidence Based Practice - 3 s.h.
Presentation of introductory research and writing methods. Introduction to the application of evidence-based practice using various tools to evaluate the research as evidence. This class will result in a final critically appraised topic paper and poster presentation.

MATH1370 Statistics for Sciences - 3 s.h.
Data analysis and measures of central tendency, dispersion, and correlation. Introduction to probability. Estimation and hypothesis testing. Bivariate regression. ANOVA. Introduction to nonparametric techniques. Prerequisite: 1 year high school algebra. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

PHED1500 Introduction to Kinesiology - 3 s.h.
This course is designed to introduce students to the musculoskeletal system and its relationship to anatomical movements in the body. Students will examine the skeletal system, muscular system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, endocrine system, and their relationships with exercise science.

PHED1600 Corrective Exercise - 3 s.h.
A detailed view of the NASM Corrective Exercise Continuum with analysis of movement dysfunction and the principles applied to musculoskeletal function. The course examines the anatomy of full-body movement and function as it relates to activities of daily living, athletics, and exercise. Utilizing theory and practice-based approaches, the course details functional movement impairments and application of restorative theory. Prerequisite: PHED1500 Introduction to Kinesiology

PHED2120 Motor Learning - 3 s.h.
Introduction to the principles involved in learning and teaching motor skills. Prerequisites: PHED1240 or PHED1500.

PHED2260 Introduction to Performance Training - 3 s.h.
Theory and application of performance training to include flexibility, core, balance, plyometric, resistance, and power training. Using an integrated approach to performance students will explore programming and periodization for sport and human performance. Prerequisite: PHED1500. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.

PHED3340 Biomechanics - 3 s.h.
A systematic study of the bones, joints, and muscles of the human body as well as internal external forces initiating and modifying movement. Prerequisite: BIOL2300 or BIOL3420 with a grade of "C" or higher. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.

PHED4360 Physiology of Exercise - 3 s.h.
The principles and practices of energizing the human body for physical exercise. Prerequisite: BIOL2300 or BIOL3440 with a grade of "C" or better. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.

PHED4725 Practicum of Clinical Assessment - 3 s.h.
Practicum of Clinical Assessment is designed to allow students to apply appropriate dynamic and transitional movement assessments, strength and range of motion screening, and design and apply appropriate corrective exercises to various populations. Students will continue to incorporate and master skills learned in previous core coursework. Practical experience outside the scheduled classroom will be required. Pre- or Corequisite: PHED4500. Must pass with "C" or better.

PHED4726 Practicum of Human Performance - 3 s.h.
Practicum of Human Performance is designed to allow students to design and apply appropriate corrective exercises, and initiate fitness and performance enhancement programming for various populations. In addition, students will continue to incorporate and master skills learned in previous and concurrent coursework. Pre- or Corequisite: PHED4500. Must pass with "C" or better.

PHED4750 Allied Health Capstone - 3 s.h.
The Allied Health Capstone is designed to enable students to continue to incorporate and master skills learned in previous core coursework in a practical setting(s).  The clinical focus of the Allied Health Capstone will be the student’s chosen career field (ex: athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic, etc.).  Class time will be spent focusing on the connection between coursework and practical application.  Clinical sites will be arranged for each student prior to the beginning of the course.

PSYC1300 Introductory Psychology - 3 s.h.
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. ELO5 Social Science – Innovation, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences.
BS Degree - Allied Health - Pre-Athletic Training/Chiropractic
Allied Health: Pre-AT/DC Track

The Allied Health track in Pre-AT/DC is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in Athletic Training or Chiropractic. Students will gain the scientific background necessary to be quality practitioners.

Additional required courses for Allied Health Concentration in Pre-AT/DC
- BIOL1520 Biology II with Lab – 4 s.h.
- BIOL3420 Human Anatomy with Lab – 4 s.h.
- BIOL3440 Human Physiology with Lab – 4 s.h.
- CHEM1410 General Chemistry I Workshop* – 4 s.h.
- PHYS1410 Elements of Physics I with Lab – 4 s.h.
- PSYC2250 Developmental Psychology – 3 s.h.
Courses Offered
- BIOL1520Biology II with Lab
  BIOL1520 Biology II with Lab - 4 s.h.
  A comparative study of form and function across organisms, focusing on the various structures and strategies used by plants and animals to fulfill basic life needs, levels of organization (cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems), and the chemical reactions of metabolism. Includes a lab. Additional fee required.
- BIOL3420Human Anatomy with Lab
  BIOL3420 Human Anatomy with Lab - 4 s.h.
  A study of gross human anatomy utilizing charts, three dimensional models, computer simulations, and dissection of mammalian animals. The course will discuss regional and surface anatomy to establish the relationships of the various organ systems of the body. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL2100 or PHED1500.
- BIOL3440Human Physiology with Lab
  BIOL3440 Human Physiology with Lab - 4 s.h.
  A systems oriented study of the function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels with an emphasis on medical physiology. Laboratory includes computer simulations and use of Biopac equipment. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL3420 (grade of C or better strongly recommended) and one semester of chemistry or BIOL2100.
- CHEM1410General Chemistry I Workshop with Lab
  CHEM1410 General Chemistry I Workshop with Lab - 4 s.h.
  General Chemistry I Workshop is appropriate for any student interested in developing a strong background in chemistry. It is intended to be the first university chemistry course for science majors. As such, it will be fairly rigorous and will draw upon previous experience in mathematics and science. Major areas to be covered include atomic and molecular structures, chemical bonding, stoichiometric relationships, and chemical reactions. Laboratory activities and experiments are closely related to concepts introduced in class discussions and will allow students to develop their laboratory skills. Good safety practices and experimental record keeping will be stressed. Students are expected to actively participate in class activities and discussions in addition to homework assignments, individual/group study and preparation for exams. Course is intended for biology, chemistry, and some allied health majors. Additional fee required. Fulfills liberal learning science course. Prerequisites: MATH1280 and CHEM1310 or one year of high school chemistry. EL06 Science, GE3D Liberal Learning-Natural Sciences.
- PHYS1410Elements of Physics I with Lab
  PHYS1410 Elements of Physics I with Lab - 4 s.h.
  An elementary physics course emphasizing the fundamental concepts associated with the physical universe. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, fluids, heat thermodynamics, wave motion, and sound. Designed to meet the needs of biology majors and students preparing for the medical profession and related fields. Prerequisites: Two years high school algebra and one year geometry; plane trigonometry recommended.
- PSYC2250Developmental Psychology
  PSYC2250 Developmental Psychology - 3 s.h.
  The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences
BIOL1520Biology II with Lab BIOL3420Human Anatomy with Lab BIOL3440Human Physiology with Lab CHEM1410General Chemistry I Workshop with Lab PHYS1410Elements of Physics I with Lab PSYC2250Developmental Psychology
Course Descriptions

BIOL1520 Biology II with Lab - 4 s.h.
A comparative study of form and function across organisms, focusing on the various structures and strategies used by plants and animals to fulfill basic life needs, levels of organization (cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems), and the chemical reactions of metabolism. Includes a lab. Additional fee required.

BIOL3420 Human Anatomy with Lab - 4 s.h.
A study of gross human anatomy utilizing charts, three dimensional models, computer simulations, and dissection of mammalian animals. The course will discuss regional and surface anatomy to establish the relationships of the various organ systems of the body. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL2100 or PHED1500.

BIOL3440 Human Physiology with Lab - 4 s.h.
A systems oriented study of the function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels with an emphasis on medical physiology. Laboratory includes computer simulations and use of Biopac equipment. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL3420 (grade of C or better strongly recommended) and one semester of chemistry or BIOL2100.

CHEM1410 General Chemistry I Workshop with Lab - 4 s.h.
General Chemistry I Workshop is appropriate for any student interested in developing a strong background in chemistry. It is intended to be the first university chemistry course for science majors. As such, it will be fairly rigorous and will draw upon previous experience in mathematics and science. Major areas to be covered include atomic and molecular structures, chemical bonding, stoichiometric relationships, and chemical reactions. Laboratory activities and experiments are closely related to concepts introduced in class discussions and will allow students to develop their laboratory skills. Good safety practices and experimental record keeping will be stressed. Students are expected to actively participate in class activities and discussions in addition to homework assignments, individual/group study and preparation for exams. Course is intended for biology, chemistry, and some allied health majors. Additional fee required. Fulfills liberal learning science course. Prerequisites: MATH1280 and CHEM1310 or one year of high school chemistry. EL06 Science, GE3D Liberal Learning-Natural Sciences.

PHYS1410 Elements of Physics I with Lab - 4 s.h.
An elementary physics course emphasizing the fundamental concepts associated with the physical universe. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, fluids, heat thermodynamics, wave motion, and sound. Designed to meet the needs of biology majors and students preparing for the medical profession and related fields. Prerequisites: Two years high school algebra and one year geometry; plane trigonometry recommended.

PSYC2250 Developmental Psychology - 3 s.h.
The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences

Layne Nowlin, M.S.

Layne Nowlin, M.S. Assistant Professor of Health and Movement View Bio

Vanessa K. King, DC, MS, MTAA

Vanessa K. King, DC, MS, MTAA Faculty Associate in the Nutrition & Human Performance MS Program View Bio

Rhonda Pittman, DC, MS

Rhonda Pittman, DC, MS Faculty Associate in Nutrition & Human Performance MS Program View Bio

Nicole Ortiz, MEd

Nicole Ortiz, MEd Assistant Professor of Physical Education and Health View Bio

Melanie Mason, DAT, LAT, ATC, CES, PES

Melanie Mason, DAT, LAT, ATC, CES, PES Health and Movement Science Department Chair - Assistant Professor of Health and Movement Science View Bio

James Geiselman, DC

James Geiselman, DC Associate Professor of Allied Health View Bio

Drew Sams

Drew Sams Instructor of Health and Movement Science View Bio

Robert T. Davidson

Robert T. Davidson Director of Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance Program – Associate Professor of Nutrition and Human Performance View Bio

Movement Health Science Career Growth Ahead

Movement health science ranges across many disciplines. By concentrating on an athletic training degree or chiropractic degree, you’ll most likely find yourself in one of those fields in various industries. A Pre-Athletic Training/Chiropractic major can help to prepare you for a career as a:

Chiropractor
Personal/Athletic Trainer
Sports Coach
Physician Assistant

… and many other exciting fields.

Tuition & Aid

99% of students on the Lamoni campus receive financial aid.

As you consider college, you want a simple, easy-to-understand formula designed to ensure that the one-of-a-kind Graceland Experience is within reach for your family. Undergraduate tuition includes our unique Transformational Leadership major, and we offer generous financial aid and scholarships to all of our students, making Graceland as affordable, if not moreso, than most public universities.

Educational Cost Scholarships & Aid Net Price Calculator

Resch Scholars Program Scholarship

Exclusively for students majoring in Allied Health, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Information Technology, and Data Science, the Resch Scholars Program rewards high-performing science students through a combination of enhanced learning opportunities and the Resch Scholars Program scholarship. The scholarship is for a variable amount up to full tuition and is renewable for up to four years.

To be eligible, students must also hold a 3.0+ GPA (3.5+ GPA for full tuition) and Graceland must receive a completed FAFSA by January 1, 2024. Be sure to use Graceland’s FAFSA code 001866. Other eligibility and renewal requirements can be found on the Resch Scholars website at the link below.

Discover More About Resch Scholars

Find out more!

Loading...

Questions?

Admissions Office

admissions@graceland.edu

866.472.2352

Next Steps

Visit Campus Apply Submit Fafsa Pay Deposit

Related Programs

Major

Allied Health: Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy

Major

Allied Health: Strength and Conditioning

Major

Physical Education and Health

Major