Athletic TrainingTHE ATC PROFESSION
Athletic Training is an allied health profession that falls under a vast scope of sports medicine professions recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA). Certified athletic trainers (ATC's) are highly educated and skilled professionals specializing in the prevention, recognition, management and rehabilitation of athletics-related injuries. They work in cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel to ensure the health of physically active individuals in secondary schools, colleges, universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, industries and other health care environments.
For years, any college or university could have an athletic training program. But as of Jan. 1, 2004, such programs are now certified by the Commission on Accreditation of the Athletic Training Education.
Students who want to become a certified athletic trainer receive an estimated 800 hours of practical experience under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer, obtain a four-year degree in a CAATE accredited Athletic Training Education Program and successfully complete the Board of Certification (BOC) examination.
Matt McClain, Head Certified Athletic Trainer
Matt McClain enters his ninth year as Copiah-Lincoln’s head athletic trainer. His duties include the care, rehabilitation and prevention of athletic injuries for all sports.
In addition to his duties at Co-Lin, McClain also serves as a high school outreach athletic trainer covering the high schools in Co-Lin’s recruiting district for Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center.
A native of Petal, he received his bachelor’s degree in health, human performance and recreation from the University of Southern Mississippi in May of 2000 and his master’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise physiology from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2002. He is a nationally certified athletic trainer and is also state certified to practice as an athletic trainer.
McClain is married to the former Nikki Gill of Wesson. They are the parents of a son, Matthew Taylor.
Athletic Training Facility
Completed in 2006, the athletic traiing room is located in the Frank Pitts Field House in the north end of H. L. Stone Stadium. Student athletics receive treatment for injuries and physical therapy.
