believe that the change from an internship program to a curriculum program that is being initiated by the National Athletic Trainers' Association is a good one.

Requiring prospective athletic trainers to complete a certified curriculum will bring uniformity and respect to our profession as health-care providers. Student-athletes, as well as colleges and universities, will have confidence and benefit from knowing that the athletic training staff member with whom they work has received or is in the process of receiving a structured educational program in regard to sports medicine.

I understand that institutions incorporating these curricula will have to address issues such as staffing, classroom space, training room expansion and the all-important financial issue.

But I think of these programs as an investment in our future that will lead to bigger dividends in the future, not only for the student-athletes, but also for the institutions.

Keith Garnett
Head Athletic Trainer
Drury College