2017 Fact Book

56 as an anesthesiologist assistant. The innovative, 27-month curriculum focuses on using state-of-the- art instructional technologies and methods that will prepare anesthesiologist assistants for advanced practice in the care of all degrees of illness. The Athletic Training Education Program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), began in 2003, in Fort Lauderdale. Athletic Training encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries, and medical conditions. The bachelor’s degree program in athletic training is clinically integrated, providing students with valuable clinical experiences. The athletic training major prepares the student for the certification exam to become a Certified Athletic Trainer. The Audiology Program began in 2000 and offers the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree, a four- year, postbaccalaureate, first-professional degree. An audiologist is uniquely qualified to provide a comprehensive array of services related to the diagnosis, management, and treatment of individuals across the life span with hearing and vestibular disorders. This program provides students with the academic foundation and diverse clinical experiences that are necessary for successful independent practice today and in the future. The Audiology Program is dually accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE) and the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Nova Southeastern University was first in the nation to offer the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) Program abroad in a live format to current practitioners, allowing these individuals to return to school and earn their doctoral degrees while still working. In addition to the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus, the Audiology Department offers the Doctor of Audiology Program to audiological scientists with a master’s degree and other qualified audiology practitioners in the United Kingdom. The exercise and sport science undergraduate major, at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus, grounds students in the movement sciences, which promotes improvements in health, fitness, and/or performance for the physically active. This Bachelor of Science program is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and prepares students to use science within exercise and human movement disciplines. Core coursework provides foundational knowledge in kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology and much more. The practicum course is the highlight of the program in which students complete a semester-long hands-on experience, in a setting of their choice, in the exercise field. The Department of Health Science is an interdisciplinary group of programs designed for the health care professional with a desire to advance both academically and administratively within his or her respective career. Offering distance education from the undergraduate to doctoral level is consistent with the university’s and college’s commitment to lifelong learning. The department offers the following online degree programs: Bachelor of Health Science, Master of Health Science, and Doctor of Health Science. A Bachelor of Science in Medical Sonography is offered at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus and a Bachelor of Science in Cardiovascular Sonography is offered at the Tampa Campus. The sonography programs offer undergraduate degrees and prepare graduates for work in the field of vascular technology. General sonography includes subspecialties for obstetrics and gynecology exams; abdominal, neurological, and breast exams; and exams of structures such as joints and tendons. Cardiac sonography examines the anatomical structure and function of the heart. Vascular sonography studies the anatomical and physiological characteristics of all arteries and veins in the body. All diagnostic medical sonography uses ultrasound to obtain images and is, therefore, considered noninvasive, having no known risks or side effects in comparison to other widely used medical imaging methods. Sonographers are important members of the diagnostic medical imaging or surgical team. They work closely with radiologists, cardiologists, and vascular or general surgeons, as well as other allied health professionals. The Master of Occupational Therapy Program, accredited by the AccreditationCouncil for Occupational Therapy Education, opened in 1994. Occupational therapists