Observation Period

Students interested in the Athletic Training Program must go through an observation and application process. Admittance to the program occurs at the conclusion of the spring semester. Students must enroll in AT 180: Fundamentals of Athletic Training, AT 188: Athletic Training Practicum, AT 201: Emergency Care in Athletic Training, BI 101: Introduction to Biology I or BI 110: Fundamentals of Biology, BI 210: Anatomy and Physiology I, BI/PE 285: Medical Terminology, and complete a 50-hour observation period prior to making their application for the Athletic Training Program.

Observation Hour Expectations

Applicants must complete 50 observation hours and follow all policies and procedures set forth in ATS Handbook, including the code of conduct.  Applicants may not perform skills on patients but are expected to be active observers.  

Application Period

After the completion of the approximately 12-week rotation period and the accumulation of 50 observation hours during the spring semester, students are eligible to make their application to the Athletic Training Program. In order to apply, students must obtain an application from the Program Director (PD) and submit a letter of intent stating why they desire an Athletic Training Major along with three letters of recommendation. After submission of the required materials, the Athletic Training faculty and staff will interview prospective ATSs. In addition, the following documents must be on file and/or verified with the Athletic Training Program: medical history and physical examination, health insurance, immunization record, proof (or declination) of the Hepatitis-B vaccination series, technical standards, bloodborne pathogen and disease prevention training, confidentiality/FERPA training, a signed ATS Handbook, and Confidentiality Agreement, and Active Communicable/Infectious Disease Policy.

The number of applicants accepted and enrolled in the Athletic Training Program is limited by an 8:1 student/preceptor (on campus) ratio due to the highly individualized, “hands-on” nature of this program.  The number of applicants chosen will be based on the number of empty slots in the program. Fulfillment of the stated requirements is not a guarantee of acceptance into the Athletic Training Program. Students that are not accepted in the Athletic Training Program are welcome to reapply the following spring semester.

Admission Criteria

Admission into the Athletic Training Program is based on the following criteria:

  • A minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.
  • A "C" or better in AT 180: Fundamentals of Athletic Training, AT 188: Athletic Training Practicum I, and AT 201: Emergency Care in Athletic Training.
  • A "C" or better in BI 101: Introduction to Biology I or BI 110: Fundamentals of Biology, BI 210: Anatomy and Physiology I, and BI/PE 285: Medical Terminology
  • Completion of a 50 hour observation period.
  • Submission of an application, letter of intent, and three letters of recommendation.
  • An interview with the Athletic Training faculty and staff.
  • Demonstration of skills and traits (dependability, responsibility, integrity, initiative, and communication skills) that are mandatory for an entry-level certified athletic trainer.
  • Verification of a Medical History and Physical Examination.
  • Verification of Health Insurance.
  • Verification of Technical Standards.
  • Verification of Bloodborne Pathogen and Disease Prevention Training.
  • Verification of Immunization Records.
  • Verification/declination of the Hepatitis-B vaccination series.
  • Verification of confidentiality/FERPA training
  • A signed ATS Handbook, Confidentiality Agreement and Active Communicable/Infectious Disease Policy.
     

Weighted Criteria

Admission to the Athletic Training Program is competitive and objective criteria must be established to justify the selection of qualified applicants into the program.  Upon declaring intent to go through the application and observation period, students are provided with a checklist that states the criteria that must be successfully completed in order for the student to be considered for the program. 

The final determination of students who will be admitted to the Athletic Training Program is based on the following criteria: Grades in AT 180: Fundamentals of Athletic Training, AT 188: Athletic Training Practicum I, AT 201: Emergency Care in Athletic Training, BI 101: Introduction to Biology I OR BI 110: Fundamentals of Biology, BI 210: Anatomy and Physiology I, and BI/PE 285: Medical Terminology (24 points), Completion of Clinical Rotations (7points), Submission of various documents and verification of training (13 points), and Interview (6 points).  Points will be added up on each student.  In the event that the number of slots is limited, these points will determine who is admitted.  Fulfillment of the stated requirements is not a guarantee of acceptance into the Athletic Training Program.