Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. The Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission in Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). (Program is on probation pending 2014 site visit and report.)
Students have a year and a half to explore their career choice, complete the required athletic training observation experiences, demonstrate their academic ability, and complete their prerequisite work. Official admission to the major is both competitive and selective: only a limited number of students are admitted annually. Students meeting all application criteria may be denied admissions in the major. Initial declaration as an Athletic Training major does not, by itself, guarantee entrance into the major.
Once admitted into the program, students must complete the required coursework over a minimum of 2 academic years. They must also maintain the required 2.5 GPA throughout their academic studies. Students falling below this mark will be permitted one semester of probation after which they will be placed on academic suspension and/or dismissal.
All applicants seeking official admissions to the program must present the following:
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50 on a 4.00 scale.
- Satisfactory completion of all prerequisite work. (A minimum of “C” is required in all major and prerequisite classes).
- A minimum of 50 observation hours in ATH-285.
- Current certification in CPR.
- Completion of an Athletic Training Education Program Application, obtained from the Program Director, including the names of three individuals who can recommend the individual for the athletic training program.
- Students’ shot records must be current and on record in the Health Center, including a hepatitis-B vaccine.
- Students’ physical must be current and on record in the Health Center
- Completion of an interview with the program director and other committee members.
- Signed Technical Standards