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Apply to the Program

Are you interested in applying to the athletic training clinical program? We have everything you need from the admissions requirements to the step-by-step process. Take a look at what you'll need and get started today.

  1. Enroll as an athletic training major

    The first step is to enroll in the University as a declared athletic training major. You can start taking athletic training courses, but you'll still have to apply to the athletic training program (ATP) clinical program.

  2. Take the required courses

    After you declare your major, during your first year you'll need to enroll in ATR 2209 Introduction to Athletic Training - Field Problems I. You'll need to take a few other courses.

    • EXS 2203 First Aid
    • BIO 1340 Anatomy and Physiology I
    • BIO 1140 Anatomy and Physiology Lab I
    • BIO 1341 Anatomy and Physiology II
    • BIO 1141 Anatomy and Physiology Lab II
    • ATR 2107 Taping and Wrapping Practicum
    • ATR 2205 Medical Terminology
    • ATR 2209 Introduction to Athletic Training
    • ATR 2307 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injury

    If you're a transfer student, you can complete these required courses at another college or university if they meet university policy on transfer credits. You'll want to meet with the program director to help confirm your transfer credits. Keep in mind, you may be required to take competency exams.

  3. Apply to the program

    Entrance into the program is very competitive. Admission is based on GPA, faculty recommendations, student application letter and your ability to complete the process on time. Take a look at what we'll need from you to apply to the program.

    Required Documents

    • Clinical Program Application
    • Letter to the athletic training program requesting admission to the program and telling us why you want to pursue a career in athletic training
    • Current transcript
    • Completed recommendation form from a professor
    • Proof of student liability insurance (Certificate)
    • Proof of required vaccinations
    • Completed medical history and physical exam

    You can find all of your forms and documents in Athletic Training Resources. Check below for the specific acceptance criteria as well as your physical and medical fitness requirements.

Acceptance Criteria

Regular Acceptance Criteria

  • Completion of EXS 2203, ATR 2107, ATR 2307, ATR 2205, and ATR 2209 with a grade of "B" or better. (A grade of B is a minimum requirement for consideration. A grade of A receives more points toward admission.)
  • Completion of BIO 2301, BIO 2101, BIO 2302, and BIO 2102 with a grade of "C" or better. (A grade of C is a minimum requirement for consideration. Grades of A or B receive more points toward admission.)

Early Acceptance Criteria

  • Completion of EXS 2203, and ATR 2209 with a grade of "A".
  • Completion of BIO 2301, BIO 2101 with a "B" or better and an overall average of 4.5 or better on observational student evaluations.
  • Students must also submit the required documentation.

Direct Admission Requirements for Transfer Students

All regular admission criteria and required documentation, plus prior post-high school athletic training observation or clinical experience and a letter of recommendation from a previous supervising athletic trainer or AT preceptor.

Physical & Medical Fitness Requirements

The Athletic Training Student must be able to carry equipment, stand for extended periods of time and endure harsh weather conditions. Many of the mandatory clinical competencies require the ability to kneel, lift, carry and visually observe activities. The successful Athletic training student must have functional use of lower and upper extremities and be able to see with or without corrective lenses.

You're expected to maintain the fitness requirements to reduce the chance of injury and increase your opportunity to thrive. Each student is required to sign a statement verifying that they meet all technical standards prior to admission to the clinical program.

Student Liability Insurance

Students will participate in clinical experiences that involve direct patient care, both on campus and at off-campus affiliated sites. Students must have personal athletic training student liability insurance to participate. Insurance must be renewed annually. Ask your advisor about a reliable insurance provider.

Healthcare Insurance

During the pre-clinical part of the athletic training program, students are advised to have their own health insurance – the University provides only minimal healthcare. During the clinical part of the program, students must provide proof of health insurance. If you can't provide proof of health insurance, you'll be removed from clinicals until you can.

Medical Requirements

You're required to take a physical examination when entering the conditional period of the athletic training program. Students are required to complete an annual follow-up physical and medical history. In addition, the student must provide a copy of their immunization records.

Because you may come in contact with blood and other bodily fluids, verification of immunization, especially Hepatitis B, is required of all allied healthcare professionals. Immunization records are required to maintain your spot in the clinical and field experience. You will not be allowed to directly work with athletes/patients until the last vaccination series is administered for the Hepatitis B vaccination. Keep in mind, you're ultimately responsible for the financial cost of getting this vaccination.

Immunization Needed Schedule for Immunization
Tetanus/Diptheria (T) Must have had one dose within past ten years
Measles Those born after January 1, 1957, must have two since 12 months of age. The two doses must be at least 30 days apart.
Rubella Those born after January 1, 1957, must have one since 12 months of age.
Hepatitis B A complete series or proof of immunity is encouraged prior to the beginning of clinical and field experiences.

All medical information will remain confidential and kept with the student file in a locked cabinet.

Technical Standards

The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Educational Program establish the necessary qualities for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program's accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]).

The following requirements must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Educational Program. If you can't meet these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, you will not be admitted into the program. Keep in mind, meeting the program’s technical standards does not guarantee your eligibility for the BOC certification exam.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Educational Program must demonstrate:

  1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
  2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
  3. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
  4. The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
  5. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
  6. The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
  7. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
  8. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.