All students must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the university with classified graduate standing as described in Part Two of the Graduate Bulletin. In addition, a student applying for admission to the graduate program in athletic training must meet the following proposed requirements.
- An undergraduate degree earned at an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association. Kinesiology or Exercise Science bachelor’s degree recommended.
- Completion of the following pre-requisites or equivalent coursework:
- Human Anatomy with Lab and Human Physiology or, if combined, Anatomy and Physiology I and II with Lab
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology with Lab
- General, Abnormal, or Developmental Psychology
- Introductory or General Statistics
- Fundamentals of Nutrition
- Introduction to Athletic Training with a lab
- Introductory or General Chemistry
- Introductory or General Physics
- Introductory Weight Training
*Classes can be in progress at the time of application but must be completed prior to the start of the Program.
- Recommended courses for admissions:
- Applied or Clinical Kinesiology
- Medical Terminology
- Research Methods
- Prerequisite coursework completed with a “C” or better. Grades of C- or lower will not be accepted for prerequisite completion.
- A grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in the last 60 units of coursework.
- Completed the verbal and the quantitative sections of the GRE General Aptitude Test.
- Observation Hours. Demonstrated evidence of exposure to the field and an appreciation of the breadth, depth, and scope of practice. This can be accomplished through either volunteer or paid work experience in an athletic training setting. Verification of at least 100 total hours of observation under a Certified Athletic Trainer in two or more settings (e.g., university/college, high school, and/or clinic) within two years of the application date
- CPR and First Aid Certification. Students are required to have current CPR as a Health Care Provider through the American Red Cross or as a Professional Rescuer through the American Red Cross. In addition, students must have first aid certification at the time of application, and are expected to maintain current certifications in both CPR and First Aid throughout the time of enrollment in the program.
- Technical Standards for Admission. All students upon admission to the athletic training professional program must agree to meet the following abilities and expectations or have approval for appropriate accommodation as outlined by the Student Ability Success Center (SASC).
- 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.
- Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform CPR, primary and secondary surveys, emergency transport and transfers, appropriate physical examinations, and manual therapeutic exercise procedures; including the safe and efficient use of equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
- 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 the competent professional practice.
- The ability to write effectively as it relates to the discipline.
In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program. The Student Ability Success Center (SASC) will evaluate a student who states he/she could meet the program’s technical standards with accommodation and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws. If a student states he/she can meet the technical standards with accommodation, the university will determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation; this includes a review of whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account whether accommodation would jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical experiences, and internships deemed essential to graduation.
- Physical Examination/Health Evaluation Form. Students must obtain medical clearance by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant for participation in the athletic training clinical program.