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Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training

[1.1] The Athletic Training Profession

Athletic training is one of the nation’s emerging health care fields and is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA). An athletic trainer is educated and experienced in the prevention, treatment and management of the health care needs of physically active individuals. In cooperation with physicians and other health care professionals, the athletic trainer functions as an integral member of the health care team.

[1.2] The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP)

The ATEP faculty is committed to providing students with a quality education. The curriculum is competency-based and developed in a purposeful sequence. In addition to prescribed courses, students complete five semesters of continuous clinical education. Students’ clinical study is performed under the careful direction and supervision of approved clinical education faculty. Upon successful completion of the program students are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training and are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination for the athletic trainer.

[1.3] Program Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in athletic training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

[1.4] ATEP Requirements

A major in athletic training requires successful completion of a minimum of 130 hours, including (1) the general education component; (2) the degree component; and (3) major and related requirements listed below. A minor is not required.

        [1.4.1] Major in Athletic Training

KPED Curriculum (22 hours): KPED 1125, 1135, KPED 1320 or H ED 1320, KPED 2381, 3382, 4230, 4300, 4320 and 4395.

Athletic Training Core (41 hours): KPED 2255, 2353, 2356, 3301, 3327, 3335, 3345, 3351, 3354, 4301, 4315, 4325, 4327 and 4330.

Related Requirements (27 hours): BIOL 2406, 2407 and 4351 and CHEM 1402 or 1450; H ED 2201, H SC 3123, NUTR 1300 and 4315 and PSYC 1300. For students who receive transfer credit for BIOL 2406 with a grade of C or better, the following are the related requirements: BIOL 2407 and 4351 and PHYS 1400 or 1405 or 1410 or 1441 or CHEM 1402 or 1450; H ED 2201, H SC 3123, NUTR 1300 and 4315 and PSYC 1300.

Note the following courses are designated as professional courses: H ED 2201,  KPED 1125, 1135, KPED or H ED 1320, KPED 1350, 2255, 2353, 2356, 2381, 3301, 3327, 3335, 3345, 3351, 3354, 3382, 4230, 4300, 4301, 4315, 4320, 4325, 4327, 4330 4395; and PSYC 1300.

[1.5] ATEP Expenses

Pre-ATEP students are required to purchase their own personal athletic training t-shirt as well as taping and bandaging materials to be used for personal practice while enrolled in KPED 1350.

In addition to general registration fees, a health sciences fee of $14.00 per credit hour is assessed for registration in the following courses: KPED 2356, 3301 3327, 3335, 3345, 4301 and 4327. A $5.00 per credit hour fee is assessed for all KPED courses. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from their clinical experiences.

Beginning fall 2010 students seeking admission to the Athletic Training Education Program will be required to submit to the Program Director a criminal background check from an approved agency by the application for admission deadline. The cost of the criminal background check is set by an approved external agency (e.g. Arkansas State Police).

[1.6] Admission to the Athletic Training Education Program

All students are subject to the same admission procedures and standards. Entry into the program is by application and competitive admission only. Applications may be obtained by contacting the Program Director or downloading the application from Blackboard while students are enrolled in KPED 1350 – Introduction to Athletic Training. Applications should be submitted to the Program Director by October 31 to be considered for admission the following spring semester. The athletic training education admissions committee reviews all applications. Applicants will be notified in writing of their status. Students who have not completed prerequisite courses may apply for admission; however, completion of prerequisites is required prior to formal admission into the program. One class is admitted each year. Admission to the ATEP is selective and limited to ensure that an appropriate student to clinical instructor ratio (i.e., not to exceed 8:1) is maintained. Thus, the number of students admitted varies from year to year. Students are advised that their acceptance into this program is not an assumed right. Applicants who believe they have been treated differently from other candidates in admission decisions are to contact the Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education for information about the appeals process. All appeals begin at the departmental level. Students who are not accepted into the program may reapply the following year. Should a student decide not to reapply for admission, the Program Director will help identify alternative academic programs.

        [1.6.1] Admission Criteria

Students must meet the following minimum prerequisites for admission to the ATEP:

  • Completion of a minimum of thirty credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale;
  • Earn a grade of C or better in all KPED courses specified for the BS in Athletic Training degree with the exception of KPED 1350;
  • Completion of KPED 1350 with a grade of B or better as well as the following course requirements: (a) successful completion of two basic injury evaluations, (b) completion of 50 hours of clinical observation, and (c) completion of the Technical Standards Form;
  • Completion of professional courses (H ED 2201, KPED/H ED 1320, KPED 1350, KPED 2381, and PSYC 1300) with a grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale;
  • Completion of BIOL 1400 or 1440, WRTG 1310 or HONC 1310, WRTG 1320 or HONC 1320, MATH 1390 or 1392 or 1395 or 1491 or 1580 or 1496 (formerly 1591) with a grade of C or better;
  • Completion of the ATEP application by October 31;
  • Submission of a criminal background check to the Program Director from an approved agency by the application for admission deadline;
  • Submission of official transcripts from all college course work completed to date; and
  • Completion of a formal interview with the athletic training education admissions committee.

        [1.6.2] Technical Standards for Admission

Technical standards establish essential qualities considered necessary for students to achieve knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of athletic training education’s accrediting agency, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. For selection, an applicant must demonstrate:

  • The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
  • Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use 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 competent professional practice.
  • The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
  • The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
  • The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
  • The flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
  • The affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, the student will not be admitted into the program.

Transfer students are encouraged to visit the campus and meet with the Program Director. Prerequisite course work with the exception of KPED 1350 – Introduction to Athletic Training may be completed at another regionally accredited college, university, or community college. Courses taken elsewhere must be equivalent to UCA courses. The Athletic Training Education Program reserves the right to determine appropriateness of transfer work related to the major. All college course work must be submitted. Transfer students must meet the same academic, clinical and technical admission standards as all other students seeking admission into the program. Prior to admission, transfer students with no previous coursework at UCA must also establish a 2.5 grade point average in a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours.

For more detailed information (e.g., admissions/technical standards, transfer credit, etc.) contact Ellen Epping, Director of the Athletic Training Education Program by mail at PO Box 4991, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR 72035; through e-mail at EEpping@uca.edu or by phone at (501) 450-5112 or (501) 450-3148.

[1.7] Program Progression

Upon acceptance into the athletic training education program, students are to present the following documentation to the Program Director:

  • The first and second of the series of three hepatitis B vaccinations must be submitted prior to the first day of classes of the spring semester (the third of the series may be submitted prior to the first day of classes of the subsequent fall semester);
  • A physical examination performed by an appropriate health care professional;
  • Current CPR/AED certification from a provider adhering to the most current standards for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Certification must be valid through the school year; and
  • TB skin test results.

Each August, prior to the first day of classes of the fall semester, students must present the following written documentation to the Program Director:

  • Current certification in emergency cardiac care (ECC) from a provider adhering to the most current standards of the International Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiac Care and;
  • TB skin test results.

Failure to present required documentation to the Program Director will result in administrative withdrawal from the program.

[1.8] Retention in the Athletic Training Education Program

To remain in good standing in the program, students must

  • Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale;
  • Earn a grade of C or better in KPED curriculum courses: KPED 1125, 1135, 3382, 4230, 4300, 4320 and 4395.
  • Earn a grade of C or better in the following related requirements:  BIOL 2406, 2407 and 4351 and CHEM 1402 or 1450; H SC 3123, and NUTR 4315.  Students who receive transfer credit for BIOL 2406 with a grade of C or better, must earn a C or better on the following related requirements: BIOL 2407 and 4351 and PHYS 1400 or 1405 or 1410 or 1441 or CHEM 1402 or 1450; H SC 3123, and NUTR 4315.
  • Earn a grade of C or better in the following professional courses: KPED 1125, 1135, 2255, 2353, 3335, 3345, 3351, 3354, 3382, 4230, 4300, 4315, 4320, 4325, 4330 and 4395.
  • Earn a grade of B or better in professional clinical courses KPED 2356, 3301, 3327, 4301 and 4327;
  • Maintain a professional grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale;
  • Meet the minimum grade requirements in the following athletic training core courses: KPED 2255, 2353, 2356, 3301, 3327, 3335, 3345, 3351, 3354, 4301, 4315, 4325, 4327 and 4330 (a student failing to meet the minimum grade requirements in these courses will not be allowed to enroll in athletic training core courses until the minimum grade requirement is met);
  • Complete required August ATEP Orientation and pre-season clinical for students enrolled in KPED 3301 or 4301 (note: orientation and pre-season clinical is held prior to the fall semester); and
  • Earn a passing score on a showcase portfolio.

Failure to meet the retention requirements will place the student on probationary status for a maximum of two semesters. If the requirements are not met at the conclusion of the probationary period, the student will be withdrawn from the program and will need to reapply for admission into the Athletic Training Education Program. A detailed list of retention requirements and explanation of the probationary period is available in the current edition of the Athletic Training Education Program Student Handbook. Students may obtain a copy of the current handbook from the Program Director.

The current editions of the UCA Student Handbook, Athletic Training Education Program Student Handbook and Intercollegiate Athletics – Athletic Training Policies and Procedures Manual specify the rules, regulations, and policies that apply to all UCA undergraduate athletic training students. It is the responsibility of the student to know and follow the current policies, procedures, and guidelines. Additionally, students should observe the fundamental rules of ethical conduct as described in the NATA Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice by the Board of Certification.

[2] Courses in Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPED)

Follow this link to KPED course descriptions: course link.