College of Health Sciences
Brian Smith, Director of the Athletic Training Program
Faculty: Dr. Bertha De La Garza, Dr. Brian Seiler, Dr. Michael Shipe and Mr. Brian Smith
The mission of the Charleston Southern University Athletic Training Program is to provide an educational setting and opportunities that demonstrate dedication to the preparation of servant leaders that excel in the field of athletic training grounded on an evidence-based approach. The program encourages the academic and personal development of its students to prepare them for a career in which biblical truths and evidence-based practice guide their thoughts and actions as a medical professional.
- Program graduates will develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities of a highly qualified health care professional in the field of athletic training with the ability to effectively work in a variety of clinical settings.
- Program graduates will develop the skills and attitudes of a life-long learner through on-going professional development utilizing evidence-based practice that will directly impact the quality of their patient care.
- Program graduates will develop the characteristics of an ethical clinician utilizing a servant-leader approach in an effort to impact the lives around them through the profession of athletic training.
- Describe the requisite information and knowledge (by program level) of injury prevention and management, clinical examination and diagnosis, and therapeutic inventions necessary to treat injuries to the physically active population.
- Demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide exceptional health care as an entry-level certified athletic trainer.
- Comprehend and demonstrate, when possible, the use of modern equipment and technology utilized in the field of athletic training.
- Demonstrate effective communication (verbal and written) with a variety of health care practitioners and other members of the health care team.
- Demonstrate the use of evidence-based practice techniques by analyzing and applying current research in the field of athletic training.
- Become critical consumers of research and other publicly disseminated information by examining the scientific method and the role of research in developing knowledge in the area of athletic training.
- Comprehend and demonstrate the rationale for professional continuing education in the field of athletic training.
- Articulate the attributes of servant leadership in their role as a healthcare provider.
- Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with the NATA Code of Ethics and the BOC Inc. Standards of Professional Practice.
The Master of Athletic Training (M AT) degree program is a professional master’s degree for the profession of athletic training. The degree program will be 24 months in duration, totaling 62 academic credits. The curriculum will include 13 didactic courses, 7 clinical practice courses and one clinical residency course in athletic training. The program plans to admit a maximum cohort of 16 students annually. The curriculum will be mostly a face-to-face model (residential graduate program) with some online courses. During the last semester of the program, if eligible, a student will be to sit on the Board of Certification exam. Passing of this exam is needed to be able to be employed as a certified athletic trainer.
To view the Curriculum for the Master of Athletic Training click here
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1st Year
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2nd Year
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Summer
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Summer
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Course
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Hours
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Course
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Hours
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ATPP 500- Principles of Athletic Training I
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2
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ATPP 625 - Therapeutic Exercise
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3 |
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ATPP 510- Concepts of Protective Devices in Athletic Training
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2
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ATPP 640- Clinical Practice in Athletic Training V
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3
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Total Hours
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4
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Total Hours
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6
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Fall 1
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Fall 1
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ATPP 520- Principles of Athletic Training II
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3
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ATPP 630 - Diagnostic Imaging and Medical Testing
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2
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ATPP 530- Psychosocial Aspects of Injury Management
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3
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ATPP 650- Fitness and Nutrition Prescription for Wellness and Performance
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3
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ATPP 540- Clinical Practice in Athletic Training I
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3
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ATPP 660- Clinical Practice in Athletic Training VI
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3
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Total Hours
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9 |
Total Hours
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8 |
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Fall 2
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Fall 2
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ATPP 550- Therapeutic Modalities
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3
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ATPP 670- Research Methods
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3
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ATPP 560- Clinical Diagnosis and Therapeutic Intervention I
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3
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ATPP 680- Clinical Practice in Athletic Training VII
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3
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ATPP 570- Clinical Practice in Athletic Training II
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3
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ATPP 690- Professional Issues in Athletic Training
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2
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Total Hours
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9 |
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8 |
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Spring 1
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Spring
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ATPP 580- Clinical Diagnosis and Therapeutic Intervention II
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3
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ATPP 691- Clinical Internship/Residency
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3
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ATPP 590- Clinical Practice in Athletic Training III
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3
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Total Hours
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6
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Total Hours
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3
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Spring 2
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ATPP 600- Introduction to Research Design and Statistics
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3
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Total hours for degree completion
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62
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ATPP 610- Clinical Diagnosis and Therapeutic Intervention III
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3
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ATPP 620- Clinical Practice in Athletic Training IV
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3
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Total Hours
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9
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Candidates for selection into the Athletic Training Program (ATP) must meet the following criteria. Further explanation of these requirements can be found in the Graduate Catalog and the CSU ATP Student Handbook. Application materials can be requested from the Program Director.
Admission Pre-requisite Requirements
Regular Admission requires that the student has met ALL of the following requirements:
- The student has provided the Office of Enrollment Services with an application for admission by February 15th
- (Priority admission may be granted if a student submits their application and supportive paperwork on or before November 15th) of the given year that he/she is looking at starting in the program.
- * Please note that the rolling admission deadline is May 1st (if spots are still available).
- An application fee (nonrefundable) must accompany the application
- Official GRE scores taken within the last 5 years (if cumulative undergraduate GPA is below a 3.5)
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Prerequisite Coursework
- Human Anatomy with lab (4 units)
- Human Physiology with lab (4 units)
- or Anatomy and Physiology with lab (8 units total)
- Kinesiology or Human Movement Analysis course (3 units)
- Physiology of Exercise (3 to 4 units)
- Personal and Community Health (3 units)
- Nutrition (3 units)
- College Algebra or higher (3 units or higher)
- General Psychology course (3 units)
- College-Level Chemistry (1 semester)
- College- Level Physics (1 semester)
- Current and valid CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certifications (see Board of Certification at for a list of acceptable providers).
- Three letters of recommendations
- Resume (can be attached to application)
- Official transcripts from ALL institutions attended
Official Acceptance
- Students are granted official acceptance by demonstrating the following:
- Provide proof of personal health insurance
- Provide proof of professional liability insurance
- Verification of completed drug screen (performed by CSU prior to start of program)
- Verification of criminal background check (performed by CSU prior to start of program)
- Signed Program Standards (see below) form (personal verification of the ability of the student to meet the Technical Standards during participation in the ATP with no compounding risks to one’s self and/or others within the health care environment)
- Provide proof of personal vaccinations (immunization record), which must include MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tetanus-diphtheria, Polio. Further, the AT student must provide a negative TB test (taken within the month of June prior to start of the program)
Program Standards
The Athletic Training Educational Program at Charleston Southern University is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The program standards set forth by the Athletic Training Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary 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 programs accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these program standards, the student will not be admitted into the program. Compliance with the program standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the BOC certification exam.
Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training 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 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.
Candidates for selection to the athletic training program will be required to verify they understand and meet these program standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards (compliance with the program standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the BOC examination)
Retention Policy
Students must demonstrate acceptable progression in their advancement through the ATP. Students will jeopardize program status (probation and/or program dismissal) if they are unable to comply with the following program standards:
1) Minimum Grade Requirements
- A student cannot earn more than one grade of ‘C’ in any of courses within the program. If a student earns more than one grade of ‘C’, the student will be ineligible to continue in the program. If the student’s second ‘C’ occurs during the last semester in the program the student will not be eligible to receive their degree. If a student earns a grade of D or F in any course, they will be dismissed from the program.
2) Overall 3.0 GPA in credit hours taken at CSU toward degree
- If the GPA falls below 3.00 it must be raised to the required GPA the next semester or the student will be ineligible to continue in the program. If the student GPA falls below a 3.00 at the conclusion of their last semester in the program the student will not be eligible to receive their degree.
3) Maintain NATA Standards of Professional Practice and BOC Code of Ethics
4) Maintain CSU-ATP Professional Behavior Policy per the ATP Student Handbook
5) Maintain standards of academic and clinical education requirements consistent with educational level.
Probation
Students failing to meet the requirements stated above will be placed on probation. The Program Director will conduct review of academic probation status at the end of each academic semester, and students will be notified of their standing in the program. Upon notification of their standing, students will sign documentation regarding their status, which will be kept on file. Failure to reestablish adequate academic/practical standards consistent with program guidelines will result in program dismissal. Once dismissed from the ATP, students are NOT eligible for re-admission.
Probation
Criteria:
- First time/semester student’s overall GPA falls below 3.00
- Failure to comply with Professional Behavior Policies (some student behavior is egregious enough to warrant Program Dismissal)
- Student earns a ‘C’ in a course
Consequences:
- Recommended remediation (Learning Center) and/or meeting with appropriate personnel (Program Director or Clinical Education Coordinator)
- One semester to bring overall GPA above 3.00. If students is unable to bring their GPA to 3.00 they will be dismissed from the program
- One semester to show improvement in their professional behavior which is in line with the established Professional Behavior Policies
- If a student earns a ‘C’ in a course they will remain on probation the rest of the time he/she is in the program
Graduation Requirements
University Requirements
- To be eligible for graduation in the Master’s Degree Program, a student must complete professional core and specialization area requirements with a 3.00 GPA (see Graduate Catalog for specific degree requirements)
Athletic Training Program Requirements
- Completion of all professional coursework (62 units)
- Maintain overall 3.0 GPA in credit hours taken at CSU toward degree
- Earned minimum grades in all professional courses (see retention policy above)
- Completion of all clinical education requirements
- Completion of education competencies and clinical integrated proficiencies
- Completion of clinical hours
- Maintain good standing in the Athletic Training Program according to the policies and procedures stated in the CSU-ATP Handbook
- Follow BOC Inc. Standards of Professional Practice and NATA Code of Ethics
(Endorsement for the BOC Inc. examination requires program director approval.)
Being that this is a professional degree program no graduate course transfer credit will be accepted.
The student must maintain an overall 3.00 GPA. If the GPA falls below 3.00 it must be raised to the required GPA the next semester or the student will be ineligible to continue in the program. The GPA is calculated only on work at Charleston Southern University within the Athletic Training Program curriculum. A student cannot earn more than one grade of ‘C’ in their program of study. If a student earns more than one grade of ‘C’, the student will be ineligible to continue in the program. If a student earns a grade of F in any course, they will be dismissed from the program.
Charleston Southern Athletic Training program received 10 years of CAATE continuing accreditation. The Athletic Training program is now accredited through the 2027-2028 academic year.