Athletic Training (B.S. Degree)

Entry-Level Educational Degree Program. No minor required.

Athletic Training- The Profession Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) Program Mission Statement and Educational Goals ATEP Program Requirements for Admission

Formal Application Process for ATEP Formal Interview and Selction Process Students Selected into the ATEP Curriculum

 

Athletic Training- The Profession

Directed by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), the field of athletic training is a specialized health care profession concerned with the well-being of athletes and physically active populations. A Certified Athletic Trainer, “ATC”, is highly skilled and educated in the following areas of health care: prevention, organization, evaluation, and rehabilitation of orthopedic/sports related injuries. Additionally, well-versed in areas of biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition and/or psychology, the ATC may seek employment within a variety of settings including, but not limited to: university/secondary school, industrial, rehabilitation/hospital/cardiac/sports medicine care clinic, and/or a physician’s office. Traditionally, the ATC acts as the critical link among members of the health care team, including athletes, coaches, parents, physicians/surgeons, school administration, etc. Here, the ATC provides immediate and long-term care/management of injuries while communicating with the appropriate members of the health care team.

The NATA secures and provides a code of ethics for the certified athletic trainer. The association accepts both professional and student members. All certified athletic trainers must agree to comply with the Standards of Professional Practice and meet continuing education requirements as set forth by the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC). The mission of the BOC is to “certify athletic trainers and to identify for the public, quality healthcare professionals through a system of certification, adjudication, standards of practice and continuing competency programs.” Due to the diversity of the profession, ATCs may hold certification in other health-related organizations including: American College of Sports Medicine, American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, American Physical Therapy Association.

Athletic training education programs at the university level must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Students who are interested in becoming a certified athletic trainer must complete the curriculum requirements of a CAATE accredited entry-level athletic training education program to be eligible for the BOC examination. The athletic training education program at Charleston Southern University has been nationally recognized by CAATE as an accredited program since 2004. For more information about the athletic training education program at CSU, the Athletic Training profession, or for any other questions, please contact the athletic training education program director.

Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP)

The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) at Charleston Southern University is an undergraduate degree program within the Department of Kinesiology. Educational objectives of the program are directed by the Athletic Training Educational Competencies set forth by the NATA. Each student accepted into the ATEP will be eligible to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and an optional minor in a desired subject and/or a double major.

The coursework of one hundred and twenty-five (125) total credit hours consists of seventy-one (71) credit hours specialized in athletic training. A minimum of six (6) semesters is necessary to complete the didactic coursework. In a set progression, students study athletic injury management, evaluation, prevention, emergency care, rehabilitation, organization/administration, general medical conditions, and professional development. Additionally, one thousand eighty (1080) clock-hours of clinical education are fulfilled at the university, local high schools, hospitals, physician’s offices, professional teams and related allied health facilities over the course of six (6) semesters. The program exposes students to a variety of clinical education settings while providing for an increased level of responsibility as a student progresses, to ensure skill development and proficiency consistent with that of an entry-level, certified athletic trainer upon graduation from the ATEP.

The CSU ATEP does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, marital status, or disability in the administration of admission and educational policies.

Program Mission Statement and Educational Goals

The mission of the Charleston Southern University Athletic Training Education Program (CSU ATEP) is to provide an educational setting that promotes excellence in the field of athletic training within a Christian environment. In doing so, the CSU ATEP prepares students to become well-rounded, clinically sound, certified athletic trainers. The CSU ATEP is devoted to the preparation of its students for a meaningful/ fulfilling career as an entry-level athletic trainer by meeting/ exceeding the Standards set forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Goals of the Athletic Training Education Program at Charleston Southern University are:

1. To optimally prepare students for a future in the field of athletic training by providing educational settings favorable for student development/ growth and learning within the didactic and clinical realms.
2. To incorporate evidence-based skills/techniques and modern research into the learning environment in order to familiarize students with advancements in the field of athletic training.
3. To foster the development of positive relationships within the medical community by promoting professional behavior consistent with the NATA Code of Ethics and BOC Standards of Professional Practice.
4. To encourage and develop critical thinking skills and promote lifelong learning to ensure the ability of the student to adapt and remain flexible in a constantly evolving healthcare environment.

Note:

*Continual improvement in the ATEP will evolve through the consistent evaluation measures employed by the program in which effectiveness of the program as a whole and student outcomes relative to program goals will be measured. The ATEP understands the ever-changing scope of medical care, technology, and educational processes, and strives to stay abreast of new developments to become a leader in the preparation of competent certified athletic trainers.

Athletic Training Education Program Requirements for Admission

Candidates for selection into the Athletic Training Education Program must meet the following criteria. Further explanation of these requirements follows this list.

• Enrollment and completion of KINE 204  (First Aid and Personal Safety), KINE 205  (Basic Athletic Training) and KINE 206  (Orthopedic Taping and Bracing) earning a minimum grade of “B” in each individual course;
• Enrollment and completion of Both BIOL 215  (Human Anatomy) and BIOL 216  (Human Physiology) by the end of the initial semester accepted into the ATEP, earning a minimum grade of “C” in each individual course;
• Completion of ATEP Technical Standards Documentation (personal verification of the ability of the student to meet the Technical Standards during participation in the ATEP with no compounding risks to one’s self and/or others within the health care environment);
• Directed Observation Hours: Fifty clock hours of clinical observation in the athletic training facility;
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 upon application;
• Formal Application Process: Submit Athletic Training Education Program Application;
• Formal Interview: Interviews with a selection committee consisting of ATEP faculty/staff and an additional CSU faculty/staff member are held at the end of each spring semester for freshmen and by appointment for qualified transfers. Students must attain a score of 80% on the interview to be eligible for admission;
• Physical Examination: Required physical exams will be provided to students with conditional, probationary, and official acceptance prior to or at the beginning of the fall semester in conjunction with athletic physical exams, at no cost to the student;
• Proof of Personal Vaccinations (immunization record);
• Proof of Personal Health Insurance and Professional Liability Insurance;
• Verification of Completed Drug Screen and Criminal Background Check: All students who receive conditional acceptance into the ATEP must complete a drug screen and background check as described in the ATS Handbook before receiving official acceptance into the ATEP;
• Club membership in the Athletic Training Students’ Club is highly recommended.

Technical Standards

Upon submitting an application to the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP), applicants are required to submit a signed copy of the Technical Standards document. This document is included in the ATEP Application Packet that is distributed to potential candidates for the ATEP. This documentation is required for a student to be eligible for participation in the ATEP, as it verifies that each student is able to meet the criteria of the Technical Standards. If a student is unable to meet any of the following standards and expectations, regardless of assistance, students will be denied admittance into the ATEP. All technical standards criteria, determined and accommodated by the university’s educational staff, are designed to maintain a safe professional environment. The Technical Standards document is as follows.

Charleston Southern University Athletic Training Education Program Technical Standards for Admission

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 technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Educational 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 program’s 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 Educational Program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, the student will not be admitted into the program.

Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s 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. effective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the athletic training educational program will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.

The Charleston Southern University Student Success Center, Disabilities Services, will verify whether or not a student requires accommodation based on documentation provided to them by the student and kept in a secured file within the Student Success Center.

If a student states he/she can meet the technical standards with accommodation, then 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.

Directed Observation Hours

Each student interested in the Charleston Southern University Athletic Training Education Program must fulfill documented observation clock-hours. Under the direct supervision of the Certified Athletic Training Staff (approved clinical instructor), each student will complete observation hours within the Athletic Training Center, and on-campus athletic events/ practices. The observational experience is intended to expose potential ATEP candidates to a variety of athletic training settings. Students should use these hours effectively by inquiring as to good times to complete these hours, and observing a wide range of activities and certified athletic trainers. Fifty clock hours of supervised observation are required to complete the application process. Students are strongly encouraged to begin observation hours within their first semester as a CSU student.

Observation hours should be recorded on the sheets provided by the ATEP faculty, and should include documentation of the setting, techniques, and skills observed. All hours must be supervised, recorded and signed by a CSU staff athletic trainer (approved clinical instructor/supervisor).

Formal Application Process for the Athletic Training Education Program

Application procedures are listed below for freshmen, transfer students, and students participating in athletics. Applications are distributed by the program director during the spring semester. Application deadline dates, as well as dates of ATEP interviews can be found in the official ATEP Application Packet or by contacting the program director.

It should be noted that students seeking admission into the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) are considered to be in a Preathletic Training Major status. Students are not Athletic Training Majors until they meet all admission criteria, are selected and have received notification of their official acceptance into the Athletic Training Education Program. The ATEP director will notify the Office of the Registrar to activate all new majors at the end of each semester.

Freshmen Students:

Students are encouraged to meet application criteria well before the last month of the spring semester of their freshman year. Students will be required to complete all professional academic requirements, observation hours, written application, formal interview, and submit verification of all other application/ admission requirements before receiving official acceptance into the ATEP and Athletic Training Major status. Students are selected into the program based on a competitive selection process, emphasizing candidate credentials. Students successfully selected into the Athletic Training Major will initiate a six (6) semester program to include the recommended ATEP course sequence, which emphasizes educational/ clinical experiences in preparation for the Board of Certification (BOC) Examination.

Transfer Students or students applying late to program agenda:

Transfer students must contact the Registrar’s Office and the program director prior to initiating the application process. Review of the academic credentials and clinical education hours/ experiences are required and accepted on an individualized basis. All transfer students must meet the ATEP requirements for admission as stated previously. Transfer students and those applying late to the program may be subject to additional semester commitments in order to complete program coursework. No student will be permitted to complete academic or clinical coursework in an “accelerated” manner, or without the appropriate prerequisite courses as stated in this catalog within the ATEP course descriptions.

Student-Athletes:

Student-athletes interested in the Athletic Training Education Program are advised to contact the program director prior to applying. While dual participation is not recommended, students may be advised on an individual basis. Student-athletes are required to complete all of the program requirements as stated in this catalog without exception. In some instances, this may require additional semesters or completion of required clinical hours during the nontraditional academic calendar. Student-athletes should be aware that failure to complete the required 180 hours of clinical experience within each practicum course will result in the grade of “I” (incomplete) until the 180 minimum hours are obtained. Failure to demonstrate progress towards completion of the clinical requirements may result in failure to proceed to the next practicum level which will further delay completion of the ATEP requirements for successful program completion.

Formal Interview and Selection Process

A Selection Committee composed of ATEP faculty/staff and an additional CSU faculty/staff member will interview students meeting all selection criteria. Freshmen applicants will be notified and interviewed within the last month of the spring semester. Transfer students will be contacted for phone or personal interviews as the selection committee and program director reviews their application materials. Candidates will be evaluated during the interview on their verbal expression, quality and content of answers, and professional appearance. A minimum score of 80% (32/40 points) on the interview is required to be eligible for admission into the ATEP.

Selection into the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP):

Upon successful completion of the application process students are selected on a competitive selection process based on educational/practical field sites available, individual candidate credentials, materials submitted and personal interview. If not selected, students may reapply the following year. Students may apply only twice. A student’s admissions status will be one of the following categories:

Conditional Acceptance:

Students who complete the application and interview process and are selected by the committee will receive notification of their conditional acceptance into the ATEP. At the completion of the spring semester, the Committee will review the final grade reports for all students with conditional acceptance to verify they have met all admissions requirements. This includes: a grade of “B” or better in KINE 204 , 205 , and 206 , completion of BIOL 215 , completion or fall enrollment in BIOL 216 , and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. Additionally, students will have to provide verification of personal vaccinations, completed negative drug screen, completed background check, and proof of personal health insurance. All materials needed to gain official acceptance MUST be submitted to the Program Director by August 1st. Physical examinations (required) will be administered for students with conditional, probationary, and official acceptance before or at the beginning of the fall semester, at no charge to the student.

Probationary Acceptance:

A probationary acceptance may be granted for a student who has completed all of the ATEP admission requirements, but was unable to complete KINE 204  and/or BIOL 215  and 216  due to scheduling conflicts. Granting of a probationary acceptance will only be the result of a Committee decision based on the strength of the applicant and completion of all other admission criteria, including proof of all required documentation noted above. Students should note that candidates who meet ALL admissions criteria at the time of application will be given priority consideration to those who do not meet ALL of the criteria. If a student has been granted probationary acceptance, their status will be made known to the Registrar and they will have one academic semester (until the end of the upcoming fall) to have all of their coursework deficiencies rectified. Students must gain official acceptance by the end of this term, and those who are unable to do so will be dismissed from the program.

Official Acceptance:

Once students have shown verification of all required documentation noted above and the committee has reviewed their final spring grade reports, they will receive notification of “Official Acceptance”. Once a student has been officially accepted into the ATEP, the program director will notify the registrar of their status. Note: students may not participate in any clinical education until they have received notification of official or probationary acceptance.

Program Appeals Process for Students Not Accepted and/or Dismissed from the Athletic Training Education Program

Students denied admissions into the Athletic Training Major and/or dismissed from the Athletic Training Education Program may appeal the decision. The ATEP will comply with Charleston Southern University Academic Policy R-51, which provides a complete description of the appeals process for student dismissal from a program. The academic policy in its entirety can be located on the CSU Web site, on the Registrar page, under policies and procedures. A brief overview of the process is stated below:

1. Students may request a written explanation for denial and/or dismissal within ten (10) days of receiving notification of the action taken. All information will remain confidential to the student and the selection committee.
2. A written letter of appeal may be submitted to the Chair of the Kinesiology Department and/or the Athletic Training Education Program Director.
3. Each appeal will be reviewed by an appeals committee comprised of the Chair of Kinesiology and two additional faculty members of the Chair’s choice.
4. Upon review of the appeal, the Appeals Committee may request input from the selection committee and the student may request an open discussion with the committee to explain the rebuttal.
5. The Appeals Committee will submit a written document to the student and the Athletic Training Education Program Director, regarding the decision on the student’s status.
6. All Appeal Committee decisions remain confidential and final.

Proof of Personal Vaccinations

Candidates for the ATEP must provide a copy of their completed immunization record. Students who live on campus can obtain a photocopy of their Charleston Southern University Residence Life & Campus Safety immunization form. Those who are commuters must either obtain a blank CSU Residence Life immunization form to be completed, or provide proof of personal immunizations. Personal immunizations required are: M.M.R., Tetanus-diphtheria, Polio, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and Tuberculosis. Your healthcare provider must sign all completed immunization forms. Proof of immunizations must be returned before a student will be granted official ATEP acceptance (prior to August 1).

Proof of Personal Health Insurance/ Liability Insurance

Students must present proof of personal health insurance prior to beginning ATEP coursework (prior to August 1) and present evidence of yearly renewal once in the ATEP. The cost of personal health insurance is solely the responsibility of the student. Professional liability insurance will be issued through the University with the yearly cost added to the student’s fee bill.

Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen

Students who receive conditional acceptance to the ATEP must provide proof of a negative drug screen and completed criminal background check before official acceptance will be granted (prior to August 1). Failure to pass a criminal background check or to provide a negative drug screen may prevent a student from enrolling and/or continuing in the athletic training education program. In addition, disciplinary action may be taken by the University in accordance with the Charleston Southern University Student Handbook for those students unable to provide a negative drug screen. The full criminal background check and drug screen policies are located in the athletic training student handbook and may also be obtained from the program director. All costs incurred in obtaining the background check and drug screen are the responsibility of the student.

Students Selected into Athletic Training Education Program

Athletic Training Students will participate in a structured educational setting emphasizing CAATE standards and guidelines. Students will become proficient in entry-level athletic training competencies, through formal classroom instruction and clinical practice within the clinical education settings. Completion of all ATEP coursework and a rich clinical education experience serves to prepare students for successful completion of the BOC certification examination, graduate level education, and entry-level athletic training or related health care positions. While Charleston Southern University cannot guarantee BOC certification, the athletic training education program strives to adequately prepare students to be successful in the certification process as well as all of their professional endeavors.

Program Retention Policy

Students must demonstrate acceptable progression in their advancement through the program criteria. Students will jeopardize program status (probation and/or program dismissal) if they are unable to comply with the following program standards:

-3.0 GPA in all Professional Athletic Training education courses;

-2.5 GPA overall credit hours;

-Maintain Code of Ethics consistent with the NATA and University Athletic Training Policy;

-Maintain standards of academic and practicum requirements consistent with educational level.

Probation

Students will be placed on probation within the academic realm if they are unable to maintain the ATEP criteria, as listed above. The Athletic Training 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. (Students are limited to two consecutive probation semesters.) Failure to reestablish adequate academic/practical standards consistent with program guidelines will result in program dismissal. Once dismissed from the ATEP, students are NOT eligible for re-admission.