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Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Athletic Training Education Program

SWOSU > Academics > ATEP > Programs of Study > Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training Degree Information

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training Degree Information

Program Mission

It is the mission of the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) at Southwestern Oklahoma State University to impart a foundational didactic and structured clinical education that will foster personal and professional excellence. The program will direct the student in the grasp of athletic training theory while encouraging competent and proficient practical skills development.

The Profession

Recognized by the American Medical Association as an Allied Health Profession, the Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) is highly educated and skilled in prevention, recognition, management and rehabilitation of injuries resulting from physical activity. As a sports medicine expert and member of the complete healthcare team, the ATC works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care professionals and sports medicine team members. Students pursuing athletic training as a career must graduate from a CAATE accredited degree program, pass the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification exam, and obtain the correct credentials from the state in which they hope to practice. The ATEP at SWOSU is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education(CAATE).

Admission Requirements

Students interested in Athletic Training as a career should seek advisement from ATEP faculty. The Athletic Training pre-professional curriculum is open to any high school graduate or transfer student who obtains formal University admission. The pre-professional curriculum consists of a minimum of 57 hours including courses that meet general education requirements of SWOSU. Students may make application with the program director for formal program admittance prior to April 1 st. Admission to SWOSU and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the professional phase of the Athletic Training Education Program. To be considered for professional program admittance, the applicant must:

  1. Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.5.
  2. Have completed a minimum of 45 hours of coursework including a C or better in the following courses*:

    ATEP 1922 Introduction to Athletic Training
    ATEP 2433 Athletic Training Care and Prevention/Lab
    ATEP 2531 Directed Observation in Athletic Training
    ATEP 2633 Cardiac and Emergency Care
    ATEP 3723 Advanced Athletic Training
    ATEP 4433 Athletic Training Modalities/Lab
    PSYCH 1003 General Psychology
    ALHLT 2442 Medical Terminology
    ALHLT 1401 Allied Health Careers
    KINES 1133 Wellness Concepts/Lab
    KINES 1153 Nutrition
    KINES 3443 Kinesiology and Anatomy
    BIOL 1004 Biological Concepts/Lab
    BIOL 3704 Human Anatomy/Lab
  3. Arrange and complete 50 observation hours of SWOSU Clinical Instructors, in conjunction with ATEP 2531 Directed Observation, in the semester prior to application.
  4. Submit to Student Health Center: medical history, MMR vaccination records, TB testing records (within previous year), HBV vaccination records (or declination statement).
  5. Obtain personal criminal history information from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (fee required). Information and form at http://www.osbi.state.ok.us/PublicServices/CriminalHistory.htm. Consistent with clinical affiliation agreements, any person who has been convicted of a felony is not eligible for admission to ATEP.
  6. Submit to ATEP Director: All application materials, including technical standards signed by applicant and designated physician, criminal history record information, proof of current Professional Rescuer+ AED Certification (or equivalent), and current official transcripts.

    All application materials, including the technical standards for admission, are available from ATEP faculty.

    An ATEP admissions committee consisting of the ATEP director, clinical education coordinator, clinical instructors, and Allied Health Sciences faculty review all submitted materials. This information, in conjunction with clinical observation evaluations and faculty recommendations, provides the objective information necessary to identify qualified applicants. Qualified applicants are subject to interview by committee. Selection criteria are as follows:

Submission of all required documentation:

Overall GPA

15 points

Pre-requisite GPA

25 points

Observation Evaluations

35 points

Faculty Recommendations/Interview

25 points

 

100 total

The number of applicants accepted will reflect an appropriate student-faculty ratio and the availability of appropriate clinical resources. The mandatory field/clinical experience and practical application of skills begins following formal program admittance.

Students transferring from another institution are required to meet the university’s standards for admission and must meet all of the above admission standards.  The following courses must be completed at SWOSU:

  • ATEP 2433 Athletic Training Care and Prevention/Lab
  • ATEP 2531 Directed Observation in Athletic Training
  • ATEP 3723 Advanced Athletic Training
  • ATEP 4433 Athletic Training Modalities/Lab

Transfer students who are seeking admission into the professional portion of the ATEP are strongly encouraged to meet with the ATEP faculty prior to enrollment to ensure appropriate transfer of required coursework.

* All courses must be complete prior to August 1st following application.

Clinical and Field Experience

During the strong practical component of the athletic training education program, clinical supervision by approved clinical instructors provides for unique educational experiences. In accordance with the CAATE Standards and Guidelines, a minimum of 2 academic years of clinical experience associated with course credit is obtained.

Following professional program admittance, enrollment in ATEP 3733 Practicum in Assessment (Co-requisite enrollment in ATEP 4344 AT Eval. of Ortho. Injury/lab) during the fall semester and ATEP 3753 Practicum in Therapeutic Intervention (Concurrent enrollment in ATEP 3743 AT Rehab. and Recond./lab) during the spring semester allows the student to apply knowledge in the clinical setting. Senior enrollment in ATEP 4813 Application of Athletic Training I during the fall and ATEP 4823 Application of Athletic Training II during the spring encourages continued application of athletic training techniques and skills. National Athletic Trainers’ Association Educational Competencies and Clinical Proficiencies are addressed throughout the curriculum. Student clinical education will occur in a variety of athletic training settings including collegiate, secondary, clinic, hospital, industrial, and rehabilitation facilities.

Financial Information

Financing the Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training is the responsibility of the student. Application for financial aid is available through the Office of Student Financial Services. In addition to tuition and fees of the university, additional fees are the responsibility of the student. These include: annual liability insurance premiums, criminal history background checks, uniforms and other equipment necessary for clinical experience, immunizations and screenings, transportation and meal costs associated with off-campus clinical experience, and professional memberships.

Graduation

Students must meet university and program requirements to complete the Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. The associated minor, Allied Health, Administration of Health Services, is required. This course of study requires the student to complete 120 credit hours. Students may pursue additional major or minor areas of study to compliment the program, realizing that additional coursework and time will be necessary.

Students must achieve minimum academic and clinical standards to satisfy retention guidelines. Students failing to maintain a 2.5 GPA or meet clinical expectations may be placed on probation or suspended from the professional program.

Careers in Athletic Training

Following graduation and attainment of NATABOC certification and proper state licensure, the athletic trainer may practice in a variety of settings. These include but are not limited to secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional athletics, sports medicine clinics, fitness/wellness centers, or corporate and industrial facilities.