Athletic Training, B.S.
Athletic trainers are allied health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize patient and client activity and participation. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. (www.NATA.org)
The B.S. in Athletic Training prepares students to become entry-level athletic trainers and qualifies them to take the BOC Exam (national board exam). It is a rigorous academic program that includes course work in athletic training, anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, psychology, and other science related courses. A degree in Athletic Training offers graduates opportunities to practice in a variety of settings. These settings include, but are not limited to, high school, college, and professional athletics, outpatient clinics, industrial rehabilitation sites, physician practices, the performing arts, safety settings, and higher education. Acceptance into the Athletic Training Education Program is competitive and not guaranteed.
Once admitted into the program, students are required to maintain an overall minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 and satisfactory performance during the clinical experiences to remain active in the athletic training education program. Failure to maintain a cumulative 2.7 GPA for one semester will result in a one-semester probation. If the student has two consecutive semesters with a cumulative GPA below 2.7, they will be removed from the program and advised into a suitable major.
Any student earning less than a C in a pre-requisite, supporting, or required core course must repeat that course. If the course in question is a prerequisite for another course, they may not take the second course until achieving a C in the original. In addition to the Piedmont College graduation requirements, Athletic Training Majors must also complete a minimum of 900 hours of practical clinical experience (as assigned by the Program) and the Skills Master Log prior to graduation.
The Athletic Training Program is seeking accreditation through the CAATE (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education; www.caate.net). This process began in January 2014 and will conclude with a formal CAATE site visit in January/February 2017 as the first cohort of students is approaching graduation. A CAATE-accredited degree in Athletic Training is necessary for students to be eligible to sit for the National Board of Certification Exam and practice as Certified Athletic Trainers.
Admission Criteria
Prospective students must meet the minimum criteria listed below to be considered for admission to the program:
- Ability to meet the Technical Standards of Admission as documented by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant
- Admission to Piedmont College
- Declare Athletic Training as a major
- “C” or better on all required pre-requisite coursework
- Completed application, cover letter, and professional resume (due October 15th)
- 25 clinical observation hours with a Piedmont-affiliated Athletic Trainer
- Copy of CPR-PR certification card
- Copy of immunization records, including Hepatitis B and TB skin test within 12 months
- Overall cumulative minimum GPA of 2.70
- Proof of bloodborne pathogens training
- Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a Piedmont College faculty or staff member)
- Successful interview (Interviews are extended during the fall semester only)
Athletic Training Curriculum Outline
In Addition to meeting all Piedmont College General Education and graduation requirements, all students must also earn a C or better in all prerequisite, supporting, and athletic training core courses, document a minimum of 900 hours of practical clinical experience (as assigned by the Program), complete the Skills Master Log, and have a cumulative 2.7GPA to graduate.
Bachelor of Science Degree
General Education
Piedmont University Requirement (1 hour)
Athletic Training Foundation
Athletic Training Concentration
All Required.
Total Credit Hours: 121
BIOL 1101, BLAB 1101, HSCS 1101, HSCS 1110: Required pre-requisite courses for athletic training program.