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Admission Requirements

Requirements

All students who plan a program of study leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training must first be accepted for admission to the University. Applicants then apply to the program. Program enrollment is limited by the availability of faculty and clinical field experiences, therefore admission is competitive.

The program uses a multiple tier admission process: Tier I: Admission into the program and Tier II: Admission into the professional practice cohort. Tier 1: "Admission to the program" allows the student to start foundational didactic and laboratory coursework needed to have successful clinical field experiences. Tier II: "Admission into a professional practice cohort" allows the student to start clinical field experiences needed as part of the professional program. The student must successfully complete both to be eligible for credentialing as an athletic trainer.

Tier I: Admission into the Program

Applicants will apply for admission into the program during the semester in which they prerequisites and administrative requirements will be completed. Applications to the program are due to the program director by February 1st (Fall Admission) and September 1st (Spring Admission). Applicants work with an assigned advisor and are required to submit a completed application form. As part of the application process, the student must submit the following to be considered for admission into the program:

  1. A completed application form with the following support materials
  2. Acknowledgment of program Technical Standards
  3. Completion of favorable criminal background screening
  4. Completion of Health and Immunization Packet (includes health history form, immunizations form, and physical examination for completed by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant)
  5. Official transcripts from all colleges attended
  6. Current Health Care Provider CPR and First Aid certifications

Selection Criteria for Admission into Program:

To be considered for admission into the program the student must meet the following criteria:

  1. Completed application with all components present
  2. 32 hours of college-level credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
  3. Competition of any academic literacy requirements

Tier II: Admission into the Professional Practice Cohort

The Professional Practice Cohort requires the student to complete clinical field experiences with an assigned preceptor. The student should prepare to complete an average of 20 hours of clinical field experiences a week. These hours are assigned by the clinical preceptor and some of the hours and experiences occur outside the traditional academic calendar and during weekends. External employment is discouraged, if needed the employment must be flexible and work around time required for clinical field experiences.

Applicants will apply for admission into the professional practice cohort the semester in which the following prerequisites and administrative requirements will be completed. Applications to the professional practice are due to the program director by March 1st (Fall Cohort) or October 1st (Spring Cohort). As part of the application process, the student must submit the following to be considered for entry into the professional practice cohort:

  1. A completed application form
  2. Membership in National Athletic Trainers Association
  3. Completion of Professional Behaviors orientation
  4. Completion of at least 75 hours of observation under a certified athletic trainer
  5. Two letters of recommendation (one from an athletic trainer)
  6. Interview with the Professional Practice Committee

Selection Criteria

To be considered for admission the student must meet the following criteria:

  1. Completed application, NATA membership, and Professional Behaviors orientation
  2. Completion of at least 75 hours of observation with an athletic trainer
  3. Two letters of recommendation (one from an athletic trainer)
  4. Favorable interview with the Professional Practice committee
  5. 48 hours of college-level credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
  6. Completion with a C or better of current enrollment in the following coursework: ATHP 1310, ATHP 2305, ATHP 2310, ATHP 1110, BIOL 2321/BIOL 2121, and BIOL 2322/BIOL 2122.

Other Requirements after Acceptance

Annually, after admission into the program, the student must also complete the following requirements. Students that fail to complete the following may be removed from the program.

  1. Proof of Occupational Hazard "Needlestick" Insurance
  2. Completion of HIPAA/FERPA Confidentiality Training
  3. Completion of Blood-borne Pathogen, OSHA and/or Universal Precautions Training
  4. Completion of ATEP and Site Orientation
  5. Update of Health and Immunization Packet (as needed)

Transfer Students

Notice of Non-Discrimination

The Athletic Training Education Program follows the guidelines and policies from the student and faculty handbooks related to non-discrimination. The program does not engage in discrimination against an individual because of race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, non-disqualifying disability, or age, to comply with all federal and state non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmation action laws and regulations. Students should be aware that they must meet the technical standards for the program and profession.

Clinical Placements/Internship/Observation Hours

After admission into the program, the student will complete four semesters in the clinical component of the program. Students gain hours in clinical experiences associated with a variety of different populations including genders, varying levels of risk, protective equipment and medical experiences that address the continuum of care that would prepare a student to function in a variety of settings and meet the domains of practice delineated for a certified athletic trainer in the profession.

To meet the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, Board of Certification and Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers, the student must document hours of observation and practice of athletic training skills under the direct supervision of an assigned athletic trainer or a medical professional serving as a clinical preceptor. Certain field experiences will be required prior to the first day of class, during weekends and university breaks. The clinical coordinator will contact students concerning placement for clinical experience prior to the assignment.

Transfer Students

Students that are considering application for admission into the ATEP from another university or college must first be admitted into the University. Along with the application, transfer students must submit TWO copies of transcripts of ALL UNIVERSITY WORK. Send one set to the UIW Admissions Office. Send the second set of transcripts to the School of Nursing and Health Professions, Attn: Athletic Training Education Program Director, 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209. Please note we cannot accept an application without copies of all transcripts.

Students transferring from another baccalaureate athletic training education program must satisfy the same prerequisite and major course work, as do all other applicants. All athletic training course work will be evaluated for equivalency with the UIW curriculum. Students should be prepared to present a syllabus from previous institution and have documented proof of completion of competencies and clinical proficiencies. The decision for admission, transfer credit for previous athletic training courses and placement in the program will be considered on an individual basis.

Health Requirements/ Immunizations for Athletic Training

In compliance with the Health Care Provider terms of TAC 97.64, applicants to the ATEP are required to provide proof of a physical examination (for admission and annually thereafter) and the following immunizations prior to admission to the first clinical experiences course:

  1. Hepatitis B (3 dose series)
  2. Measles-Mumps-Rubella (2 dose series)
  3. Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (1 Dose Tdap within last 10 years)
  4. Varicella (2 dose series, titer, or verified medical history of Chickenpox)
  5. TB skin test or chest X-Ray (required annually while in the program)
  6. Influenza vaccine (required annually while in the program)

For the protection of students and clients, the program follows the recommended immunization for healthcare professionals. If, for any reason, the student is unable to receive any immunizations a physician's statement will be required. NOTE: Additional health requirements may be required by some clinical affiliations.

Required Costs During Matriculation

Along with university tuition, athletic training students are required to pay course and clinical fees each semester to cover the costs of attaining or maintaining memberships in professional organizations, clinical clothing, liability insurance and materials for the program. It is also the student's responsibility to maintain certifications for blood borne pathogens training, first aid, CPR, annual immunizations, as well as purchasing needle stick insurance annually. Students are also responsible for travel to and from the clinical site. During the senior year, the student is also expected to pay fees to the Board of Certification and State of Texas for credentialing and examinations.

CPR and First Aid

Students must maintain proof of current health care provider course in CPR and First Aid certifications. This requirement is necessary for all students prior to entering the athletic training program, and then annually thereafter. Evidence of completion or re-certification must be given to the program director prior to attendance of clinical experience course. Specific information regarding requirements in the training can be obtained by the program director.

Liability and Health Insurance

Students involved in clinical observations or involved in the clinical experience course are required to be covered by liability insurance and maintain proof of health insurance as well as needlestick insurance. The liability insurance fee will be included in the athletic training course fees. The University offers limited health insurance and needlestick coverage.

Criminal Background Screening

Criminal background screening is completed on all candidates for the program. The Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions will designate a company to do the background screening and will not accept results from any company other than the one designated by the School. Students pay expenses related to all screening. A student with a significant criminal background or a current conviction may not be allowed to register for athletic training courses until the student receives a declaratory order from the regulating board stating their eligibility for licensure or certification to practice.

Drug Screening

Drug Screening may be required by some clinical agencies. The Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions will designate a company to do the drug screen and will not accept results from any company other than the one designated by the School. The student will pay the cost of the screening at the time of the testing.

A student who has a positive drug screen will not be allowed to participate in clinical courses. The student will be required to complete, at the student's expense, chemical dependency evaluation and treatment, if recommended by a drug assessment. Any student with a positive drug screen will be suspended for a minimum of one calendar year and will be required to provide documentation of successful treatment prior to being readmitted to clinical courses. If readmitted, the student must be retested by the School-approved laboratory and have a negative drug screen. This testing is at the student's expense.

Eligibility for Professional Practice

Completion of degree requirements for the bachelor's degree does not guarantee state licensure or national certification as an athletic trainer. Students are advised to contact the Board of Certification and Texas Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers concerning their eligibility of professional practice. Prior to practice, the individual must complete an application and pay required fees according to current policies and procedures of the regulatory board. The application process has various sections that require endorsement by the university and program administration. Students are advised to plan ahead and identify key dates and requirements that are required as part of the regulatory process. As part of the Initial regulatory process, students must successfully complete an oral practical and written assessment of their athletic training skills.

Preparation to take the Board of Certification examination and state licensure examination is a continual process. Once accepted into the program, students will begin coursework and clinical field experiences to build knowledge, skills, and confidence.

Technical Standards

Technical Standards must be signed by the student and the medical professional going over health history, immunizations, and completing the physical examination.

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Athletic Training Education Program at the University of the Incarnate Word is committed to providing a supportive, challenging, diverse and integrated environment for all students. In accordance with these federal directives, the University and the Athletic Training Education Program ensure accessibility to their programs, services and activities for students with documented disabilities. 

In accordance with national norms, the Athletic Training Education Program has established technical requirements for admission, expectations and required abilities considered essential to perform duties of an athletic trainer. These abilities are classified into five categories: (1) observation, (2) communication, (3) motor & sensory, (4) intellectual, (5) behavioral and social.

  1. Observation: A candidate must be able to observe demonstrations in the classroom and athletic training room. A candidate must also be able to accurately observe an athlete at a distance and at close range, in order to gather the necessary data regarding the athletes’ physical status.
  2. Communication: The ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice, including but not limited to, the ability to (a) establish rapport and communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, parents, coaches, administrators, officials, medical and allied medical personnel and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural backgrounds; (b) record and discuss the physical examination results and treatment and rehabilitation plans clearly and accurately.
  3. Motor: Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations, therapeutic treatments, and therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation protocols using accepted techniques. This includes, but is not limited to, the ability to (a) accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients; (b) gather decision-making pieces of information during an injury assessment activity in class or in the clinical setting; (c) perform assessment, treatment and rehabilitation activities in class and in the clinical setting by direct performance; (d) sit, stand, and kneel for extended periods of time while rendering assistance to patients and athletes; (e) frequently move from place to place and position to position at a speed that permits safe handling of classmates and injured athletes; (f) stand and walk while providing support to an injured athlete; (g) use auditory, tactile, and visual senses to receive classroom instruction and to evaluate and treat injured athletes; (h) follow safety procedures established for each class and clinical setting.
  4. Sensory: Candidates must have adequate sensory function in order to elicit information from a physical examination through palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other assessment maneuvers.
  5. Intellectual: Candidates must have the mental capacity to learn and assimilate a large amount of complex, technical, and detailed information. They must also be able to solve problems through critical analysis and perform measurements necessary to develop a therapeutic plan.
  6. Behavioral and Social: Candidates must possess emotional and social attributes required to exercise good judgment, maintain composure, promptly complete all responsibilities as they relate to the care and management of an athlete’s injury, and develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with athletes and other members of the health care team. Candidates must also be able to adapt to an ever-changing environment, display flexibility, tolerate physically taxing workloads, and maintain their composure during highly stressful situations.

Promotion/ Retention/ Graduation Requirements

Once accepted into the program, students will be evaluated each semester to ensure they are meeting the expectations set by the program. These expectations include:

  1. The student must be in good standing with the university.
  2. The student must maintain programs health and immunization requirements.
  3. The student must have satisfactorily completed and documented expected clinical observations or clinical field experiences under the direction of a supervising certified athletic trainer or assigned preceptor.
  4. The student must maintain programs training requirements (Healthcare Provider CPR, First Aid, Blood-borne pathogen and HIPAA/FERPA training)
  5. Maintain a minimum of 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  6. Adhere to the rules and regulations outlined in the "Athletic Training Handbook."
  7. The student must earn favorable evaluations from the preceptor and clinical coordinator. The evaluations serve to measure not only the student knowledge and acquired skill application but also attributes from the profession and program.
  8. The student must pass all major and support course with a "C" or better and successful complete all clinical proficiencies attached to the course.  All students must achieve a final test average of 75%or better.  Failure to do so will result in failure in the course.  All course exams, including the final, are equally weighted in this calculation.

Students that fail to meet the above may be placed on either an academic or administrative probationary contract with the program director with a list of dates and expectations or suspended from the program. Failure to fulfill the probationary contract may result in the student's dismissal from the program.

Academic Instruction Plan

The Athletic Training Program has designed a degree that fulfills the specific needs required by accreditation agencies, but also produces effective athletic trainers for the schools and physically active settings. The program currently uses the Fifth Edition Competencies and Proficiencies as a guide in curricular and lab development. The following is the outline of the major requirements for the program.