Apr 01, 2025  
Undergraduate Catalog 2013-14 
    
Catalog Navigation
Catalog Home
Academic Calendar
University Overview
General Information
Colleges
Departments and Programs
Guide to Prefixes
Course Descriptions
General Education
Academic Policies
University Officers and Faculty
Glossary of Terms
Campus Map
Quick Links
My Portfolio
Undergraduate Catalog 2013-14 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Athletic Training Professional Program

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Departments and Programs

The Western Michigan University Department of Human Performance and Health Education offers an entry-level professional program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. This program prepares students for certification by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer. Eligibility requirements for admission to the Athletic Training Professional Program require prospective students to complete the pre-program requirements. Admission into the Athletic Training Professional Program is selective with the annual enrollment limited to approximately 15 students each year. Due to the competitive nature of this program, the criteria for admittance should be regarded as minimum standards for admittance.

The criteria for acceptance will include a minimum 2.5 overall grade point average, a minimum of “C” grade in selected cognate and core requirements, an interview, letters of recommendation, positive clinical instructor evaluations received during fulfillment of clinical evaluation rotation hours, and a completed application. Students who have transferred from other institutions will be reviewed on a per-case basis.

Accreditation

University developed, the Athletic Training Professional Program is based on accreditation standards by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program is in compliance with the requirements necessary for CAATE accreditation. Graduates of CAATE accredited programs are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) Examination.

Pre-Program Phase 

This component of the athletic training program is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to learn more about the athletic training profession by taking HPHE 1530: Introduction to Athletic Training and other cognates that are prerequisites for admittance to the Athletic Training Professional Program. During this time, the athletic training student will be required to obtain a minimum of 75 hours of clinical exposure while being assigned to a preceptor. This experience will be completed in the University’s Intercollegiate Athletic Department and approved affiliated sites. Upon completion of the pre-program requirements, the athletic training student must apply and be accepted to the professional program.

Admission Standards

Pre-program Requirements and Criteria for Admission

  1. Accepted to Western Michigan University.
  2. The completion of an observation period in an environment that provides athletic training services. A certified athletic trainer/preceptor must endorse verification of a total of 75 hours.
  3. Submission of completed application for admission to the Athletic Training Professional Program. Applications can be obtained by contacting the ATPP Program Director.
  4. Ability to fulfill all of the technical standards that are required of the athletic training student. The technical standards can be found on the ATPP website www.wmich.edu/humanperformance/athletictraining. Students must also complete a physical with immunization record (including HIV status) and current TB testing.

The criteria listed below should be completed or be in the process of completion at the time of application to be considered for admission to the Athletic Training Professional Program. The selection committee evaluates the candidates and will determine who will be accepted to the Athletic Training Professional Program. The criteria include overall grade point average, minimum of “C” grade in selected core requirements, interview, positive preceptor evaluations received during fulfillment of clinical education observation hours, and a completed application. Students who have transferred from other institutions will be reviewed on a per-case basis. After the interview, each candidate will receive notification from the program director regarding admission status. Students accepted into the professional program will be required to schedule an appointment with their academic advisor and register for the required courses. Matriculation will begin the next semester and will continue for a minimum of four semesters. Candidates not accepted to the ATPP can appeal the decision by submitting a formal response to the program director within thirty days of the notification. Students that are not accepted may apply for readmission during the next admission period.

Minimum criteria for acceptance:

  1. Demonstrated knowledge and interest in the Athletic Training profession.
  2. Experience in the health care field. Seventy-five clock hours of observation are required under the supervision of an preceptor.
  3. Grade point average. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 and a minimum grade of “C” in each of the required courses.
  4. Space available in the Athletic Training Professional program.
  5. Special considerations i.e. transfer student from another Program.
  6. Meet all pre-program requirements. 

 

Select Either

Note:

Potential applicants are advised that they will need to submit to a criminal background check and drug screening prior to certain clinical rotations. Failure of either of these screenings can be grounds for dismissal from the program.

Professional Program Requirements

The Athletic Training Professional Program consists of core courses taken in a prescribed sequence over a continuous four-semester process that takes a minimum of two years to complete. Upon admission to the ATPP, the student is required to adhere to all technical standards. The technical standards form is included in the application packet. During each semester the student is required to register for the corresponding Athletic Training Field Experience course (HPHE 4010, HHPE 4020, HPHE 4030, HPHE 4040). To complete the required clinical competencies for Athletic Training Field Experience courses, each student will be required to obtain clinical rotation hours for each semester. Graduation requirements are consistent with the University standards for graduation with the following exceptions: 1) a 2.5 overall grade point average; 2) a minimum of “C” grade in each core course; and 3) completion of the following course work:

Additional Requirements

Students can repeat a course only once in order to obtain the minimum of a “C” grade. Should a student fail to pass satisfactorily an athletic training course at the end of a second enrollment s/he will be dropped from the program. Students who wish to continue in the program must notify the Program Director in writing. Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.5 will also be placed on probation and removed from the program. These students will not be allowed to progress in the athletic training course work until the grade point average is raised to 2.5. The return to the program is contingent upon availability of space in the athletic training professional program. Students who return to the program must comply with all requirements in effect at that time. Students can appeal decisions by submission of a formal response to the program director within thirty (30) days of the notification of the formal action.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Departments and Programs