Nov 22, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2007-08 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2007-08 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Athletic Training Professional Program


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The Western Michigan University Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation offers an entry-level professional program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. This program seeks to prepare students for certification by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification. Eligibility requirements for admission to the Athletic Training Professional Program require prospective students to first obtain admission to the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and complete the pre-program requirements. Admission into the Athletic Training Professional Program is selective with the annual enrollment limited to 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, clinical instructor evaluations, and a completed application.

Accreditation



Western Michigan University developed the athletic training professional program based on accreditation standards by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Western Michigan University has completed the requirements necessary for CAAHEP accreditation. Graduates of CAAHEP accredited programs are eligible to sit for the National Athletic Trainers’ Board of Certification 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 the course HPER 153 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 and sports exposure. 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 and to HPER Department.
  2. The completion of an observation period in an environment that provides athletic training services. A certified athletic trainer must endorse verification of a total of 75 hours.
  3. Submission of application for admission to the Athletic Training Professional Program.
  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 web site.

The criteria listed below should be completed or in 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 Program. The criteria include overall grade point average, minimum of “C” grade in selected core requirements, interview, letters of recommendation, clinical educator evaluation. After the interview, each candidate will receive notification from the program director regarding admission status. Students that are accepted to the professional program will be required to schedule an appointment with their academic advisor and register for the required courses. Matriculation will begin the fall semester of the following academic year 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.

  1. Demonstrated knowledge and interest in the athletic training profession.
  2. Experience in the health care field.
  3. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.5.
  4. Space available in the athletic training professional program.
  5. Special considerations.
  6. Completion of Athletic Training Pre-program requirements with a 2.5 overall grade point average and a minimum “C” grade in each of the required courses:

Select Either


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 the technical standards. The Technical standards form will be included in the application packet. During each semester the student is required to register for HPER 4000 Athletic Training Fieldwork. To complete the required clinical competencies for HPER 4000, each student will be required to obtain a minimum of 160 clinical 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.

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