Undergraduate Athletic Training

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Athletic Training Educational Program at Ohio University is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates for a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Educational Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]).

All students admitted to the Athletic Training Educational program must meet the following abilities and expectations. In the event that a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted to the program. Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student's eligibility for the BOC certification exam.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program must demonstrate:

• The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, and integrate concepts; problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments; and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
• Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques and accurately, safely, and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
• The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
• The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
• The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
• The perseverance, diligence, and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
• Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
• Effective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program will be required to verify that they understand and meet these standards or that they believe that with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.

The Office of Institutional Equity will evaluate a student who states he or she could meet the program’s technical standards with accommodation and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws. If a student states he or she can meet the technical standards with accommodation, then the University will determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation; this includes a review of whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account if the accommodation would jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational process of the student or the institution, including coursework, clinical experiences, and internships deemed essential to graduation.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Students apply for admittance to the program during spring quarter of their first year. Application materials include physical exam results; proof of immunization; CPR/AED certification; an essay; two professional references; 60 hours of clinical observations; and transcripts for the prerequisite courses.

Students are selected based upon academics and the ability to perform college work. Application prerequisites include the following:

• Completion of of freshman athletic training courses with a "C" or better which include: AT155, 160, 165, 180A, 180B, and 180C, with a composite 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Be on track to enroll in either BIOS 170 and 171 by their 2nd year, fall quarter.
• Earn 45 credit hours by the end of spring quarter of application year.
• Documentation of approximately 60 hours of athletic training observation at clinical sites assigned by faculty (must have verification from AT at the site).
• Students who meet selection criteria may be invited to an on-campus interview in front of the ATP selection committee. Interviews may be conducted after the application deadline. 
• Completion of athletic training education program application on or before application deadline. Application for the athletic training education program includes the completion of three recommendation forms.
• Documentation of Hepatitis B, and MMR vaccinations and a current TB test, and a physical exam.
• Meeting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) technical standards for admission found in the athletic training education program policies and procedure document.
• Transfer students are encouraged to apply prior to the May 1, and must complete the athletic training program application.

Students initially accepted will receive a certified letter of acceptance and will be given two (2) weeks in which to accept or decline the invitation in writing. Any positions declined will be offered to the next students until the class is filled.

If you are selected for the program, you are required to complete a minimum of 6 quarters clinical experience between your sophomore and senior years. This is required to be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification Examination and the State of Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board Licensure Examination. You are awarded the Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training upon completion of the program and after official application for degree conferral.

Download Curriculum

Athletic Training Professional Organizations

National Athletic Trainers' Association
Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association
Board of Certification