Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP)

The ATEP faculty is committed to providing student with a quality education. The curriculum is competency-based and developed in a purposeful sequence.  In addition to prescribed courses, students complete five semesters of continuous clinical education. Students’ clinical study is performed under the careful direction and supervision of approved clinical education faculty.  Upon successful completion of the program students are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic training  (BSAT)..

• ATEP Requirements
• ATEP Expenses
  
• Admission Requirements
• Technical Standards
• Transfer Students
• Program Progression
  
• Retention Requirements

ATEP Requirements
The degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in athletic training requires successful completion of a minimum of 125 hours, including (1) the general education component; (2) the degree component; and (3) major and related requirements listed below. A minor is not required.

[1.4.1] Major in Athletic Training
KPED Curriculum (22 hours): KPED/H ED 1320, KPED 1125, 1135, 2381, 3382, 4230, 4300, 4320, and 4395.

Athletic Training Core (39 hours): KPED 1350, 2353, 3301, 3327, 3335, 3345, 3351, 3354, 4301, 4315, 4325, 4327 and 4330.

Related Requirements (27 hours): BIOL 2405, 2407, 4351 and PHYS 1400 or BIOL 2406, 2407, 4351 and CHEM 1402 or 1450; FACS 1300, 4315; H ED 2201, H SC 3123, and PSYC 1300.

ATEP Expenses
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from their clinical experiences. In addition to general registration fees, a health sciences fee of $11.00 per credit hour is assessed for registration in the following courses: KPED 2353, 3301 3327, 3335, 3345, 4301, and 4327.

Admission to the Athletic Training Education Program
All students are subject to the same admission procedures and standards. Entry into the program is by application and competitive admission only. Applications may be obtained by contacting the Program Director or downloading the application from the athletic training education web page at www.edu/divisions/academic/kped/index2.html. Applications are due in the program office by October 15 for consideration for admission the following spring semester. The athletic training education admissions committee reviews all applications. Applicants will be notified in writing of their status. Students who have not completed prerequisite courses may apply for admission; however, completion of prerequisites is required prior to formal admission into the program. One class is admitted each year. Admission to the ATEP is selective and limited to ensure than an appropriate student to clinical instructor ratio (approximately 8:1) is maintained. Thus, the number of students admitted varies from year to year. Students are advised that their acceptance into this program is not an assumed right. Applicants who believe they have been treated differently from other candidates in admissions decisions are to contact the Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education for information about the appeals process. All appeals begin at the departmental level. Students who are not accepted into the program may reapply the following year. Should a student decide not to reapply for admission, the Program Director will help identify alternative academic programs.

Prerequisites

Students must meet the following minimum prerequisites for admission to the ATEP:

1. Completion of a minimum of thirty credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale;
2. Completion of all KPED courses with a grade of C or better;
   
3. Completion of professional courses (H ED 2201, KPED/H ED 1320,  KPED 2381, and PSYC 1300) with a grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale;
4. Completion of BIOL 1400 or 1440, WRTG 1310 or HONC 1310, WRTG 1320 or HONC 1320, MATH 1390 or higher, with a grade of C or better;
5. Completion of KPED 1350 with a B or better as well as the following course requirements: (a) successful completion of a performance assessment on two basic injury evaluations, (b) completion of 100 hours of clinical observation, and (c) completion of the Technical Standards Form;
6. Completion of the ATEP application;
7. Submission of official transcripts of all college course work completed to date; and 
8. Completion of a formal interview with the athletic training education admissions committee.

Technical standards establish essential qualities considered necessary for students to achieve knowledge, skill, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as, meet the expectations of athletic training education’s accrediting agency, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Candidates for selection must demonstrate

1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
3. 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.
4. The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
5. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
6. The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
7. The flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
8. The affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Transfer Students
Transfer students are encouraged to visit the campus and meet with the Program Director.
Prerequisite course work with the exception of KPED 1350 Introduction to Athletic Training may be completed at another regionally accredited college, university, or community college. Courses taken elsewhere must be equivalent to UCA courses. Prior to admission, trasfer students with no previous coursework at UCA must also extablish a 2.5 GPA in a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours. The Athletic Training Education Program reserves the right to determine appropriateness of transfer work. All college course work must be submitted. Transfer students must meet the same academic, clinical and technical admission standards as all other students seeking admission into the program.

For more detailed information (e.g., admissions/technical standards, transfer credit, etc.) contact Ellen Epping, Director of the Athletic Training Education Program by mail at, PO Box 4991, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR 72035; through e-mail at EEpping@mail.uca.edu; or by phone at (501) 450-3148 or (501) 450-5112

 Program Progression
Upon my acceptance into the athletic training professional program, students are to present to the Program Director

1. The first and second of the series of three hepatitis B vaccinations (the third of the series may be completed prior to the   start of the fall semester);
2. Documentation of a physical examination performed by an appropriate health care professional;
3. Documentation of American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR certification valid through the school year; and
4. TB skin test results.

Students must present written documentation each August of the following:

1. Current American Heart Association CPR course certification or American Red Cross CPR course certification valid through the school year; and
2. TB skin test results.

Retention
To remain in good standing in the program, students must:

1. Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale;
2. Maintain a professional grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale;
3. Maintain a grade of B or better in KPED 2353, 3301, 3327, 4301, and 4327;
4. Maintain a grade of C or better in all KPED and related course work;
5. Meet the minimum grade requirements in the following athletic training core course work: KPED 2353, 3301, 3327, 3335, 3345, 3351, 3354, 4301, 4315, 4325, 4327 and 4330 (a student failing to meet the minimum grade requirements in these courses will not be allowed to continue into more advanced athletic training core courses until the minimum grade requirement is met);
6. Earn a passing score on a developmental portfolio; and
7. Earn a passing score on a showcase portfolio.

The current editions of the UCA Student Handbook, Athletic Training Education Program Student Handbook and Athletic Training Room Policies and Procedures Manual specify the rules, regulations and policies that apply to all UCA undergraduate athletic training students. It is the responsibility of the student to know and follow the most recent policies, procedures and guidelines. Additionally, athletic training students should observe the fundamentals rules of ethical conduct as described in the NATA Code of Ethics for practicing athletic trainers.