[1] Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training

[1.1] The Athletic Training Profession

Athletic training is one of the nation's emerging allied health care fields and is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA). An athletic trainer is educated and experienced in the prevention, treatment and management of the health care needs of physically active individuals. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health care personnel, the athletic trainer functions as an integral member of the health care team in professional, collegiate, high school, and clinical settings.

[1.2] The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP)

The ATEP faculty is committed to providing students 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 and are eligible to sit for National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification (NATABOC) examination.

[1.3] Program Accreditation

The University of Central Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) as a bachelor's, master's, specialist's, and doctoral degree granting institution and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The master's and baccalaureate degrees in business administration are accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accredits the teacher education program at the initial teacher preparation level and advanced levels.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredits the Child Study Center.

The baccalaureate degree program in athletic training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

The graduate dietetics internship program and the undergraduate didactic program in dietetics are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. The baccalaurate program in interior design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. The master's and baccalaureate programs in nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The master's degree program in occupational therapy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. The physical therapist education program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The doctoral program in school psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association, and the master's program in school psychology is accredited by the National Association of School Psychology. The master's degree program in speech-language pathology is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

The following baccalaureate programs are accredited in affiliated professional education programs: medical technology (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences), radiography (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology), and nuclear medicine technology (Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology).

The University of Central Arkansas is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (programs: Art, Studio Art, and Interior Design), the National Association of Schools of Music (program: Music), and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (program: Theatre).

The baccalaureate degree in chemistry is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society.

Documentation of accreditation status is available in the President's Office.

Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and membership in the North Central Association may be verified by contacting the Commission:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504 ,Telephone: (312) 263-0456 or (800) 621-7440 (voice); (312) 263-7462 (fax)
Web: http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/

[1.4] 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.

[1.5] 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.

[1.6] 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.

[1.6.1] Prerequisites

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

Completion of a minimum of thirty credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale;
Completion of all KPED courses with a grade of C or better;
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;
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;
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;
Completion of the ATEP application;
Submission of official transcripts of all college course work completed to date; and
Completion of a formal interview with the athletic training education admissions committee.

[1.6.2] Technical Standards for Admission

Technical standards establish essential qualities considered necessary for students to achieve knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of athletic training education's accrediting agency, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. For selection, an applicant must demonstrate;

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.
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.
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.
The flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
The affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, the student will not be admitted into the program.

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, transfer students with no previous coursework at UCA must also establish 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.

[1.7] Program Progression

Upon acceptance into the athletic training education program, students are to present to the Program Director:

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);
Documentation of a physical examination performed by an appropriate health care professional;
Documentation of American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR certification valid through the school year; and
TB skin test results.

Students must present written documentation each August of the following:

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

Failure to present this documentation to the Program Director will result in administrative withdrawal from the program.

[1.8] Retention in the Athletic Training Education Program

To remain in good standing in the program, students must

Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale;
Maintain a professional grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale;
Maintain a grade of B or better in KPED 2353, 3301, 3327, 4301, and 4327;
Maintain a grade of C or better in all KPED and related course work;
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);
Earn a passing score on a developmental portfolio; and
Earn a passing score on a showcase portfolio.

Failure to meet the retention requirements will place the student on probationary status for a maximum of two semesters. If the requirements are not met at the conclusion of the probationary period, the student will be withdrawn from the program and will need to reapply for admission into the ATEP. A detailed list of retention requirements and explanation of the probationary period is available in the current edition of the Athletic Training Education Program Student Handbook.

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 fundamental rules of ethical conduct as described in The NATA Code of Ethics for practicing athletic trainers.

[2] Courses in Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPED)

Follow this link to KPED course descriptions: course link.