Athletic Training Concentration:
The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP), a concentration and extended major within the Department of Human Performance and Sport, is designed for the student desiring a career in the allied health care field of athletic training. The objective of the ATEP at Metro State is the professional preparation of athletic training students, qualifying them to sit for the National Athletic Trainers Associate Board of Certification (NATABOC) exam. Upon successful completion of the NATABOC exam, the athletic training graduate may practice as a certified athletic trainer (ATC).
Completion of this program eliminates the need for a minor as it is considered an extended major.
The necessary steps for students wishing to pursue athletic training as a field of study are as follows:
- Contact the ATEP Director for academic advising and declaration of major.
- Enroll in and complete the following courses with a grade of “C” or better:
- BIO 1080 & 1090-General Biology I and Lab (prerequisites for BIO 2310)*HPS 1623-Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries *HPS 2060-Emergency Rescue/First Responder and CPR
- Ideally these courses should be taken during the freshman year.
- Equivalent transfer courses may be considered
Following completion of the above courses, all students, including transfer students must meet specific criteria to continue in the ATEP and begin the remaining six-semester sequence of athletic training corequisite, didactic/clinical courses. The sequence begins each fall. Please note the following:
Students must meet criteria to continue in the Athletic Training Education Program
Six semesters are required to complete the Athletic Training Education Program.
The sequence begins only in the fall semester.
Candidates for continuation, including transfer students, in the ATEP must comply with all program continuation standards. These specific criteria are as follows:
- Indicate a desire to continue in the Athletic Training Education Program by submitting the completed ATEP Continuation Intent Form.
- Have completed BIO 1080 & 1090, HPS 1623, and HPS 2060 with a grade of “C” or better.
- Have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4-point scale, or 3.0 or better in the last 30 credit hours completed.
- Write and submit a brief summary of professional goals and objectives, indicating sincere interest and commitment in athletic training as a profession.
- Obtain and submit three character reference letters. One should be from a college faculty member (Metro State athletic training faculty are excluded).
- Have proof of current immunizations for DPT, MMR, TB, and hepatitis B (or HBV declination).
- Carry individual/personal student athletic trainer malpractice/liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000/$3,000,000.
- Submit a signed statement indicating acknowledgement of the ATEP continuation criteria and policies and procedures.
These materials must be submitted as a packet to the ATEP director no later than March 1st in order to be considered for continuation and beginning the athletic training sequenced courses.
Following submission of these materials, an interview will be scheduled with the athletic training committee.
Students will be notified of their status in the ATEP by April 30th.
Transfer students must meet all of the continuation criteria in order to begin the six-semester sequence of athletic training didactic/clinical corequisite courses.
Following initial continuation and completion of the first semester of the athletic training six-semester sequence, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and major GPA of 2.75. If either GPA falls below the minimum, one of the following will occur:
- The student will be placed on probation and have one semester to bring the GPA(s) up to acceptable levels, while remaining in the course sequence.
- If the student fails to bring the GPA(s) up to acceptable levels after one semester, the student will be suspended from the major until the minimum GPA(s) is/are achieved. Resumption in the ATEP will commence in the appropriate sequential semester.
- If, after two semesters, the student does not bring the GPA(s) to acceptable levels, the student will be dismissed from the ATEP.
- If the GPA(s) is/are raised to the minimum, the dismissal may be appealed.
Third and fourth year athletic training students will be notified of their status by June 1st of each year.
Candidates for continuation in the Athletic Training Education Program also must demonstrate the following ATEP technical standards:
- The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, and integrate concepts and problem-solving 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;
- Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.
Please note the following:
- Students must graduate from a CAAHEP accredited Athletic Training Education Program to be eligible to sit for the NATABOC examination.
- The Metro State Athletic Training Education Program successfully completed CAAHEP accreditation.