Major in Athletic Training

The program of study in Athletic Training is designed for students who are interested in a career in allied health care specializing in injury and illness of the physically active population. Athletic trainers function as integral members of the health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports organizations, industrial settings, military, occupational health, performing arts, public safety, and other health care settings. The athletic trainer specializes in evidence based practice, prevention and health promotion, clinical examination and diagnosis, acute care of injury and illness, therapeutic interventions, psychosocial strategies and referral, health care administration, and professional development and responsibility. 

The Athletic Training Program (ATP) is designed to provide an effective blend of ­theoretical and practical learning experiences in athletic training by incorporating extensive academic and clinical education experiences. The ATP is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Successful completion of the Athletic Training Program prepares an individual as a candidate for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of ­Certification examination.

The goals of the ATP are first and foremost to provide students with a quality, well-rounded education. Second, the ATP seeks to provide the necessary competencies and proficiencies in a formalized multidimensional academic and clinical setting for students to be successful in the field of athletic training. Last, the ATP provides opportunities for students to participate in professional development opportunities (i.e. research endeavors, community service, and attending conferences) that will instill a sense of active participation in their communities and chosen profession.

The ATP is a capped major with a limited enrollment. As such, admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the program.

Screening Process for the Accredited Athletic Training Program

Students desiring to major in Athletic Training are admitted to the Pre-Athletic Training Program. Students seeking admission into the Athletic Training major are required to have completed the following courses:

Prospective students must submit the following materials at the end of each spring term (all materials are provided during KNES 291) as part of the screening process: completed student data sheet, signed confidentiality agreement, signed criminal background check form, signed technical standards verifying that, with appropriate accommodation, they meet the technical standards for an entry-level athletic trainer, verification of health status form (signed by the applicant’s health care provider), completed observation hours, 2 letters of recommendation, essay and completed clinical skills worksheet. 

Transfer Students

Transfer students must submit a copy of an official transcript to show completion of equivalent course work at their previous institutions. Students transferring to the ATP need to provide documentation they have satisfied the competencies and proficiencies addressed in KNES 291. Students need to provide verification they have satisfied these required skills at the sending institution through the Towson University ATP program coordinator or clinical coordinator. If verification is not available, the student will meet with the coordinator of the ATP and work through the checklist. If the student has not been exposed to, and evaluated in, these proficiencies, the student will need to complete KNES 291 at Towson University.

The Pre-AT student will make formal application, which includes all of the materials stated below, to the coordinator of the ATP no later than the second Friday in May: official transcripts, data sheet, confidentiality agreement, signed criminal background check form, signed technical standards, verification of health status form, directed observation hours, two letters of recommendation, essay and clinical skills worksheet. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the ATP program coordinator to receive a copy of the aforementioned forms. 

Evaluative Criteria

Seven criteria are evaluated as part of the admission process in accepting students into the ATP:

1. Overall GPA – Students must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 in their college courses to be able to apply to the ATP.
2. Prerequisite Courses GPA – Five classes are used to calculate the prerequisite courses GPA:

   Course List

   Code	Title	Units
   KNES 291	INTRODUCTION TO ATHLETIC TRAINING	3
   KNES 235	PHYSICAL WELLNESS FOR A HEALTHY AMERICA	3
   BIOL 191 & 191L	INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS [LECTURE] and INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS [LAB]	4
   HLTH 103	EMC, FIRST AID AND SAFETY	3
   PSYC 101	INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY	3

3. Observation Hours – Students are assigned by the ATP coordinator or clinical ­coordinator of education to a variety of clinical settings at Towson University, which include athletic training facilities, practices, and competitive events, to gain valuable observation hours. This occurs during KNES 291.
4. Clinical Skills Worksheet – Students are expected to complete the clinical skills worksheet during the Spring semester.  Skills should be completed during observation hours and open labs which are all scheduled as part of KNES 291. The worksheet will consist of skills that each student should be proficient in performing (i.e., making an ice bag, taping an ankle, identifying the steps of an Emergency Action Plan, assessing blood pressure).
5. Letters of Recommendation – Students seeking admission into the ATP will be asked to secure two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to their personality, academic success, intellectual abilities and clinical abilities.  
6. Essay – Applicants will submit a one-page essay explaining their reasons for pursuing the major in Athletic Training. 
7. Interview – Candidates seeking admission to the ATP are given a formal interview conducted by the Athletic Training Admission Committee. The interview occurs before finals week of the Spring semester and scheduling will take place during KNES 291.  At the interview, students will submit observation hours, clinical skills worksheet, letters of recommendation, and the essay.

In addition to the evaluation criteria, the following forms  be completed and turned in to the program coordinator prior to beginning clinical hours (forms are provided to Pre-Athletic Training Students at the beginning of KNES 291):

1. student data sheet
2. confidentiality agreement
3. criminal background check
4. acceptance of ­technical standards and
5. verification of health status form.

Acceptance into the program is based upon the stated criteria and the number of available ­openings in the program. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Offers of admission into the ATP are presented on a competitive basis to those ­individuals who are most qualified. Students must apply for admission to the program by the second Friday of May in the spring term which is signified by signing up for the interview. Candidates will be notified of acceptance/rejection in the first week of June.

Appeal Procedures

Students who are not admitted into the program can re-apply three times, but it will still take six terms to complete the required class and clinical workload. If the student does not maintain an overall GPA of 2.75, a C or better in all didactic athletic training courses, and a grade of satisfactory in all clinical courses, the student will be placed on probation for one year. If the student does not rectify the stated deficiency within the one-year period the student will be dropped from the program.

For more detailed information regarding the ATP at Towson University please refer to the Athletic Training section at https://www.towson.edu/chp/departments/kinesiology/undergrad/athletictraining/.

Program Requirements

The requirements for the major in Athletic Training include 25–26 units of lower-level courses and 56 units of KNES courses. The specific requirements for the major in Athletic Training are as follows:

Suggested Four-Year Plan

Based on course availability and student needs and preferences, the selected sequences will probably vary from those presented below. Students should consult with their adviser to make the most appropriate elective choices.

1.  Demonstrate professional behaviors, clinical skills, critical thinking and decision-making, capabilities that allow for the effective implementation of athletic training care.
2.  Use effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills in working with physically active individuals and sports medicine team personnel from varying ethnic, socioeconomic, religious affiliations in providing athletic training care.
3.  Demonstrate appropriate cognitive knowledge that allows for effective implementation of athletic training care. This cognitive knowledge includes acute care of injury and illness, assessment and evaluation of injuries, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise, medical documentation and general medical conditions.