304 White Hall
E-mail: oss@kent.edu
Tel: 330-672-2862
Fax: 330-672-3549
Web: http://www.ehhs.kent.edu
Athletic Training Major (B.S.)—2009-2010 Roadmap [Degree Requirements] |
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The two-phased athletic training education program focuses on physical evaluation, emergency management, rehabilitation and care, and prevention of injuries. During the preprofessional phase students complete 150 observation hours in the athletic training room, where they are exposed to the academic and clinical requirements of athletic training. Upon completion of the preprofessional phase, qualified students apply for formal acceptance into the major or professional phase, where they spend 2.5 to 3 years applying academic knowledge and clinical application of athletic training skills in a variety of clinical settings, such as intercollegiate athletics, sports medicine clinics, orthopedic offices and EMS services.Upon completing the program, students qualify to sit for the national Board of Certification examination.The CAATE -accredited program has a selective admission policy.
The Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training consists of preprofessional and professional components. In the preprofessional phase, the student completes a directed observation year. The professional phase begins after formal admission into the athletic training education program and includes clinical courses and clinical educational experiences under the direct supervision of a certified athletic
trainer.
Advancement into the professional phase of the athletic training program is selective and is limited. Limited admission will ensure that an appropriate student to clinical instructor ratio (approximately 8:1) is maintained.
After completion of the preprofessional directed observation requirement (normally done within the first two or three semesters of full-time study), formal application to the professional phase of the program is made. Advancement to the professional program is controlled through the first practicum course (ATTR 15092). In order to be eligible for this course, students must: complete 30 credit hours; make formal application to the professional phase of the program; provide three professional letters of reference; complete 150 hours of directed observation experiences under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer; have a minimum 2.50 GPA; secure first aid and CPR certification; successfully complete ATTR 15011, which includes an oral and written exam; secure staff evaluations and complete a self-administered evaluation; and complete an interview with the professional athletic training staff. After these requirements have been fulfilled, students may be selected for advancement into the professional phase of the program based upon their competitive rank using their GPA (15 percent), evaluation scores (40 percent), interview scores (20 percent) and ATTR 15011 written (10 percent) and oral (15 percent) practical exam scores. Those selected may enroll in ATTR 15092 during the following semester.
Students who are not accepted into the professional phase may reapply the following year by completing another preprofessional year. Due to the extensive clinical component associated with this program, students may reapply only once. Students who are not selected for the professional phase of this program will work with the program coordinator to identify alternate academic programs to pursue.
Students who have transferred to Kent State University must complete a directed observation period at Kent State prior to advancement into the professional phase of the program. Prompt commencement of the directed observation period is necessary as it will take a minimum of five semesters at Kent State to complete the clinical courses and experiences in the professional phase.
Clinical Experience
Once accepted into the professional athletic training education program, students will begin the formal clinical education courses. Directed clinical experiences and supervised field experiences also are required. Although most of these experiences will be at the university, off-campus high school and clinical sites also are required. These experiences will total 1,000 hours minimally and 1,200 hours maximally, partially accrued through clinical courses including practicum and internship, in no less than five semesters and no more than six semesters. Although the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Athletic Trainers Board requires minimally 800 hours for licensure, completion of 1,000 clinical hours minimally is required for graduation from Kent State.
Students interested in this area of study will be advised by the athletic training program coordinator and should contact the program coordinator promptly to discuss the specific entrance, selection, health, technical standards and retention criteria in greater detail.