Admission Standards
A student may declare a major in Athletic Training (Level I/ pre-professional) upon enrollment in the university. However, Athletic Training majors will not be allowed to enroll in 300 and 400 level (professional) athletic training courses until they have been formally accepted into Level II (professional) of the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP). Formal admission into Level II of the ATEP is competitive. The number of students admitted into the program will be determined by the number of clinical instructors available, program attrition, and the number of qualified applicants. Since there may be more qualified applicants than there are available spaces in the program, meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission into the program.
Students applying for admission must submit application materials by November 15 to the Director of the ATEP. Those who are denied admission to Level II of the ATEP may re-submit their application materials upon successful completion of all admission requirements.
Admission into Level II of the ATEP is based upon a comprehensive screening process that includes the following:
- Submission of a completed ATEP Application Packet.
- Completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework including HCMT 111, PEES 175, PEES 210, and PEES 221.Applicants must successfully complete and submit all required competency/proficiency evaluations associated with PEES 221.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- 25 hours of observation under the direct supervision of the Lander University Athletic Training Staff.
- Current CPR/AED for the professional rescuer certification. Athletic Training Students are required to maintain certification throughout their tenure in the ATEP.
- Proof of professional liability insurance coverage. Athletic Training Students are required to maintain their insurance policy throughout their tenure in the ATEP.
- Completion of a medical history and medical exam.
- Applicants must have completed or be in current process of completing the hepatitis B vaccination series, or he/she must sign the hepatitis B vaccination declination form.
- Successful interview with the ATEP screening committee.
Failure to maintain the above standards throughout the student's enrollment in the program will result in probation or suspension from the program.
Technical Standards
Lander University's rigorous and intense ATEP places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled. The program is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of employment settings and for rendering care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the ATEP establish the essential qualities necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency.
Accordingly, the following abilities and expectations must be met by all students prior to being admitted to the ATEP. Compliance with the program’s technical standards, however, does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the BOC certification exam.
Candidates for admission to Level II of the ATEP must demonstrate:
- The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments, and to distinguish deviations from the norm; sufficient postural and neuromuscular examinations using accepted techniques and accurately, safely and efficiently to 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 ATEP as outlined and sequenced;
- The flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations; and
- Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that positively relate to professional education and quality patient care.
Application and Documentation
ATEP Application Packet
Athletic Training Student Handbook