Athletic Training, B.S.

Clinical Experience

All students in the athletic training education program are required to complete four semesters of clinical experience in CCSU's athletic training facility, one pre-season experience at CCSU that typically runs from early August to the first day of classes, and a fifth semester in an off-campus affiliation. The BOC and CAATE require a minimum of two years (four semesters) of clinical rotation, which will be under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Emphasis is placed on mastery of the educational competencies over the five semesters of clinical experience.

Applying for Admission into the Athletic Training Education Program Undergraduate applicants seeking admission to the athletic training education program are required to submit a file of materials for review by the Department of Physical Education and Human Performance. The applicant's completed file should be submitted prior to September 21 for fall candidates and February 21 (second semester sophomore year) for spring candidates. Applications for admission may be obtained in the Department of Physical Education and Human Performance, Kaiser Hall, Room 0180.

Requirements for Admission

The following are departmental requirements for admission to the athletic training education program. Acceptance into the professional program should be completed by the second semester sophomore year. Students not meeting this deadline must meet with the program director to continue in the professional program.

• Completion of application to the professional program for athletic training;
• Successful completion of 200 observation hours in the clinical aspect of athletic training at CCSU;
• Completion of 45 credits of academic work at CCSU as an athletic training major;
• Successful completion of EXS 112, EXS 213, and EXS 217 (at CCSU), with a grade of C- or better in all courses;
• Successful completion of BMS 380, or EMT-B certification;
• University GPA of 2.50;
• Departmental GPA of 2.50;
• Two letters of recommendation (from persons who can best assess the candidate's potential);
• The presentation of an essay demonstrating command of the English language, citing reasons for wanting to enroll in the program, and emphasizing experiences related to athletic training (500-750 words); and
• An interview with the personnel committee of the Department of Physical Education and Human Performance, including at least one clinical supervisor.

Technical Standards for Admission

The technical standards set forth by the athletic training educational program establish the essential qualities considered 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, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). All students admitted to the professional program in athletic training must meet the expectations and display the abilities outlined below. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, the student will not be admitted into the program. Further, compliance with the program's technical standards does not guarantee a student's eligibility for the BOC certification exam.

Candidates for admission to the professional program in athletic training at CCSU must show:

• Demonstrated ability to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments, and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm;
• Evidence of sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and the demonstrated ability to accurately, safely, and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients;
• Demonstrated 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, ability to maintain a professional demeanor, 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;
• Demonstrated ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately;
• Demonstrated ability to maintain composure and continue to function effectively during periods of high stress;
• Perseverance, diligence, and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced;
• Demonstration of flexibility and ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations; and
• Demonstrated ability to perform the affective skills that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for admission to the professional program in athletic training will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.

A student who believes that they have a disability that may impact admission to or successful completion of this program should contact the Student Disability Services in Copernicus, Room 241, 860-832-1900, TTY 860-832-1954. Student Disability Services will evaluate the student's documentation to determine if the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws and so notify the program director of the athletic training education program and the chair of the Department of Physical Education and Human Performance.

If a student with a qualified disability states he/she can meet the technical standards with accommodation, then the student and appropriate University personnel will discuss what accommodation(s) may be effective and whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account clinician/patient safety, and whether the requested accommodations would fundamentally alter the nature of the program, including academic standards.

Retention Policy

Once admitted to the professional program, the following requirements must be maintained in order to remain in "good standing" within the athletic training education program.

• Students must receive a letter grade of C or higher in all professional program courses;
• Students must maintain a University GPA of 2.50;
• Students must maintain a departmental GPA of 2.50;
• Students must successfully demonstrate required clinical skill competencies; and
• Students must have a current state of Connecticut or National Registry EMT-B Certification.

If a candidate drops below the required GPA levels and/or fails to complete the clinical skill competencies, he or she may be denied enrollment to professional program courses, practicum courses, and internship assignments until the GPA or competencies reach the appropriate level.

Transfer Students Policy

 Transfer students must meet the same course requirements and application procedures as CCSU students. Transfer students are required to complete a minimum of 15 credits "in residence" at CCSU prior to applying to the professional program. The 15 credits for transfer students may be in general education and/or within the athletic training education program and must include, at CCSU, EXS 112: Introduction to Athletic Training, and EXS 217: Care and Treatment of Athletic Injuries.

Currently, all requests for transfer into the athletic training education program, either by students from other universities or by CCSU students looking to change majors, are handled on a case-by-case basis. The number of students accepted in this manner depends on the number of openings available in a given year.

For acceptance into the athletic training education program, transfer students must complete a required (minimum) 200 clinical hours.

Note: Revisions to the athletic training education program may occur in order to maintain compliance with national accreditation standards. Students should check with the program director and/or the CCSU athletic training education website regarding the possibility of new requirements. All practicum courses and internship assignments require the student to be in "good standing" in addition to having a current state of Connecticut or National Registry EMT-B Certification.