Kinesiology

The Athletic Training Major*

The Athletic Training Education Program exists to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be both competent and confident in all aspects of the care and management of the physically active individual. The curriculum has been designed to incorporate both didactic and clinical experiences that provide opportunities for students to master the competencies of an entry-level Athletic Trainer. The clinical experiences involve a variety of settings both on and off campus.

In July 2001 the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) at VUSC was awarded accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation for Athletic Training Education Programs was transferred from CAAHEP to the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) during the summer of 2006.  VU's ATEP underwent a comprehensive self-study and site visit during the 2005-2006 academic year.  The program was reviewed during the spring of 2006 and achieved initial accreditation from CAATE in July 2006.

ATEP Mission Statement

The Athletic Training Education Program exists to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be both competent and confident in all aspects of the care and management of the injured athlete.  Throughout the education and clinical experiences, an emphasis is placed on the student's development of an attitude of Christ-like servanthood.

Objectives

1. Equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences for successful entry into the field of athletic training.
2. Provide students with a systematic progression of skills built on a solid academic foundation.
3. Develop professionals who will impact their world for Christ.
4. Provide students with the necessary skills to become leaders in the profession of athletic training.
5. Develop students who will represent the field of athletic training well through their professionalism and adherence to the NATA Code of Ethics.
6. Provide learning experiences in a variety of allied health and athletic training settings including general medicine, orthopedics, rehabilitation clinics, community colleges, and high schools.
7. Provide a personalized learning environment through mentor programs, small faculty to student ratios, and one-on-one ATC to student supervision during the athletic training student's senior year.

Admissions Process

The admission process for entrance into the ATEP is competitive and a limited number of students will be accepted each year. Students need to apply during the spring semester for entrance into the program the following fall. The admissions process is based on a point system. Acceptance will be based on the following criteria:

1. Completion of ATEP application.
2. Three letters of recommendation.
3. Submission of personal essay.
4. Cumulative Course grade point average of 2.75 GPA and major course grade point average of 3.0.
5. Prerequisite/concurrent enrollment in: Human Anatomy (lab course), Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries, Introduction to Athletic Training Practicum, and Responding to Emergencies.
6. Prior athletic training experience.
7. Verification of vaccinations including: HBV vaccine or declination, MMR immunity, Varicella immunity, DPT, Tetanus (current within 10 years; booster required if recent injury). 
8. Physical examination (current within one year).
9. Personal interview with ATEP Admissions Committee.
10. Verification of ability to meet Technical Standards.  Candidates for selection to the ATEP will be required to verify that they understand and meet the Technical Standards for ATEP or that they believe that, with certain accomodations, they can meet the standards.
11. Proof of current First Aid and Professional  Rescuer CPR Certification. 

The application form can be obtained from the Athletic Training Program Director and/or the secretary for the Kinesiology Department. The application and all materials must be turned into the Program Director by April 1 for consideration for the following academic year.

Transfer students need to meet the same admission criteria as entering freshmen. Transfer students should plan on completing the program in three years regardless of their academic status upon admission to the program. Those students pursuing a double major should plan on completing the curriculum in five years.

Prerequisites for Applying into the ATEP

1.  The student must be accepted into Vanguard University.
2.  The student must be able to make the following time commitments towards his/her clinical experience requirements:

Freshman Year       5 hours/week   (75 hours during spring semester)
Sophomore Year  10 hours/week   (300 hours during the year)
Junior Year          15 hours/week   (450 hours during the year)
Senior Year         20 hours/week   (300-450 hours during the season)

Appeal Procedure

The candidate may appeal the admission decision made by the ATEP Admissions Committee.  THe appeal is made to the Program Director, who will review the candidate's materials and make a decision.  If the student is not satisfied, the student may then appeal to the Provost.  The Provost can then make a recommendation to the Program Director; however, the Program Director has the final authority as to the outcome.

Policies Regarding Criteria for Progression and Completion of Program

1. Each student must maintain a cumulative 2.75 grade point average in all coursework and a 3.00 grade point average within the Athletic Training Major.
2. Each student must complete and pass each didactic and practicum course to complete the program..
3. Each student must attend all scheduled ATEP meetings.
4. Each student must attend the mandatory ATEP Educational Seminars provided throughout the year.
5. A student whose grade point average drops below a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 in all courses and/or drops below an athletic training major course grade point average of 3.00 will be placed on academic probation the following semester.  If the student's grade point average does not meet the requirements during the probation semester, the student may be dropped from the program. 

This program was developed to meet the accreditation standards of the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Completion of this program will enable the student to sit for the NATA BOC exam and to pursue graduate school in sports science. This program combines both academic and clinical courses into its unique curriculum. Five new practicum courses were developed to provide the student with hands-on experience under direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. They are progressive in nature and include all of the clinical proficiencies necessary for the student to be successful in the field of athletic training.

* This information is provided for ease of use, however it is not the official record. See the academic catalog for official course descriptions and requirements.