Athletic Training

Athletic Training

The athletic training major prepares those desiring to become certified athletic trainers (ATC). Graceland University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), 2201 Double Creek Drive, Suite 5006, Round Rock, TX 78664 (512) 733-9700.

The Undergraduate Program
In order to be eligible for the athletic training major, students must first be admitted to Graceland University, and be in good standing. Students usually spend the first two to four semesters completing general education and required supporting courses. Applications for admission should be completed the semester prior to desired start of the program (see Admission to the Major below). The professional portion of the program (major) may be completed in five semesters, but may be completed in as few as four semesters if all prerequisites and general education are complete upon admission; students are expected to complete the professional portion within six semesters. Students may have to extend the program to fit their educational and extra-curricular goals.

Observation Hours

Students interested in the athletic training major are encouraged to observe in the athletic training room at Graceland University. Before observing, students need to contact the head or assistant athletic trainer and set-up a time to complete the observation student in-service.

Admission to the Major
Admission to the athletic training major is competitive. Students attending Graceland University at least one year prior to application for admission are given priority points in the application process. Admission is based on completion of and overall rank in the following areas:

1. Completion of Athletic Training Major Application. (October 15 for Spring admission, March 15 for Fall admission.)
2. Academic Requirements.
   1. Completion of at least 48 semester hours, prior to beginning the program*.
   2. Minimum of 2.50 cumulative GPA on all previous college work.
   3. Completion of all athletic training requisites and required supporting courses*.
   4. Minimum of “C’ in each athletic training prerequisite and required supporting course, with a minimum 2.75 cumulative “core” GPA.
3. Two letters of reference.
4. Signed statements of understanding and proven ability to meet “additional requirements.”

Transfer students wishing to be admitted to the athletic training major need to follow the procedures for admission above. Transfer students may complete general education requirements and possibly the required supporting course requirements at other accredited institutions of higher education. (See Graceland University's policies on transfer students and credits.) In addition, to ensure program quality and integrity, classes that encompass clinical proficiencies (e.g., ATHT2400, ATHT3100, and classes limited to athletic training majors) may be transferred only if the student demonstrates competence in all areas for a particular class. The curriculum director will be the final authority on demonstrated competence.

*Students who apply while finishing academic requirements (2a and 2c above) may be admitted provisionally for one semester. Final admission is contingent upon successful completion of the requirements.

Retention
The following standards are required for each student for retention/continuation in the athletic training major:

1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 and core GPA of 2.75. Those students who fall below 2.50 cumulative and/or 2.75 core will be required to meet with the athletic training administrator and devise a personal academic success plan. (The athletic training administrator may immediately dismiss a student from the program if the cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 or the core falls below 2.50.)
2. Earn a minimum grade of “C” in each required athletic training course, with a minimum 2.75 cumulative “core” GPA. Required courses may be repeated one time, after which the student is subject to dismissal from the major.
3. Successful completion of each internship experience.
4. Continued ability to meet additional requirements.

Additional Requirements
(Specific information about these items may be obtained from the athletic training administrator.)

1. Technical standards
2. Physical exam and immunizations
3. Scheduling and time commitment
4. Housing and transportation
5. New coursework
6. Possible additional expenses (e.g., uniforms, immunizations)