ADMISSION INTO ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM

Prospective Athletic Training  (PAT) Portion

OSU’s Athletic Training education program has a competitive two level admission procedure and strict requirements to progress through the program.  All interested students must first apply and be admitted to both the university and to the “Prospective Athletic Training Student” phase of the ATEP.  Candidates must complete an application form, supply three letters of reference and high school or transfer transcripts demonstrating a GPA of 3.0 or better.  To be considered for Fall admission (suggested entrance date) into the PATS portion, the completed application must be received by the Program Director no later than April 15^th.  Applications received between April 15 and November 1^st will be considered for Spring admission to the PATS portion.  Due to the clinical supervision requirements and the OSU ATEP’s desire to produce a quality experience for students, a limited number of candidates will be accepted into the PATS experience each semester.   Those accepted are known as a “Prospective Athletic Training Student” (PATS).  Students meeting the requirements but not accepted into the Fall semester PATS will be given first consideration for Spring admission for the PATS portion  (Spring applicants will be considered for the following Fall admission for the PATS portion).  Once admitted into the PATS portion, students are expected to make a willing effort to show a true interest in the profession by time spent in observation during Athletic Training clinical operation hours and various team functions (detailed information is provided during the first HHP 1713 class meeting).  During this time, students will be monitored via clinical evaluations on, but not limited to, professional appearance and conduct, satisfactory completion of clinical skills, attitude, desire, dependability, and performance. Due to legal precendant, this observation period is considered voluntary and students will be limited in actions performed.  For the benefit of the student, he/she should become familiar with all Athletic Training staff members and students as well as the policies and procedures expected in the Athletic Training Clinical settings.   In combination with the clinical observation, students are required to complete, HHP 2654 Applied Anatomy, HHP 2664 Mechanism and Management of Pathology (formerly HHP 2663 Prevention and Care of Injury) , HHP 2733 Procedure in Athletic Training and HHP 1713 Introduction to Athletic Training (with a “B” or better) during his/her freshman or first year at OSU.  Additionally, throughout the PATS experience students should take advantage of opportunities (meetings, organizations, activities, conferences, etc) to become more familiar with the OSU ATEP and the Athletic Training Profession. 

Formal ATEP Portion

At the completion of the PATS experience, any individual wishing to pursue formal admission into the ATEP and meets the requirements (in good standing with the university, in compliance with the grade point criteria, satisfactorily completed the clinical experience, required paperwork, and the specified course work) must submit a formal letter of application to the program by April 15 of his/her prospective year.  Towards the end of the Spring semester all qualified PATS will participate in a formal interview with members of the Athletic Training faculty and staff.  Final selection for admission into the formal ATEP is determined by objective evaluation of all documentation including previous evaluation forms and each semester cumulative grades and scores from the formal interview.  Students are provided a copy of the Master Form, as well as, detailed description in their introductory HHP 1713 class meetings. Students are admitted each year as determined by their score from the Master Form and the number of available clinical slots.  The Athletic Training Education Program selection committee will retain the right to consider mitigating circumstances relative to the above requirements and those listed in the application packet and may waive one or more of these requirements for admission.  Students will be notified of their acceptance/rejection one week after final grades (including summer courses) are received from the Office of Registration and Records or as soon as the selection committee has completed the evaluation process. Student’s acceptance is contingent upon the student being in compliance with the curriculum’s policies and procedures, receiving a satisfactory background check, meeting the technical standards, successfully completing the physical assessment (more details in following sections), and obtaining all health related immunizations required of healthcare professionals.  Students not accepted may submit letter of re-application for the following year or change their major.  The options are explained in detail by the Athletic Training Program Director during introductory meetings and again with notification of admission status.  Those not accepted may NOT continue in the Athletic Training practicum classes or progress with Athletic Training core course sequence.  If the student is planning to re-apply to the ATEP they are strongly encouraged to work on general requirements or electives until he/she is accepted.  If a student elects to change to the HHP pre-professional degree they must complete the application process and follow the prescribed course sequence for that option.

IMPORTANT: Students are encouraged to seek a double major or minor, in case they are NOT admitted into the Athletic Training Education Program. If, after two attempts, students are NOT admitted into the program, they should strongly consider seeking career options other than Athletic Training. These are the same options provided to those students applying to other medical programs (i.e., physical therapy, medical school).

Oklahoma State University does not discriminate based upon age, sex, race, nationality, physical handicap or religious preference. Students are required to physically and mentally be able to perform the tasks necessary to the daily operations of the Athletic Training facilities and duties within the scope of Athletic Training. 

Transfer Students

Students who were previously enrolled at another college or university should obtain and submit application materials no later than April 15 the year before transferring to OSU. During the PATS interviews (Spring semester), these students will be required to complete a formal interview.  In the event a student is unable to travel to campus for an interview, a phone interview will be arranged.  If the transferring student has at least 150 hours of previous experience under a Certified Athletic Trainer and meets all other requirements, the Prospective Athletic Training phase MAY be waived and the student could be accepted into the formal three-year curriculum on a probationary status.  Such a student would still be responsible for demonstrating competence on all entry-level skills. Each student must successfully complete an entry-level examination before they will be allowed to start any clinical experience.  In addition, this student must work with the Athletic Training Education Program faculty to ensure that he/she has the skills and information necessary to successfully enter the program. If at the end of the first semester the student has met all the requirements, the probationary status will be dropped. However, if the student does not meet the entrance requirements or if the faculty and/or student does not feel comfortable with the placement, the student will be required to complete the Prospective Athletic Training period in it’s entirety.  Transfer students are required to follow the prescribed course sequence as set forth by the Athletic Training curriculum.  This may require students to supplement the course hours required to maintain full time status with elective hours. All transfer students (as well as all ATEP students) are encouraged to pursue a minor or double major to provide for a well rounded education. 

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION

The Athletic Training Educational Program at Oklahoma State University is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program.  An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity.  The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Educational Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to the program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level certified athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the programs’ accrediting agency.  The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the ATEP.  In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program.  Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the OSU ATEP or BOC certification exam.

Candidates for selection to the ATEP must demonstrate:

1)       The mental capacity 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.

2)       Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.

3)       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.

4)       The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.

5)       The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.

6)       The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the Athletic Training education program as outlined and sequenced.

7)       Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situation and uncertainty in clinical situations.

8)       Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Copies of the Technical Standard form for review and signature can be found in the Student Forms section of the Handbook and on the OSU ATEP Website.  *These Technical Standard are adopted from the NATA Education Council.

PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES ASSESSMENT

All Athletic Training students must complete a health history form prior to beginning any clinical rotation.  Once this form is completed, the Athletic Training student will undergo a complete health evaluation by a sponsoring team physician.  If the physician identifies a student as having actual or potential mental or psychological difficulties in meeting the standards established by the program, the student will have access to a health care providers to determine the implication of such difficulties and completing the program.  Additional components of the health evaluation will include immunization, prior injuries and current existing conditions.  All records will be kept confidential.  One copy will be kept on file at the student health center and an additional copy will be kept in the student’s file in the program director’s locked office.

In addition to having access to the team physician each weekday morning during sick call, Athletic Training students can access the OSU Student Health Center.  Form more information on the Health Center see the university Catalog or website. 

*NOTE – Physical capability and health history forms will be provided to all students admitted into the formal portion of the ATEP.

Transfer Policy

Students who were previously enrolled at another college or university should obtain and submit application materials no later than April 15 the year before transferring to OSU. During the PATS interviews (Spring semester), these students will be required to complete a formal interview.  In the event a student is unable to travel to campus for an interview, a phone interview will be arranged.  If the transferring student has at least 150 hours of previous experience under a Certified Athletic Trainer and meets all other requirements, the Prospective Athletic Training phase MAY be waived and the student could be accepted into the formal three-year curriculum on a probationary status.  Such a student would still be responsible for demonstrating competence on all entry-level skills. Each student must successfully complete an entry-level examination before they will be allowed to start any clinical experience.  In addition, this student must work with the Athletic Training Education Program faculty to ensure that he/she has the skills and information necessary to successfully enter the program. If at the end of the first semester the student has met all the requirements, the probationary status will be dropped. However, if the student does not meet the entrance requirements or if the faculty and/or student does not feel comfortable with the placement, the student will be required to complete the Prospective Athletic Training period in it’s entirety.  Transfer students are required to follow the prescribed course sequence as set forth by the Athletic Training curriculum.  This may require students to supplement the hours required to maintain full time status with elective hours. All transfer students (as well as all ATEP students) are encouraged to pursue a minor or double major to provide for a well rounded education. 

Retention Policy

The OSU ATEP is a four year progressive curriculum.  Each Athletic Training student MUST follow the curricula sequence found on the next page (check website for most current information).  This sequence is based on the idea of learning over time and technical skill acquisition to clinical competency.  To help ensure these concepts, students must receive a “B” or better in all Athletic Training core classes, successfully complete all competencies (85% or higher), acquire sufficient clinical experience (minimum 250 per semester), and demonstrate clinical mastery of specific competencies and proficiencies before they will be allowed to progress to the next level within the program. Should a student’s sequence be interrupted for any reason, that individual must meet with the Athletic Training Education Program faculty to determine the course of action. This decision will be on an individual basis, taking the situation and circumstances into consideration.  See Curriculum GPA Criteria in Student Form Section.

Non-Discriminatory Process

Oklahoma State University does not discriminate based upon age, sex, race, nationality, physical handicap or religious preference. Students are required to physically and mentally be able to perform the tasks necessary to the daily operations of the Athletic Training facilities and duties within the scope of Athletic Training. 

Tuition and Fees

Link to Office of Bursar "Tuition and Fees"