Athletic Training, BS

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The undergraduate athletic training education degree program earned initial accreditation in 1997 and continuing accreditation in 2004 and 2012 through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Prior to this, the curriculum had been National Athletic Trainers’ Association approved since 1978. The athletic training curriculum is defined by the current Board of Certification, Inc. Role Delineation Study/ Practice Analysis, which consists of five performance domains to include: (1) Injury/Illness Prevention and Wellness Protection; (2) Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis; (3) Immediate and Emergency Care; (4) Treatment and Rehabilitation; (5) Organizational and Professional Health and Well-Being. The curriculum is structured to provide both academic and clinical instruction. The academic curriculum includes such courses as anatomy, kinesiology, human and exercise physiology, injury evaluation and treatment, and therapeutic modalities and exercise, among others. This course work provides a foundation for the hands-on clinical experiences provided in the clinical education setting. The students’ clinical requirements include direct patient care with athletes and physically active patients and evaluation of skills by preceptors who supervise each student’s clinical experience.  Students rotate through four on-campus athletic training facilities and several off-site affiliated settings during the clinical education component acquiring valuable skills under the direct supervision of certified athletic training staff, team physicians and other allied health professionals. Upon completion of the four-year baccalaureate degree, students are eligible to sit for the BOC, Inc. certification examination. Successful completion of this exam affords the candidate a variety of employment opportunities including athletic training positions at the high school, college, or university level; sports medicine and rehabilitation clinics; and professional athletic teams. Additionally, many students pursue graduate education opportunities in a number of sports medicine-related professions.

Application Procedures

Admission to the Athletic Training Education Program requires successful completion of a minimum of 60 credits and enrollment in ATHLTR 1811  and ATHLTR 1812 . Notification of admission occurs following a personal interview with the athletic training faculty and verification of completion of all prerequisite criteria. The deadline for submission of an application for admission consideration is March 15 annually.

Prerequisites for Admission

1. Completion of the following

A grade of C- or better is required for 1-11.
A grade of B or better is required for 12-13.
46 credits of prerequisite course work
14 additional credits of elective course work required

2. Successful completion of at least 60 credits of course work.

3. EMT certification is required through course for credit or other qualified course leading to the EMT or NREMT credential.

4. Forty-five clinical observation hours under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer at the University of Pittsburgh. These hours are made available to students who are registered for ATHLTR 1812 - BASIC ATHLETIC TRAINING LAB .

5. Twenty clinical observation hours outside the University of Pittsburgh and under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer at a high school facility.

6. Completion of admissions application including Technical Standards for admission.
   The Athletic Training Education Program at the University of Pittsburgh 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 Education 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 (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]).
   
   The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program.
   
   Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program must demonstrate:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
• Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
• Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.
  
  Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program will be required to meet these Technical Standards with or without reasonable accommodation.

Selection Criteria

Based upon the following:

• A. Overall minimum GPA of 2.50
• B. Completion of all prerequisites
• C. Personal interview
• D. Personal qualities important for athletic training, i.e., enthusiasm, motivation, positive health habits, strong work ethic, and time commitment

Transfer Students

Students with prior athletic training experience seeking to transfer to the University of Pittsburgh for admission to the Athletic Training Education Program must complete the same pre-requisite requirements as all other candidates including the Basic Athletic Training (ATHLTR 1811 ) and Basic Athletic Training Lab (ATHLTR 1812 ) courses and all observation hours. If admitted to the program, all students must complete University of Pittsburgh core athletic training courses. In some instances, credit may be given for other coursework taken at another institution and will be evaluated on an individual case basis.