Undergraduate Program

Athletic Training Education

Individuals receiving a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training are prepared to take the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). The graduate will also be eligible to take the state licensure exam for any state that has licensure. The Athletic Training Education Program is designed to prepare athletic training majors to practice in various clinical settings that include: college/university, hospital, sports medicine clinic, high school, outreach, military, corporate, and fitness facilities.

Typical Job Titles: Certified Athletic Trainer or ATC

Job Responsibilities:

The Certified Athletic Trainer is a highly educated and skilled professional specializing in athletic health care. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the athletic trainer functions as an integral member of the athletic health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, industrial settings and other athletic health care settings.

Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree, usually in athletic training, health, physical education or exercise science. In addition, ATCs study human anatomy, human physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition and psychology/counseling.

As Athletic Training Students, they participate extensively in clinical education and field experience components. Field experiences are gained through clinical affiliations with athletic teams under appropriate supervision.

Market Outlook: Job growth outlook remains strong.

• 2.80 overall GPA,
• A minimum of "B" in HPR 219, CSC 100, BSC 250/ 250L, BSC 251/ 251L, CHS 101, HPR 309, NFS 362, and PSY 110,
• Observation and evaluation by Clinical Instructors (100 hours of supervised observation by a NATABOC certified athletic trainer),
• Completed physical examination by physician/nurse practitioner, TB skin test (chest x-ray if positive), current tetanus immunization and verification of Hepatitis B vaccination or option are all required.

Internship:

The internship route to athletic training no longer exists. The only route to certification is through a curriculum program.

Placement of Graduates:

Currently, Southern Miss athletic training education places 100% of its students in either a graduate assistantship or an entry-level athletic training position upon graduation.

Salary Ranges:

$30,000 - $50,000 depending on highest degree earned, years of experience, geographical region, and employment setting.

Licensure/Certification Requirements:

As of 2004, there is only one route to certification: graduation from an accredited program. The athletic training education program at USM is a Commission on Accreditation of Allied health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program.

Program Accreditation:

On July 1 st 2006 , the athletic training education program at USM will transition from CAAHEP accreditation to program accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Programs (CAATE).

After Graduation:

Upon graduation from such a program, ATCs have fulfilled the requirements for certification established by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) and can sit for the certification exam.

The certification examination administered by BOC consists of a written portion with multiple choice questions; a practical section that evaluates the skill components of the domains within athletic training; and a written simulation test, consisting of athletic training related situations designed to approximate real-life decision making. This last portion of the test evaluates athletic trainers' ability to resolve cases similar to those they might encounter in actual practice.

The examination covers a variety of topics within the six practice domains of athletic training:

• Prevention
• Recognition, Evaluation and Assessment
• Immediate Care
• Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning
• Organization and Administration
• Professional Development and Responsibility

Once athletic training students pass the certification examination proving skills and knowledge within each of the six domains, they use the designation "ATC".

Student Requirements:

Students must acquire each semester approximately 225 hours minimum of supervised clinical experience under an Approved Clinical Instructor.

Transfer Students:

Approximately 80% of the students entering into the Professional Phase of Athletic Training Education are community and /or junior college transfer students. Transfer students must meet all pre-requisites and admission requirements prior to applying. Transfers students will likewise go through a competitive admissions process.

Pre-Professional Phase Requirements

 Traditional students and students transferring from Community/Junior Colleges or other Universities must meet all Pre-Professional Phase requirements prior to admission to the Professional Phase of the Athletic Training Education Program. These requirements include: Completion of the following courses or their Community/Junior College equivalent.

General Education Core Requirements

• English Comp 1, English Comp 2 6 hours
• English (World) Literature 3 hours
• Sociology 3 hours
• History (West Civilization I & II) 6 hours
• Humanities (Art, Theater, Dance, or Music Appreciation) 3 hours
• College Algebra 3 hours
• Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II 8 hours
• General Psychology 3 hours
• Senior Capstone: HPR 479 (completed during last semester) 3 hours

Total: 38 hrs

Program Pre-requisites:
(Student must have a grade of “B” or higher in the following courses)

(NOTE: Some AT pre-requisites may overlap with General Education requirements.)

• General Psychology 3 hours
• Health (Personal Wellness) 3 hours
• Care/Prevention Athletic Injuries * 3 hours
• Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II 8 hours
• First Aid/CPR 2 hours
• Nutrition 3 hours
• Computer (Data Entry/Spread Sheet) 3 hrs

Total 25 hrs

*Must be taught by NATABOC Certified Athletic Trainer and include 100 hours of documented supervised athletic training observations.

Plan of Study

To apply to the ATEP, an overall grade point average of 2.80 is required.

Typical Athletic Training Course Progression  

Admission Criteria into the AT Program

Due to the competitiveness of all athletic training programs and standards (requirements) set by the NATA and CAAHEP, students must apply for formal admission into the professional phase of the Southern Miss Athletic Training Program.

The Admission Criteria must be completed and submitted no later than May 15 However, the Application Materials are due no later than April 1 . Admission of qualified students will continue until all available positions have been filled.

Admission Criteria into the Professional Phase

1. Formal admission into The University of Southern Mississippi. This includes adequate SAT/ACT score, TOEFL scores (for international students only).
   
2. Minimum College/University cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.80.
   
3. A minimum of "B" in the following courses: Introduction to Athletic Training, Introduction to Computers, Anatomy and Physiology I with lab, Anatomy and Physiology II with lab, Personal Wellness, First Aid and CPR (Professional Rescuer Level), Nutrition, and General Psychology.
   
4. Completion of 100 hours of supervised clinical experience.

• These must be completed under the direct (audible and visual) supervision of a BOC certified athletic trainer. Transfer students must submit a copy of their supervisor's BOC certification card.
  
• We encourage students to obtain these hours in the intercollegiate athletic setting . Transfer students must submit a copy of their documentation of this clinical experience - indicating dates and times for each sport observed.
  
• Transfer students may complete this requirement at ANY institution as long as they meet both criteria (a and b) above. If these criteria are not available, the student should transfer to Southern Miss the spring semester prior to admission into the AT Program.
  
• All traditional Southern Miss students will gain these hours during the spring semester prior to admission while concurrently enrolled in HPR 219. The Coordinator of Clinical Education will assign students to a variety of 2-week rotations in various sports and Athletic Trainers with intercollegiate athletic and off-campus settings (high school and clinics).
  
• The University of Southern Mississippi clinical education observation experience is NOT weighted any higher in the admission process into the professional phase of the Athletic Training Program.
  
• Minimum TOEFL score of 550 (for international students ONLY).
  

Application Materials

1. Completed AT Program Admission Application. This includes:

• Student Application Form
• Signed documentation of 100 hours of clinical observation under a certified athletic trainer. Please have the ATC complete and sign the Certified Athletic Trainer Information Sheet including BOC Certification Number.
• Complete all medical requirements and forms in the medical packet including:
• Documentation of Completed Physical Examination (by physician)
• Emergency Contact Information Sheet
• Medical History Form
• TB Skin Test documentation
• Current Tetanus Immunization documentation
• Hepatitis B Vaccination documentation

2. Applicant Essay Questions. These answers should be typed and double-spaced. Your response to each question should not exceed one page, unless otherwise indicated.

• Why should you be admitted into the entry-level athletic training Program at The University of Southern Mississippi? Please answer this question in relationship to academic work, athletic training or related experience, and any other helpful information (2-page maximum).
  
• What are your short- and long-term goals (i.e., education, training, work setting, etc.)?
  
• Describe your understanding of the role of an athletic trainer in health care.
  
• Discuss personal and professional influences that led you to want to become an athletic trainer.
  
• What do you perceive to be your greatest strengths? (listing them is fine - please single space)
  
• What do you perceive to be your greatest weaknesses? (listing them is fine - please single space)
  
• Please include any other information that you feel will enhance your application and is pertinent to athletic training or sports medicine.

3. Applicant Evaluation Forms (you will need 3 copies total). Recommenders may also submit letters in addition to these forms. These must be sent directly from the recommender to Dr. Ben Velasquez

4. Official academic transcripts

• These should be from all colleges/universities, and/or professional schools attended, even if you attended for less than one full semester. Please submit official transcripts with final course grades.
  
• Transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to Dr. Ben Velasquez.

5. Technical Standards for AT Program admission (signed by applicant).

6. Resume (optional). You are encouraged to submit this, but it is not required.

7. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (550 or higher) – international students only.

8. Application fee ($15). Make check or money order payable to the Athletic Training Program.

Admissions Procedures

Shortly after the April 1 deadline, the AT Program Selection Committee will review all completed files and make a decision regarding one of the following:

REJECTED candidates:

Applicants who do not meet the minimum admission criteria (mentioned above) would not be invited into the professional phase of the AT Program.

Furthermore, several qualified candidates may also be denied admission because of the competitiveness of our Athletic Training Program and our limited number of students allowed in our clinical education settings. Those applicants who are denied admission may choose to:

       a.  reapply next year

       b. change to a different major, or

       c. transfer to another university.

ACCEPTED candidates: The AT Program Selection Committee will formally admit the top 15-20 candidates into the Athletic Training Program.

In addition, two qualified alternate candidates will be selected. These students will be sent

      a. letter of acceptance,

      b. athletic training clinical education requirements, and

      c. Athletic Training Student (ATS) Contract.

Those students who understand and accept the requirements must then return the ATS contract to Dr. Ben Velasquez no later than June 5 .

Any candidate who does not meet this deadline will forfeit his/her acceptance status.

Students wishing to participate in intercollegiate (NCAA) athletics may be admitted into our AT Program. However, these student athletes must discuss this decision with Dr. Velasquez and their respective head coach.

For those applicants who do not get admitted into the AT Program on their first attempt, they are encouraged to seek a second major or minor as a backup. If, after two attempts or senior status, students do not get admitted into our Program, they should strongly consider seeking options other than athletic training because of our clinical requirements. These are the same options that they would be given if applying to other medical Programs (i.e., nursing, PT, PA, medical school).

It is very important that all students fully understand what is expected if they are admitted into the professional phase of the Athletic Training Program.

ALL athletic training students (ATSs) in the professional phase of the AT Program must complete each of the following before graduating from The University of Southern Mississippi:

• the academic core of athletic training courses and
  
• a minimum of 1,125 volunteer clinical education hours (15-20 hours/week or 225-300 hours/semester) in a variety of sports and clinical settings. Completion of these clinical education hours is a requirement for 5 classes, which will take two years or 5 semesters to accumulate.

All Application Materials should be sent to:

Dr. Ben Velasquez, AT Program Director

The University of Southern Mississippi

School of Human Performance and Recreation

118 College Drive, #5142

Hattiesburg , MS 39401

Statement of Program

The traditional Athletic Training specialization prepares students who are seeking careers as Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) in either various types of allied health care settings. The Athletic Training / Pre-Physical Therapy option prepares students for admission into a Professional Physical Therapy Program while simultaneously providing the student with viable complementary career opportunities.

Career Opportunities with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training

Pre-Professional Degree Preparation

•  Occupational Therapy

•  Physical Therapy

•  Medical School

•  Physician Assistant

Clinical Options

•  Sports Medicine Clinic

•  College / University

•  High School

•  Clinic Outreach

•  Military

•  Professional Sports

•  Olympic Sports

•  Industrial

•  Youth Sports

Strength and Conditioning Coach

•  High School

•  Elite Performance Sports Training Program

•  University

Graduate School

•  Advanced degree often necessary to obtain University or management    positions

•  Research

Benefits of Athletic Training Preparation for Physical Therapy

The Athletic Training / Pre-Physical Therapy major is a very viable alternative to the traditional Biology/ or Chemistry/ Pre-Physical Therapy majors.

It is designed to prepare students for admission into graduate occupational therapy programs and uses an interdisciplinary approach with courses in nutrition, psychology, biology, athletic training, and exercise science. The courses contained within the major meet or exceed the pre-requisites for the majority of physical therapy schools.

Athletic Training / Pre-Physical Therapy Curriculum

General Classes

English: ENG 101, ENG 102, ENG 203

Humanities: HIS 101 & 102 or HIS 101 & PHI 151 or REL 131

Fine Arts: ART 130, DAN 107, MUS 365, THE 100

College Algebra: MAT 101

Social Studies: SOC 101

Athletic Training Pre-requisite Classes (Student must obtain a “B” or better)

PSY 110 – General Psychology

CHS 101 – Personal Wellness

HPR 219 – Introduction to Athletic Training

HPR 309 – First Aid / CPR

CSC 100 – Introduction to Computing

BSC 250 & 250L – Human Anatomy and Physiology I & Lab

BSC 251 & 251L – Human Anatomy and Physiology II & Lab

NFS 362 – Nutrition

Athletic Training Required Classes (Student must obtain a “B” or better)

HPR 218 Athletic Training Terminology

HPR 274 Taping & Wrapping of Athletic Injuries

HPR 301/301 L Kinesiology w/Lab

PSY 360 Introduction to Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

HPR 308/308 L Exercise Physiology w/Lab

HPR 371/371L Injury Care & Prevention for Athletic Trainers

HPR 423 Biomechanics

HPR 470 Development of Strength/Conditioning Programs

HPR 319 Organization & Administration of Athletic Training

HPR 354L Athletic Training Clinical I

HPR 355L Athletic Training Clinical II

HPR 372/372 L Athletic Therapy Modalities w/Lab

HPR 374/374L Evaluation of Athletic Injuries I w/Lab

HPR 375/375L Evaluation of Athletic Injuries II w/Lab

HPR 378/378 L Rehabilitation of Sports Injuries w/Lab

HPR 454L Athletic Training Clinical III

HPR 455L Athletic Training Clinical IV

HPR 472L Laboratory/Field Experience in Athletic Training

HPR 475 Medical Aspects of Athletic Training

HPR 479 Seminar in Sports Medicine

NSG 467 Pharmacotherapeutics in Health Care

Additional Pre-Physical Therapy Required Classes

Biology: BSC 110/110L and BSC 111/111L – Principles of Biological Sciences I and II

BSC 361/361L

Chemistry: CHE 106/106L and CHE 107/107L General Chemistry I and II

Physics: PHY 111/111L and PHY 112/112L – General Physics I and II & Lab

Psychology : PSY 436 – Abnormal Psychology

PSY 375 – Developmental Psychology

Speech: SCM 111 – Oral Communication

Pick Two 3hr Electives: Must be lab courses at 300-400 level from Chemistry or Biological Sciences

 

Athletic Training / Pre-Occupational Therapy Program

Statement of Program

The traditional Athletic Training specialization prepares students who are seeking careers as Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) in either various types of allied health care settings.

The Athletic Training / Pre-Occupational Therapy option prepares students for admission into a Professional Occupational Therapy Program while simultaneously providing the student with viable complementary career opportunities.

Career Opportunities with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training

Pre-Professional Degree Preparation

•  Occupational Therapy

•  Physical Therapy

•  Medical School

•  Physician Assistant

Clinical Options

•  Sports Medicine Clinic

•  College / University

•  High School

•  Clinic Outreach

•  Military

•  Professional Sports

•  Olympic Sports

•  Industrial

•  Youth Sports

Strength and Conditioning Coach

•  High School

•  Elite Performance Sports Training Program

•  University

Graduate School

•  Advanced degree often necessary to obtain University or management positions

•  Research

Benefits of Athletic Training Preparation for Occupational Therapy

The Athletic Training / Pre-Occupational Therapy major is a very viable alternative to the traditional Biology/ or Chemistry/ Pre-Occupational Therapy majors.

It is designed to prepare students for admission into graduate occupational therapy programs and uses an interdisciplinary approach with courses in nutrition, psychology, biology, athletic training, and exercise science. The courses contained within the major meet or exceed the pre-requisites for the majority of occupational therapy schools.

Athletic Training / Pre-Occupational Therapy Curriculum

General Classes

English: ENG 101, ENG 102, ENG 203

Humanities: HIS 101 & 102 or HIS 101 & PHI 151 or REL 131

Fine Arts: ART 130, DAN 107, MUS 365, THE 100

College Algebra: MAT 101

Social Studies: SOC 101

Athletic Training Pre-requisite Classes (Student must obtain a “B” or better)

PSY 110 – General Psychology

CHS 101 – Personal Wellness

HPR 219 – Introduction to Athletic Training

HPR 309 – First Aid / CPR

CSC 100 – Introduction to Computing

BSC 250 & 250L – Human Anatomy and Physiology I & Lab

BSC 251 & 251L – Human Anatomy and Physiology II & Lab

NFS 362 – Nutrition

Athletic Training Required Classes (Student must obtain a “B” or better)

HPR 218 Athletic Training Terminology

HPR 274 Taping & Wrapping of Athletic Injuries

HPR 301/301 L Kinesiology w/Lab

PSY 360 Introduction to Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

HPR 308/308 L Exercise Physiology w/Lab

HPR 371/371L Injury Care & Prevention for Athletic Trainers

HPR 423 Biomechanics

HPR 470 Development of Strength/Conditioning Programs

HPR 319 Organization & Administration of Athletic Training

HPR 354L Athletic Training Clinical I

HPR 355L Athletic Training Clinical II

HPR 372/372 L Athletic Therapy Modalities w/Lab

HPR 374/374L Evaluation of Athletic Injuries I w/Lab

HPR 375/375L Evaluation of Athletic Injuries II w/Lab

HPR 378/378 L Rehabilitation of Sports Injuries w/Lab

HPR 454L Athletic Training Clinical III

HPR 455L Athletic Training Clinical IV

HPR 472L Laboratory/Field Experience in Athletic Training

HPR 475 Medical Aspects of Athletic Training

HPR 479 Seminar in Sports Medicine

NSG 467 Pharmacotherapeutics in Health Care

Additional Pre-Occupational Therapy Required Classes

Biology: BSC 110/110L and BSC 111/111L – Principles of Biological Sciences I and II

BSC 361/361L

Chemistry: CHE 106/106L

Physics: PHY 111 & 111L – General Physics I & Lab

Psychology : PSY 436 – Abnormal Psychology

PSY 375 – Developmental Psychology

Speech: SCM 111 – Oral Communication

Pick One 3hr Elective: ECO 255 or PS 101 or ANT 101 or GHY 101

Athletic Training / Pre-Medicine Program

Statement of Program and Benefits of Athletic Training Preparation for Medical School

The Athletic Training/Pre-Medicine program is an alternative to traditional premed majors. It provides valuable training for future physicians in areas of care and prevention, physical examination, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.

This training is typically not a part of medical school programs and our program provides a strong foundation through this prevention-oriented approach. Students will gain mastery in 1,230 competencies and proficiencies covering the 12 different educational domains of athletic training. The Athletic Training/Pre-Medicine major is an interdisciplinary approach including nutrition, biology, mathematics, chemistry, athletic training, and exercise science.

Career Opportunities with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training

Pre-Professional Degree Preparation

•  Medical School

•  Physician Assistant

•  Physical Therapy

•  Occupational Therapy

Clinical Options

•  Sports Medicine Clinic

•  College / University

•  High School

•  Clinic Outreach

•  Military

•  Professional Sports

•  Olympic Sports

•  Industrial

•  Youth Sports

 Strength and Conditioning Coach

•  High School

•  Elite Performance Sports Training Program

•  University

Graduate School

•  Advanced degree often necessary to obtain University or management positions

•  Research

Athletic Training / Pre-Medicine Curriculum

General Classes

English: ENG 101, ENG 102, ENG 203

Humanities: HIS 101 & 102 or HIS 101 & PHI 151 or REL 131

Fine Arts: ART 130, DAN 107, MUS 365, THE 100

College Algebra: MAT 101

Social Studies: SOC 101

Athletic Training Pre-requisite Classes (Student must obtain a “B” or better)

PSY 110 – General Psychology

CHS 101 – Personal Wellness

HPR 219 – Introduction to Athletic Training

HPR 309 – First Aid / CPR

CSC 100 – Introduction to Computing

BSC 250 & 250L – Human Anatomy and Physiology I & Lab

BSC 251 & 251L – Human Anatomy and Physiology II & Lab

NFS 362 – Nutrition

Athletic Training Required Classes (Student must obtain a “B” or better)

HPR 218 Athletic Training Terminology

HPR 274 Taping & Wrapping of Athletic Injuries

HPR 301/301 L Kinesiology w/Lab

PSY 360 Introduction to Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

HPR 308/308 L Exercise Physiology w/Lab

HPR 371/371L Injury Care & Prevention for Athletic Trainers

HPR 423 Biomechanics

HPR 470 Development of Strength/Conditioning Programs

HPR 319 Organization & Administration of Athletic Training

HPR 354L Athletic Training Clinical I

HPR 355L Athletic Training Clinical II

HPR 372/372 L Athletic Therapy Modalities w/Lab

HPR 374/374L Evaluation of Athletic Injuries I w/Lab

HPR 375/375L Evaluation of Athletic Injuries II w/Lab

HPR 378/378 L Rehabilitation of Sports Injuries w/Lab

HPR 454L Athletic Training Clinical III

HPR 455L Athletic Training Clinical IV

HPR 472L Laboratory/Field Experience in Athletic Training

HPR 475 Medical Aspects of Athletic Training

HPR 479 Seminar in Sports Medicine

NSG 467 Pharmacotherapeutics in Health Care

Additional Pre- Medical Required Classes

Biology: BSC 110/BSC 110L and BSC 111/BSC 111L – Principles of Biological Sciences I and II & Lab

Chemistry: CHE 106/106L and CHE 107/CHE 107L – General Chemistry I and II & Lab

CHE 255/CHE 255L – Organic Chemistry I & Lab

CHE 256/CHE 256L – Organic Chemistry II & Lab

Math: MAT 103 or 167 or 168 or 169 or 178 or 179 or 314

Physics: PHY 111/PHY 111L and PHY 112/PHY 112L – General Physics I and II & Lab

Plus 8 credit hours of electives of 300-400 from departments of BSC, CHE, PHY

Plus electives to make 90 credits or more total (fulfilled by required courses for Athletic Training degree)

 

 

Back