Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training

Individuals receiving a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the CAATE accrediated program 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.

You can visit the Athletic Training website by clicking on the following link.

http://www.usm.edu/athletictraining

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 218, HPR 219, CSC 100, BSC 250/ 250L, BSC 251/ 251L, HPR 217, NFS 362, and PSY 110,

MAT 103 and PHY 111/Lab: Grade of "C" Required

Observation and evaluation by Clinical Instructors (100 hours of supervised observation by a BOC 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.

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

The Athletic Training Educational Program at The University of Southern Miss is a demanding and concentrated program that places detailed and specific requirements on the students enrolled in the program. The Southern Miss program is a demanding one filled with tradition. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates for entry-level employment, 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 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 Educational Program.

Compliance with the programs technical standards does not guarantee students eligibility for the Board of Certification (BOC) certification exam.

Candidates for selection to the Southern Miss Athletic Training Educational Program 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 situations and uncertainty in clinical situations; and

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

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Educational Program will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.

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 Athletic Training Education Programs (CAATE) accredited program.

Program Accreditation:

The Athletic Training Education Program is accredited 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

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 hours

MAT 103-- 3 hours

PHY 111/Lab-- 4 hours

 

Total 29 hrs

*Must be taught by BOC 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 CAATE, 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

Formal admission into The University of Southern Mississippi. This includes adequate SAT/ACT score, TOEFL scores (for international students only).

1. Minimum College/University cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.80.

2. A minimum of "B" in the following courses:

3. Introduction to Athletic Training,

4. Introduction to Computers,

5. Anatomy and Physiology I with lab,

6. Anatomy and Physiology II with lab,

7. Personal Wellness,

8. First Aid and CPR (Professional Rescuer Level),

9. Nutrition, and General Psychology.

10. 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.

11. Minimum TOEFL score of 550 (for international students ONLY).

Application Materials

1. Completed AT Program Admission Application. This includes:

Student Application FormSigned 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 reapply next year   change to a different major, or 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 may 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
-----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