Contact Information
Human Performance and Recreation Building (HPR), 112
118 College Drive, Box #5142
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
Phone: 601.266.5386
Fax: 601.266.4445
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B.S. in Athletic Training
Overview
The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Students will complete select prerequisite courses while in the "pre-athletic training" major, and then complete a formal application process in the fall of their sophomore year for the "Professional Phase" of the program. Once students have completed all requirements for the ATEP, they can sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination to become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).
Career Opportunities
The practice of athletic training encompasses the prevention, examination and diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute, subacute and chronic neuromusculoskeletal conditions and certain medical conditions in order to minimize subsequent impairments, functional limitations, disability and societal limitations.
Athletic trainers’ work setting can include high schools, colleges, universities, professional sports teams, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, physicians’ offices, corporate and industrial institutions, the military and the performing arts. Regardless of their work enviornment, athletic trainers practice athletic training (or provide athletic training services) according to their education and state practice act.
Admission & Application Process
Students at USM who would like to apply to the ATEP should first declare athletic training as their major. Once the major is officially declared, an advisor in athletic training will be assigned to the student.
Students interested in applying must attend a mandatory application meeting held Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, in HPR 105 at 4 p.m. If you cannot attend, you must contact Dr. Bill Holcomb in advance.
*Please Note* The application process for the ATEP takes place only during fall semester. The application process for admission into the program is competitive and merely completing the application process does not guarantee admission. A maximum of 16 students will be accepted each year.
Program Plan
BOC Exam
Eligibility for the BOC exam is contingent upon completion of a program accredited by the CAATE that must instruct the standard educational competenices within the curriculum. Passing the certifying examination is a requirement for licensure in most states.
USM Three Year Aggregate BOC Exam Passing Rate
Links of Interest
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
- Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC)
- National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)
Program Director Contact Information
Dr. Bill Holcomb – Program Director and Associate Professor
P:(601)-266-6957 Email: Bill.Holcomb@usm.edu Room: HPR 217
Last Updated: February 15, 2013
Dr. Scott Piland speaks to Nathan Epstein with WDAM about concussion assessments and prevention, as well as new technology developed at Southern Miss. Click on the image to access the article.
