Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Athletic Training] From Kent State University

During the preprofessional phase students complete 120 observation hours in the athletic training room, where they are exposed to the academic and clinical requirements of athletic training. Upon completion of the preprofessional phase, qualified students apply for formal acceptance into the professional phase, where they spend 3 years applying academic knowledge and clinical application of athletic training skills in a variety of clinical settings, such as intercollegiate athletics, high schools, sports medicine clinics, orthopedic offices and other health care settings. Upon completing the program, students qualify to sit for the national Board of Certification examination. Athletic Training is a suitable option for Pre-Physical therapy students who wish to pursue a dual credential of PT/AT. The CAATE -accredited program has a selective admission policy.

The Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training consists of preprofessional and professional components. In the preprofessional phase, the student completes a directed observation year. The professional phase begins after formal admission into the athletic training education program and includes clinical courses and clinical educational experiences under the direct supervision of an athletic trainer.

Advancement into the professional phase of the athletic training program is selective and is limited. Limited admission will ensure that an appropriate student to preceptor ratio (approximately 8:1) is maintained.

After completion of the preprofessional directed observation requirement (normally done within the first two or three semesters of full-time study), formal application to the professional phase of the program is made. Advancement to the professional program is controlled through the first practicum course (ATTR 15092). In order to be eligible for this course, students must: complete ATTR 15001, 15011, 25036 and 25057; make formal application to the professional phase of the program; provide three professional letters of reference; complete 120 hours of directed observation experiences under the direct supervision of an athletic trainer; achieve a C or better in the 4 ATTR courses in the Pre-Professional Phase; secure first aid and CPR certification; successfully complete an oral and written exam administered through ATTR 15011; secure staff evaluations and complete a self-administered evaluation; and an interview with the professional athletic training staff. After these requirements have been fulfilled, students may be selected for advancement into the professional phase of the program based upon their competitive rank using their GPA (15 percent), evaluation scores (40 percent), interview scores (20 percent) and ATTR 15011 written (10 percent) and oral (15 percent) practical exam scores. Students selected into the program will have a cumulative score of minimally 70% to be considered eligible for admission. Those selected may enroll in ATTR 15092 during the following semester.

Students who are not accepted into the professional phase may reapply the following year by completing another preprofessional year. Due to the extensive clinical component associated with this program, students may reapply only once. Students who are not selected for the professional phase of this program will work with the program coordinator to identify alternate academic programs to pursue.
Students who have transferred to Kent State University must complete a directed observation period at Kent State prior to advancement into the professional phase of the program. Prompt commencement of the directed observation period is necessary as it will take a minimum of six semesters at Kent State to complete the clinical courses and experiences in the professional phase.