Athletic Training Education Program Information
Program Overview
The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). In order to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam, students must graduate from a CAATE-accredited Athletic Training Education Program. Once a student passes the BOC exam and graduates from the CAATE-accredited ATEP, he/she will hold the credential of certified athletic trainer (AT). The ATEP provides the educational and clinical foundation to prepare students to successfully challenge the BOC exam; however, successful completion of the program does not guarantee that a student will pass the BOC exam. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with all aspects of injury, illness, and performance associated with physically active populations.
Students apply for acceptance into the ATEP during the fall of their sophomore year. Once accepted into the program, students begin the professional phase of the program. Students are required to be in the professional phase of the program for a minimum of five semesters. Because the program is structured with required courses only offered in certain semesters and each semester’s content builds on the previous semester(s), students must progress through the program following the designated sequence.
Each semester students take a clinical education course which includes clinical rotations either on- or off-campus. During the first semester in the program students will complete three five-week rotations. In the remaining four semesters, students are assigned to rotations for a sport season in addition to completing rotations in a physical therapy clinic and physician office. Rotations are assigned to ensure that each student is exposed to a variety of pathologies and populations (i.e.. upper extremity injuries, lower extremity injuries, equipment intensive sports, contact, non-contact sports, adolescents, general population, etc.).
Many students elect to pursue graduate studies after graduation from the program. It is recommended that students wishing to pursue graduate studies maintain a 3.5 QPA or higher. Students are responsible for determining what pre-requisites are needed for a given graduate program and should understand that those courses would be considered university-wide electives. Furthermore, elective courses/labs cannot conflict with required clinical rotations or courses. As a result, an additional semester(s) and/or summer school may be needed to complete electives after completion of the ATEP.
ATEP Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke to develop competent entry-level athletic trainers capable of addressing the health-care needs of the physically active in a global society. Our distinctly diverse student body and multi-ethnic region prepare our graduates to provide quality healthcare to diverse populations in many different healthcare settings.
The UNCP ATEP faculty strives to integrate technology in the classroom to encourage active student learning, critical and creative thinking, and public service. The faculty is committed to personalized teaching in order to promote the intellectual and personal growth of each student. Our small class size allows for individualized learning where the incorporation of evidence-based medicine creates a foundation for clinical practice. Spacious modern facilities, unlike any other in the region, provide the clinical setting for student skill development and patient interaction.
This exposure to evidence-based medicine concepts will provide students with the tools needed to become evidence-based practitioners who value research and possess the ability to think critically. The foundational behaviors of the athletic trainer create a framework for the comprehensive competency-based didactic and clinical education components of the program. The mission of the ATEP is aligned with the overall mission of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will model ethical and professional behavior in the delivery of health care services.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with patients, peers, athletic staff, and other health care providers.
- Students will demonstrate active professional development and involvement through membership in professional organizations and foster an appreciation for life-long learning.
- Students will provide patient-centered care that is rooted in ethical behavior and evidence-based decision making.
- Students will demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills in providing the best possible care.
- Students will demonstrate competence in the athletic training skills and knowledge required to manage the health care needs of the physically active population.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the ATEP is competitive and the number of applicants accepted and enrolled into the Athletic Training Education Program is limited and is based on the applicants predicted ability to succeed in the strenuous professional program. The admission process is non-discriminatory with respect to race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, disabling conditions (handicaps), and national origin. Depending on the number of applicants, it is possible that not all applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be admitted. Consistent with university policy, the ATEP offers admission to applicants whose credentials present the best qualifications among those who meet the minimum requirements.
Students who meet the minimum requirements may apply for acceptance to the ATEP in the fall of their sophomore year. Transfer students should contact the Program Director as soon as possible prior to transferring for information on the application process. Applicants must meet the following minimum academic requirements as well as submit a completed Athletic Training Education Program application packet:
- Cumulative QPA of 2.8 or higher in all college course work;
- Successful completion (C or better) of the following pre-requisite courses:
- Completion of a formal letter of application addressed to Mrs. Susan Edkins, Program Director. Applicants should indicate their reasons for applying to the ATEP and include a statement of their career goals upon completion of the B.S. in Athletic Training degree;
- Completion of the ATEP Application available from the Program Director;
- Signed copy of the Technical Standards (available on the website at www.uncp.edu/hper/training);
- Physical examination to be completed at Student Health Services (form available from the Program Director);
- Verification of Immunizations to be completed by Student Health Services;
- Completed Academic Recommendation and Clinical Recommendation forms;
- A formal interview with the Athletic Training Admissions Committee;
- Completion of a minimum of 50 hours of clinical observation and the Pre-Professional Observation Packet with a certified athletic trainer (documentation form available from the Program Director).
Satisfactory Progression Policy
In order to remain in the professional phase of the ATEP, students are required to earn a C or better in all ATH, ATHL, and PED courses. Failure to earn a C or higher in a course will result in the student having to repeat the course at the next available offering.
Based on the sequential course of study, students will be suspended from the ATEP until the deficient course is successfully completed in the following circumstances:
Students will be dismissed from the ATEP (and not permitted to major in Athletic Training) in the following circumstances:
- Failure to earn a C or higher in more than one ATH course in one semester
- Failure to earn a C or higher when repeating an ATH, ATHL, or PED course
- Being placed on probation from the ATEP in two consecutive semesters
In addition to the coursework, students are required to maintain the following items each year in order to remain in the professional phase of the ATEP:
- Current certification in CPR for the Professional Rescuer
- NATA Membership
- Professional Liability Insurance
Transfer Students
Transfer students will be allowed to formally apply to the program the semester before entering the University. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the ATEP Program Director and obtain the necessary forms/documents to complete the application process. Each student will be expected to complete the same requirements as the prospective UNC Pembroke ATEP students. After formal acceptance into the program, the transfer student will be allowed to enroll immediately in clinical and professional courses and to begin supervised clinical assignments. Any clinical work completed by the transfer student before acceptance into UNCP’s ATEP will not be accepted towards course substitution in regards to clinical rotations. Students are not permitted to receive transfer credit for ATH courses other than ATH 1040 .
Associated Program Fees
The student is responsible for the following additional costs associated with the Athletic Training Education Program: professional liability insurance; transportation to off-campus rotation sites; uniform items; NATA Membership; UNC Pembroke Athletic Training Student Association dues; and any additional costs associated with moving into campus housing early during pre-season clinical rotations. The ATEP provides students with the other necessary supplies.
Technical Standards for the Athletic Training Education Program
The Athletic Training Education Program at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke 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 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 CAATE standards. All students admitted to the ATEP must meet the abilities and expectations outlined below. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program. Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the BOC certification exam.
Candidates for selection must demonstrate:
- The ability 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 exams 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 physical exam 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 into the 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. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is committed to providing an accessible and supportive environment for students with disabilities. Disability Support Services will evaluate a student who states he/she could meet the program’s technical standards with accommodations and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws. If a student states he/she can meet the technical standards with accommodation, then the University will determine whether it agrees. This includes a review of whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account whether the accommodation would jeopardize clinician/patient safety or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical education, and clinical experiences deemed essential to graduation.