Athletic Training Education Program Information
Program Overview
The Athletic Training Program (ATP) 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 Program. Once a student passes the BOC exam and graduates from the CAATE‐accredited ATP, he/she will hold the credential of certified athletic trainer (AT). The ATP 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 ATP 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 ATP.
ATP Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Athletic Training Program (ATP) 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 ATP 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 ATP is aligned with the overall mission of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Student Learning Outcomes and Objectives
- Students will model ethical and professional behavior in the delivery of health care services.
1.1 Abide by the Standards of Practice established by the Board of Certification.
1.2 Abide by all State laws governing the practice of athletic training.
1.3 Abide by the NATA Code of Ethics.
1.4 Provide culturally competent athletic training care
1.5 Understand how athletic training principles are applied in a variety of clinical environments with diverse patient
populations.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with patients, peers, athletic staff, and other health care providers.
2.1 Demonstrate effective and professional oral communication.
2.2 Demonstrate effective and professional written communication.
2.3 Incorporate the correct use of medical terminology in all forms of communication.
- Students will demonstrate active professional development and involvement through membership in professional organizations and foster an appreciation for life-long learning.
3.1 Actively participate in the UNCP ATSA.
3.2 Maintain membership to the NATA, MAATA and NCATA.
3.3 Attend professional development opportunities.
- Students will provide patient-centered care that is rooted in ethical behavior and evidence-based decision making.
4.1 Develop relevant clinical questions using accepted methods (ie PICO). (Classroom)
4.2
Understand levels of evidence with regard to study types, clinical practice guidelines and critically appraised topics. (Classroom)
4.3 Successfully locate and critically appraise a variety of healthcare related literature from appropriate electronic data‐ bases and online libraries. (Classroom)
4.4
Understand methods of assessing patient status and progress with clinical outcomes assessments. (Classroom)
4.5
Utilize current evidence based concepts in all aspects of patient care. (Clinical Education)
4.6 Incorporate patient‐centered outcome measures to evaluate the quality of care provided. (Clinical Education)
- Students will demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills in providing the best possible care.
5.1
Integrate knowledge, skills and decision making with regard to prevention and health promotion (CIP 1‐3).
5.2 Integrate knowledge, skills and decision making with regard to clinical assessment and diagnosis/acute care/therapeutic intervention (CIP 4‐6).
5.3 Integrate knowledge, skills and decision making with regard to psychosocial interventions and referrals (CIP 7‐8).
- Students will demonstrate competence in the athletic training skills and knowledge required to manage the health care needs of the physically active population.
6.1 Demonstrate proficiency in wound care, vital signs assessment, environmental monitoring, and taping/bracing/ wrapping techniques through the completion of established clinical proficiencies.
6.2 Demonstrate proficiency in the clinical examination and diagnosis of lower extremity injuries through the completion of established clinical proficiencies.
6.3 Demonstrate proficiency in the clinical examination and diagnosis of upper extremity injuries and therapeutic exercise through the completion of established clinical proficiencies.
6.4 Demonstrate proficiency in prevention and health promotion and the application of therapeutic modalities through the completion of established clinical
6.5 Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary for acute care of injuries and illnesses.
6.6 Demonstrate knowledge of the signs and symptoms and appropriate management of general medical conditions.
6.7 Demonstrate knowledge of all aspects of the management of athletic training.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the ATP is competitive and the number of applicants accepted and enrolled into the Athletic Training Pro‐ gram 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 ATP 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 ATP 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 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 ATP and include a statement of their career goals upon completion of the B.S. in Athletic Training degree;
- Completion of the ATP 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 Compliance 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 assignments with a certified athletic trainer on campus..
Satisfactory Progression Policy
The following requirements must be met in order to progress in the Athletic Training (AT) Program:
1. Achieve a grade of C or higher in each required course (ATH, ATHL, PED) in order to proceed to the next semester of required courses.
a. Failure to earn a C or higher in a required course will result in suspension from the AT Program until the course is repeated.
b. Failure to earn a C or higher in more than one required course (ATH, ATHL, PED) in a given semester will result in automatic dismissal from the AT Program.
c. Only one required course (ATH, ATHL, PED) may be repeated one time during progression in the AT Program.
d. Failure to earn a C or higher when repeating a required course (ATH, ATHL, PED) will result in dismissal from the AT Program.
2. Maintain current CPR for the Professional Rescuer, NATA membership, and professional liability insurance while en‐ rolled in the AT Program.
3. Adhere to all policies of the University, the Athletic Training Program and the CAATE.
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 ATP 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 ATP 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 ATP 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; costs associated with taking the Board of Certification exam; and any additional costs associated with moving into campus housing early during pre-season clinical rotations. The ATP provides students with the other necessary supplies.
Technical Standards for the Athletic Training Education Program
The Athletic Training 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 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 ATP 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. The Accessibility Resource Center 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.