Admissions Information

NEW & UPDATED 6/09: The ATEP has recently changed the course pre-requisites for admission into the program. (see below)

NOTE: To provide the student with the most current academic curriculum and to meet accreditation standards, the programs within the School of Nursing and Health Professions use the degree plan and catalog requirements on the date in which the student is admitted to the program and/or major, not the university matriculation date. Students who leave the program and/or major and are re-admitted must follow the degree plan and catalog requirements at the time of re-admission.

• Download Application Packet (PDF Form) - UPDATED 02/2010
• Information, Instructions and Forms for Background Check (PDF Form)

All students who plan a program of study leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training must first be accepted for admission to the University.  Applicants then apply to the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP).  Enrollment in the ATEP is limited by the availability of faculty and clinical field experiences, therefore admission is competitive. 

Applicants will apply to the ATEP during the semester in which the prerequisites will be completed.  Applications to the ATEP are due by April 1st.  Applicants work with an assigned advisor and are required to submit a completed application form. As part of the application process, the student must submit the following to be considered for entry into the ATEP:

• A completed application form with three references and essay
• Acknowledgement of ATEP technical standards (included in application)
• Health History and Physical examination by a physician (MD or DO), nurse practitioner or physicians assistant
• Documentation and completion of required immunizations
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended
• Current Health Care Provider CPR and First aid course completion
• Completion of at least 50 hours of observation under a certified athletic trainer
• In addition, a candidate may be required to attend an interview with the selection committee and complete a general knowledge exam of athletic training skills.

To be considered for admission the student must meet the following criteria:

• Completion of application with all components
• 25 hours of college-level credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Current Health Care Provider CPR and First Aid courses
• Completion of at least 50 hours of observation under a certified athletic trainer
• Completion of required Immunizations (see below)
• Completion of Criminal Background screen (see below)

Prior to starting the first clinical course, the student must also complete the following requirements.  Students that fail to complete the following may be removed from the program.

• Completion of Criminal Background screen (see below)
• Completion of HIPAA Confidentiality Training
• Completion of Blood-borne Pathogen, OSHA and/or Universal Precautions Training
• Completion of ATEP and Site Orientation

Notice of Non-Discrimination

The Athletic Training Education Program follows the guidelines and policies from the student and faculty handbook related to non-discrimination. The program does not engage in discrimination against an individual because of race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, non-disqualifying disability, or age, to comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmation action laws and regulations. The student should be aware that they must meet the technical standards for the program and profession.

Clinical Placements / Observation Hours

After admission into the Athletic Training Education Program, the student will complete six semesters in both the academic and clinical components of the program.  To meet the requirements of the Board of Certification and Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers, the student must document 1800 hours of observation and practice of athletic training skills under the direction supervision of an assigned athletic trainer or a medical professional serving as a clinical instructor.  Certain field experiences will be required prior to the first day of class, during weekends and university breaks.  The program director and/or clinical coordinator will contact students concerning placement in affiliated settings for observation and practice prior to the assignment.

Transfer Students

Students that are considering application for admission into the Athletic Training Education Program from another university or college must first be admitted into the University.  Along with the application, transfer students must submit TWO copies of transcripts of ALL UNIVERISTY WORK.  Send one set to the UIW Admissions Office.  Send the second set of transcripts to the School of Nursing and Health Professions, Attn: Athletic Training Education Program Director, 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209. Please note we cannot accept an application without copies of all transcripts.

Students transferring from another baccalaureate athletic training education program must satisfy the same prerequisite and major course work as do all other applicants. All athletic training course work will be evaluated for equivalency with the UIW curriculum. The decision for admission, transfer credit for previous athletic training courses and placement in the program will be considered on an individual basis.

Health Requirements / Immunizations

In compliance with the Health Care Provider terms of TAC 97.64, applicants to the athletic training program are required to provide proof of a physical examination (for admission and annually thereafter) and the following immunizations prior to admission to the first clinical course:

• Hepatitis B (3 dose series)
• MMR (2 dose series)
• Tetanus / Diphtheria (Tdap within the last 10 years)
• Varicella (2 dose series, titer, or verified medical history of chickenpox)
• TB skin test or chest X-Ray (required annually while in the program)
• Influenza vaccine (required annually while in the program)

For the protection of students and clients, the program follows the recommended immunization for healthcare professionals. If, for any reason, the student is unable to receive any immunizations a physician's statement will be required.

Additional health requirements may be required by some clinical affiliations. 

Required Costs During Matriculation

Along with university tuition, athletic training students are required to pay course/clinical fees each semester to cover the cost of attaining or maintaining memberships in professional organizations, clinical clothing, liability insurance and materials for the program. It is also the students responsibility to maintain certifications for blood borne pathogens training, first aid, CPR with AED, annual TB test, as well as, purchasing needle stick insurance annually. Students are also responsible for travel to and from the clinical site.

CPR and First Aid

Students must show evidence of having completed the Health Care Provider course in CPR and a general First Aid course from either the American Heart Association (BLS for Healthcare Professionals with Heartsaver First Aid), American Red Cross (Emergency Response with CPR for the Professional Rescuer) or the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Emergency Care and Safety Institute. (First Aid, CPR, and AED with Professional Rescuer CPR) This requirement is necessary for all students prior to entering the athletic training program, and then annually thereafter.  Evidence of completion or re-certification must be give to the program director prior to attendance of field experience. 

Liability, Health Insurance and Needle Stick Insurance

Athletic Training Education Students are required to be covered by liability insurance.  The liability insurance fee will be included in the athletic training course fees.  Students must also show proof of current health insurance.  The University offers limited health insurance coverage. Students must also show proof of needle stick coverage or take out the needle stick insurance plan offered through the university.

• Link to Student Assurance Services for Online Enrollment for Needle Stick Insurance

Criminal Background Screening

Criminal background screening is completed on all candidates for the athletic training education program.   The School will designate a company to do the background screening and will not accept results from any company other than the one designated by the School.  Students pay expenses related to all screening.  A student with a significant criminal background or a current conviction may not be allowed to register for athletic training courses until the student receives a declaratory order from the regulating board stating their eligibility for licensure or certification to practice. 

• Information, Instructions and Forms for Background Check (PDF Form)

Drug Screening

Drug Screening may be required by some clinical agencies.  The School will designate a company to do the drug screen and will not accept results from any company other than the one designated by the School.  The student will pay the cost of the screening at the time of the testing. 

A student who has a positive drug screen will not be allowed to participate in clinical courses.  The student will be required to complete, at the student’s expense, chemical dependency evaluation and treatment, if recommended by a drug assessment.  Any student with a positive drug screen will be suspended for a minimum of one calendar year and will be required to provide documentation of successful treatment prior to being readmitted to clinical courses.  If readmitted, the student must be retested by the School approved laboratory and have a negative drug screen.  This testing is at the student’s expense.

Eligibility for Professional Practice

Completion of degree requirements for the bachelor's degree does not guarantee state licensure or national certification as an athletic trainer.  Students are advised to contact the Board of Certification and Texas Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers concerning their eligibility of professional practice.  Prior to practice, the Individual must complete an application and pay required fees according to current policies and procedures of the regulatory board.  The application process has various sections that require notarized documentation of information for the individual, university and the Athletic Training Education Program Director.   Students are advised to plan ahead and identify key dates and requirements that are required as part of the regulatory process.  As part of the initial regulatory process, students must be successfully complete an oral practical and written assessment of their athletic training skills. 

Preparation to take the Board of Certification examination is a continual process.  During the sophomore year students will begin a series of clinical competency-based modules related to athletic training clinical skills.  The athletic training students’ clinical preparation for the BOC examination will concluded during their last academic year when they take ATHP 4390: “Capstone: Mock Testing.”  The course material will be composed of material that has been covered in the previous athletic training classes.  At the conclusion of the class, an examination structured like the BOC and Texas examinations will be administered.

Technical Standards (2003, Revised 02/2010)

Technical Standards must signed by the student and the medical professional going over health history, immunizations, and completing the physical examination.

 

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Athletic Training Education Program at the University of the Incarnate Word is committed to providing a supportive, challenging, diverse and integrated environment for all students. In accordance with these federal directives, the University and the Athletic Training Education Program ensure accessibility to their programs, services and activities for students with documented disabilities. 

In accordance with national norms, the Athletic Training Education Program has established technical requirements for admission, expectations and required abilities considered essential to perform duties of an athletic trainer. These abilities are classified into five categories: (1) observation, (2) communication, (3) motor & sensory, (4) intellectual, (5) behavioral and social.

• Observation: A candidate must be able to observe demonstrations in the classroom and athletic training room. A candidate must also be able to accurately observe an athlete at a distance and at close range, in order to gather the necessary data regarding the athletes’ physical status.

• Communication: The ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice, including but not limited to, the ability to (a) establish rapport and communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, parents, coaches, administrators, officials, medical and allied medical personnel and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural backgrounds; (b) record and discuss the physical examination results and treatment and rehabilitation plans clearly and accurately.

• Motor: Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations, therapeutic treatments, and therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation protocols using accepted techniques. This includes, but is not limited to, the ability to (a) accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients; (b) gather decision-making pieces of information during an injury assessment activity in class or in the clinical setting; (c) perform assessment, treatment and rehabilitation activities in class and in the clinical setting by direct performance; (d) sit, stand, and kneel for extended periods of time while rendering assistance to patients and athletes; (e) frequently move from place to place and position to position at a speed that permits safe handling of classmates and injured athletes; (f) stand and walk while providing support to an injured athlete; (g) use auditory, tactile, and visual senses to receive classroom instruction and to evaluate and treat injured athletes; (h) follow safety procedures established for each class and clinical setting.

• Sensory: Candidates must have adequate sensory function in order to elicit information from a physical examination through palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other assessment maneuvers.

• Intellectual: Candidates must have the mental capacity to learn and assimilate a large amount of complex, technical, and detailed information. They must also be able to solve problems through critical analysis and perform measurements necessary to develop a therapeutic plan.

• Behavioral and Social: Candidates must possess emotional and social attributes required to exercise good judgment, maintain composure, promptly complete all responsibilities as they relate to the care and management of an athlete’s injury, and develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with athletes and other members of the health care team. Candidates must also be able to adapt to an ever-changing environment, display flexibility, tolerate physically taxing workloads, and maintain their composure during highly stressful situations.

Promotion / Retention / Graduation Requirements

Once accepted into the program, students will be evaluated each semester to ensure they are meeting the expectations set by the Athletic Training Education Program.  These expectations include:

• The student must complete a physical examination from a qualified physician or medical practitioner using the form provided at the time of admission to the program.  Each year the student is required to submit their physical examination with updated immunizations.
• The student must have satisfactorily complete clinical observation or practice unerd the direction of a supervising certified athletic trainer or assigned preceptor.

• The student must maintain current CPR with AED and First Aid certification.
• The student must attend annual program orientation, blood-borne pathogen adn HIPAA training sessions offered by the ATEP.

• Maintain a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.  If a students overall GPA falls below a 2.5, he/she will be placed on probation for one semester.  Athletic training students placed on academic probation will be expected to fulfill an “academic probation contract” with the Athletic Training Education Program Director.  Failure to fulfill the academic probation contract and/or earn an overall GPA of 2.5 or better may result in the student’s dismissal from the Athletic Training program.

• Adhere to the rules and regulations outlined in the “Athletic Training Student Handbook.”

• The student must earn a favorable mid-term and final evaluations from the assigned clinical instructor (ACI).  The evaluations serve to measure not only the student knowledge and acquired skill application but also attributes including dependability, reliability, initiative, adherence to published policies & procedures, and acceptance of responsibility.
• The student must pass all major and support courses with a "C" or better and successfully complete all clinical proficiencies attached to the course or will be placed on probation for one semester. Athletic training students placed on academic probation will be expected to fulfill an "academic probation contract" with the Athletic Training Program Director. Failure to fulfill the academic probation contract may result in the student's dismissal from the program.
• The student must be in good standing with the university.