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2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog

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Athletic Training Admission Requirements: Freshmen and Transfers

EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE ATHLETIC TRAINING PROGRAM TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Candidates in the Professional Practice Athletic Training Program at East Stroudsburg University must possess the necessary intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and communication skills to provide safe and effective athletic training services. The Athletic Training Program has established Technical standards for students interested in pursuing a career in athletic training. In addition to specific academic criteria, these Technical Standards are considered necessary for students engaged in all phases of the Athletic Training Program at East Stroudsburg University. Therefore, prior to engagement in directed observation hours or professional phase assignments, all students must demonstrate:

  1. The mental capacity 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.
  2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely, and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
  3. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds (in verbal and written form).
  4. The ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively.
  5. The ability to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice
  6. The ability to record the physical examination results and treatment plan clearly and accurately; the capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of stress.
  7. The appropriate affective skills, flexibility and ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations, as well as the demeanor, and conduct that relate to professional education and quality patient care.
  8. The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training program as outlined and sequenced.

As a student enrolled in the Athletic Training Program at East Stroudsburg University, you must verify that you understand and meet these Technical Standards, or, that with certain reasonable accommodations you can meet these standards. In order to request accommodations that will help you meet these technical standards, you must make the appropriate request of the Office of Disability Services.. The Office of Disability Services will evaluate a student who states he/she could meet the Technical Standards with accommodations and confirm that the stated condition(s) qualifies as a disability under applicable laws. The Director of Disability Services, in consultation with the Director of the Athletic Training Program, and the student, will determine if the Technical Standards can be met with reasonable accommodations.

 

Admission of Freshmen and Transfers

Freshman and transfer students are admitted to East Stroudsburg University as Athletic Training majors. The pre-professional phase of study represents a time (generally three semesters) during which the student must address the prerequisites to the professional phase. Screening into the professional phase of the ATP at East Stroudsburg University is competitive among eligible candidates. A profile of the typical student who is admitted to the professional phase of the major and ESU and who is successful in becoming a certified athletic trainer would include SAT scores near or above 1000, a class rank in the top one third, an outgoing personality, a strong work ethic, good “ people ” skills, and a sincere interest in sports and in athletes.

Formal progression into the professional phase of the Athletic Training Professional Practice Program is contingent upon the pre-professional student meeting the following standards and completing the following prerequisites:

Standards for Progression to the Professional Phase of the Athletic Training Major:

  1. Minimum quality point average of 2.50 overall and 3.00 in the major;
  2. Meet Program's Technical Standards;
  3. A grade of “C+” or above in all Pre-Professional course work (ATEP 100, 202, 230, 235 and 285);
  4. A grade of "C" or better is required in all Athletic Training, "cognate" and "Directed General Education" course work;
  5. Completion of Professional Phase Screening Packet and all clearances;
  6. Advanced First Aid and CPR/AED Certification (ATEP 437) or EMT-B Certification prior to professional phase screening;
  7. Approval of the Athletic Training faculty as indicated by appropriate signatures on the student's Athletic Training Plan of Study;
  8. Interview with the Athletic Training Department Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee (APG);
  9. Concurrent enrollment in clinical field experiences (ATEP 487/ATEP 488/ATEP 489/ATEP 490) once admitted to the professional phase;
  10. Reliable transportation once screened into the professional phase

 

Additional Information Pertaining to Admission into the ATP

Failure to maintain the aforementioned standards or failure to demonstrate appropriate professional skills and conduct in any clinical experience is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. The Program regularly updates standards and academic expectations. Students should review all academic and clinical standards with their academic advisor on a regular basis.

Students participating in intercollegiate athletics at East Stroudsburg University should, in concert with their academic adviser, plan a course of study that includes a minimum of one additional semester of academic and clinical work.

Transfers: Applicants with a 2.5 quality point average will be considered for admission. Transfer students must complete all prerequisite coursework and satisfactorily complete all other prerequisites for admission to the program. Transfers should schedule an interview with the director of the ATP as soon as possible after receiving notification of admission to the university.

Additional Cost: Additional expenses required of students enrolled in the Athletic Training Program as they progress include but are not limited to: professional liability insurance, travel expenses to clinical sites ($2,000 over 4 semesters), Clearances ($420) including ACT 34 clearance and ACT 141 child abuse clearance, fingerprinting and school/institution uniforms ($205).

Athletic Training Limited Enrollment Policy

The number of students in the Professional Practice Athletic Training Program is determined by the number of quality clinical placement opportunities for students. Subsequent to their application, students will be ranked and selected for admission to the ATP Professional Phase based upon:

Satisfactory performance (70% or higher) on the Sophomore Assessment Plan

  • Sophomore Competency Assessment
  • Sophomore Skills Assessment
Overall Quality Point Average: Scale 6–1

 

(4.00-3.75=6; 3.74-3.5=5; 3.49-3.25=4; 3.24-3.00=3; 2.99-2.75=2; 2.74-2.50=1)

Major Quality Point Average: Scale 4–1

(4.00-3.75=4; 3.74-3.50=3; 3.49-3.25=2; 3.24-3.00=1)

Recommendation of sponsoring member of the ESU Athletic Training Faculty and a Clinical Preceptor: Scale 5–1

Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee Interview: Scale 5–1

A minimum score of "8" points is required for screening into the Professional Phase of the ATP. In the event that there are more qualified students then available clinical sites or there are ties that must be broken, a Sophomore Assessment Plan will determine placement status.

Athletic Training Professional Organizations

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) is the professional membership association for certified athletic trainers. Founded in 1950, the NATA has grown to more than 30,000 members worldwide today.

The Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association (EATA) formed in January 1949 when a few athletic trainers in the northeast decided to gather and share information. Today, the EATA encompasses all members of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association who reside in either District I or District II.

The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS) is a progressive organization of healthcare professionals who work under the direction of a licensed physician.

Certified Athletic Trainers working in the Commonwealth protect and enhance the health and welfare of our clients through prevention, recognition, management, and rehabilitation of injuries.