Athletic Training Admission Requirements and Retention Standards

Core Performance Standard for Admission and Progression

Applicants and students admitted into the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) offered through the Department of Athletic Training must possess the necessary intellectual, physical, emotional, social and communication skills to provide safe and effective athletic training services. Core performance standards for the Athletic Training Program at East Stroudsburg University are listed below. These examples are not inclusive of all expected abilities.

Candidates for selection to the ATEP must demonstrate:

1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, and integrate concepts and to problem-solve, to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able 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. Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.
4. The ability to communicate and function well during periods of high stress.
5. The tactile dexterity, visual and auditory abilities necessary to observe, monitor, assess and treat patients.
6. The appropriate affective skills, demeanor and conduct that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Compliance with these core performance standards does not guarantee a student’s admission into the program, or eligibility for the BOC certification examination. During the initial advising period, students must verify they understand and meet those core performance standards, or, that they believe with certain accommodations, they can meet these standards. The Office of Disability Services will review the student’s documentation and discuss any accommodation requests. Students should contact the Office of Disability Services at 570-422-3390 for additional information or to schedule an appointment.

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. Admission into the professional phase of the ATEP 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 major 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. Written Request to Progress to the Professional Phase;
2. Recommendation by a member of the ESU Athletic Training staff;
3. Completion of directed observation requirements;
4. Completion of 40 semester hours of course work (30 credits must have been completed at ESU unless all other criteria have been met);
5. Maintenance of a minimum quality point average of 2.50 overall and 3.00 in the major;
6. A grade of “C” or above is required in all prerequisites to athletic training courses;
7. A grade of “C” or above is required in all athletic training and co-requisite courses;
8. Interview with a member of the Athletic Training Department Faculty Committee;
9. Approval of the Athletic Training faculty as indicated by appropriate signatures on the student’s Athletic Training Plan of Study;
10. Concurrent enrollment in clinical field experiences (ATEP 487/ATEP 488/ATEP 489/ATEP 490) once admitted to the professional phase;
11. Successful completion of an approved summer pre-season clinical field experience assignment (credit or non-credit).

Additional Information Pertaining to Admission into the ATEP

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.

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 ATEP 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, ACT 34 clearance and ACT 141 child abuse clearance, fingerprinting and school/institution uniforms.

Athletic Training Limited Enrollment Policy

Athletic Training Education is a limited enrollment program and therefore, admission is limited to the top 25 qualified students per cohort. Subsequent to their application, students will be ranked and selected for admission to the ATEP Professional Phase based upon:

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 Staff: Scale 5–1

Athletic Training faculty interview: Scale 5–1

A minimum score of eight points is required for entrance into the Professional Phase of the ATEP. In the event that there are more than 25 qualified applicants or there are ties that must be broken, a 50-question, multiple-choice exam covering cognitive and psychomotor competencies from Anatomy and Physiology, Acute Care of Athletic Injury and Illness, Kinesiology/Applied Anatomy, and Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries will be administered. For these individuals, performance on the exam 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.