NOTE: We will accept our last entering freshman class for this program in the fall of 2017. We intend to transition to a master of science in athletic training in the fall of 2020.
Program Coordinator: Kathleen Flanagan (247 Ward Sports Medicine Building; 252-737-4561; flanagank@ecu.edu)
The athletic training degree program (ATEP) is a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited undergraduate program. Upon completion of this degree, students will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification exam, and be eligible to work in the health care filed with a physically active population. There is a strong clinical aspect of the program involving a minimum of 800 supervised hours under a certified athletic trainer. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the athletic training degree, as it is restricted by an imposed student-to-clinical instructor ratio.
ADMISSION
Students who desire to enter the ATEP major must undergo a two-tier admittance procedure. They must first apply to the ATEP Program for admission into the one-year candidacy period. The application and supporting materials can be found on the program website.
Tier 1: To be considered for the candidacy period, students must have 24 credits of college course work, possess a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA, and have completed the following courses: BIOL 2140 and 2141, CHEM 1150 and 1151, ENGL 1100, KINE 2850, HLTH 1000 and PSYC 1000; each with a C (2.0) or better. Additionally students must provide evidence of 75 observation hours with a nationally certified and state licensed athletic trainer outside of ECU. A completed application packet (also including current first aid and adult, child and infant CPR certifications from an approved provider, two letters of character reference, signed ATEP Technical Standards, official transcripts from all college work, and verification of upholding ECU’s Student Code of Conduct, and Academic Integrity Code) is due no later than August 1 annually.
Tier 2 involves formal acceptance to the major, and occurs at the end of the one-year candidacy period (Tier 1) (typically, the end of the sophomore year). Applicants to Tier 2 must finish the candidacy period, complete a health screening, log 75 observation hours within the ECU ATEP, possess a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA, and have completed the following courses: ATEP 1800, 2800, 2810, 2811, BIOL 2150, 2151, NUTR 2105 and PHYS 1250, 1251; each with a C (2.0) or better. Qualified candidates will have an interview with program faculty and staff. Competitive admission is based upon assessments of the applicant’s academic abilities, knowledge, dedication to the profession, and commitment to the health care of others. Transfer students are not admitted directly into the major, but those accepted into the university will have their transcripts reviewed by university admissions, and may apply to the candidacy period if they meet the Tier 1 courses, GPA , observation and conduct requirements. No ATEP transfer courses will be accepted.
REQUIREMENTS
Athletic training students are required to earn a minimum course grade of C (2.0) in all athletic training courses. A minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 2.5 must be sustained throughout the program. All students in the degree are required to maintain current TB status, varicella immunization, hepatitis B immunization (or waiver), and liability insurance for the duration of their involvement in the curriculum. Specific requirements are stated in the Athletic Training Student Handbook and on the program website. The athletic training degree requires a minimum of 200 practical, supervised clinical hours each semester under the direction of a certified athletic trainer. The candidacy period does not count toward the total hours required.
Minimum degree requirement is 126 s.h. of credit as follows:
East Carolina University