Athletic Training Program

Athletic training is an allied health profession that deals with the prevention, evaluation, emergency care and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. The athletic training major is designed to offer the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for a student to become eligible to take the BOC national certification examination.

The curriculum is structured to prepare students for entry-level athletic training positions and graduate studies in athletic training. This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This accrediting body imposes constraints on the size of the program. Because of this, the program is selective and space is limited.

Admission Requirements

Applications are reviewed each semester and admission to the program is competitive. Admission to the athletic training program is a two-step process. All applicants are initially admitted to the pre-professional phase of the program. During the pre-professional phase, students must complete the requirements listed below to be considered for admission to the professional phase.

Admission to the pre-professional phase
All potential applicants must first be admitted to the University of Tampa. Potential applicants should consult the University admission requirements for new freshman or transfer students provided in the catalog . Formal admission to the pre-professional phase requires submitting a program specific application and competitive review by program faculty. To be minimally competitive for admission to this program phase, new freshmen must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. All applicants should have a 1000 SAT or 21 ACT. Transfer students must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Admission to the pre-professional phase of the program does not guarantee admission to the professional phase of the program.

Interested students should contact the Office of Admissions or the program director to obtain the pre-professional phase application packet. For priority consideration, applications to the pre-professional phase of the program should be submitted by March 1.

Admission to the professional phase
After reviewing each application, admission decisions to the professional phase of the program are made by program faculty. Meeting the minimum criteria for application does not guarantee admission for the professional phase of the program. Minimum criteria for application to the professional phase are:

• Completion of a minimum of 24 credit (semester) hours
• Completion of HEA 230with a minimum grade of BC
• Completion of HEA 234 with a minimum grade of C
• Completion of ESC 175 with a minimum grade of B
• Current certification in CPR with AED
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Completion of a program specific application

The application deadline for admission to the professional phase of the program beginning in the fall semester is May 25 of each academic year. Applications can be obtained from the program director.

Transfer students may be eligible to apply to the professional phase of the program at the completion of each fall semester and may be admitted to the professional phase in the spring semester. Transfer students desiring to enter in the spring semester must contact the program director to determine their eligibility for admission.

Please note : Students admitted to the professional phase of the program must complete a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised clinical education experiences under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor. These experiences occur at on- and off-campus sites. Students are responsible for transportation and other costs associated with their participation in off-campus clinical experiences.

Professional Standards for Applicants and Students

All applicants and students in the athletic training major must meet and continue to meet the approved professional standards of the program. No one who jeopardizes the health or well being of an athlete/patient, coworker, or self, will be accepted into the program or continue as a student in the program. To meet the intellectual, physical, and social competencies needed for professional requirements, all applicants and students must possess the necessary physical attributes and exhibit qualities of good judgment, mental strength and emotional stability.

All applicants to the professional phase of the program are required to submit a written acknowledgement indicating that they have read and understood the technical standards related to the professional duties of the discipline. The program faculty will be responsible for applying the standards for their students and prospective students.

The health care professional's self-presentation is a vital part of the complex relationship among the athlete/patient, the health care provider and the health care delivery site. The athletic training program reserves the right to limit attire and adornments (such as clothing, jewelry, piercing, tattooing) of the body and its parts (such as hands, face, oral cavity). The program policies document outlines the enforcement of this policy. In all cases, the final appeal may be made to the dean of the college.

General Curriculum Distribution

The general curriculum distribution requirements are contained in the academic programs section. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in athletic training/sports medicine must complete all general curriculum distribution requirements, with the following stipulations:

1. As part of the natural science component, each athletic training student must have credit in BIO 204 and PHY 200. Please note that MAT 170 is a prerequisite for PHY 200.

2. As part of the social science component, each athletic training student must include credit in PSY 200 and in PSY 211 or SSC 300.

Progress in the Program

1. A grade of BC or better in all required athletic training courses graded A through F.
2. A grade of Satisfactory in all required athletic training courses graded Satisfactory/Un-Satisfactory.
3. The student must comply with the academic policies and procedures described earlier in the catalog.
4. The student must comply with the program policies and procedures described in the student handbook.
5. Prior to enrolling in any clinical/laboratory course, the student must submit:
   1. Proof of liability insurance coverage
   2. Verification of a physical examination, which must be updated yearly, and proof of immunization.
   3. Proof of current First Aid and CPR with AED certification or Emergency Response certification (for all students formally admitted to the clinical component of the program only).
   4. Proof of attendance at an annual prevention of disease transmission education session (for all students formally admitted to the clinical component of the program only).
   5. Results of annual TB skin test or chest X-ray

Program Expenses

The instructional fee per semester hour is the same for students enrolled in the athletic training education program as for other students enrolled at The University of Tampa

In addition to tuition, housing, books/supplies, and usual transportation costs, students in the athletic training/sports medicine program will incur additional expenses in at least the following areas: laboratory fees; immunizations and health screening as required by the program or the clinical site; health insurance; liability insurance; membership in professional organizations; and transportation and other expenses associated with clinical internships. Students accepted into the program will receive more specific information about costs. Those anticipating the need for financial assistance while enrolled in the program should contact the UT Financial Aid Office.

Please note : Since the athletic training program is a professional education program, students will need to remain flexible with their time to participate fully in laboratory sessions, clinic visits and internships. Most students are unable to maintain regular employment during enrollment in the curriculum.