Athletic Training Major Acceptance and Requirements
General Information
Acceptance into the Athletic Training Education Program as a major requires students to meet the following competitive and selective criteria:
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A cumulative GPA of 2.5 by the end of the freshman year
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Completion of HS 161, HS 162, HS 165X, HS 168, CH 103, and BIO 111, with a grade of “C” or higher in each course
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Current certification in CPR for the Professional Rescuer and RTE First Aid and a minimum of 150 hours clinical observation
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Demonstrated knowledge of and adherence to NATA codes of professional ethics and conduct
Students seeking acceptance shall submit a letter of application to the Program Coordinator and two letters of recommendation (one from a faculty member not in the Department of Health Sciences), and complete a personal interview with a selection committee. To remain in the program, students must maintain a 2.75 GPA in major courses and meet skills competencies and clinical observation hours requirements at each level.
Athletic Training Education Program: Technical Standards for Admission
The Athletic Training Education Program at Trinity International University is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Education Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program. In the event that a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program.
Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program will be required to verify that they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.
Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the BOC examination.
Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program must demonstrate the following:
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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.
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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.
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The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
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The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
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The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
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The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
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Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
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Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.
Special Note: Students who choose to participate in athletics, music, complete teacher certification, or double major in Sports & Wellness Management, Pre-Physical Therapy, or other Science majors need to be aware that this may result in a longer time commitment than four years to meet their educational goals.
Educational Requirements
Requirements total 59 hours. This includes 45 hours of Athletic Training core courses, 3 hours of psychology courses, and 11 hours of Biology courses. Fifteen other hours meet general education requirements. To find out more information about the courses, click here. Students must also fulfill the requirements associated with Clinical Experience of Levels 1-4. This includes observation; clinical rotations at TIU with athletic teams; off-site clinical rotations at physician offices, clinics, industrial sites, and high schools; and an extended off-site internship. Below you can see some of the opportunities for these experiences.
Clinical Rotation and Internship Opportunities
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High Schools: Carmel, Deefield, Grant, Grayslake, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Mundelein, Round Lake, Stevenson, and Vernon Hills
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College/University: Lake Forest College and the College of Lake County
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Corporate/Clinical: Athletico, Condell Centre Club, Complete Orthopaedic Care,
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Professional Sport Teams: Chicago Rush, Chicago Fire, and NBA/WNBA teams have hosted student interns. The Chicago Bulls and Bears practice facilities are within 10 min. drive
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Missions Groups/Organizations: There is ongoing opportunity/communications with a variety of mission/sport teams: American Football Ministries International, Infinity Sports, Athletes in Action, etc. We also encourage students to join the Christian Sports Medicine Association. The summer 2004 and 2005 trips to Thailand were the first of hopefully many Athletic Training mission trips.
