Admission
Admissions
In order to ensure adequate clinical placements for students, prospective students will participate in a competitive admissions process. Subjective and objective point scales will be used to determine student acceptance. Students should contact the Athletic Training Program Director for the latest admission information.
Prospective students will accumulate points for the successful completion of the following criteria:
• Each candidate must participate in 50-100 clinical observation hours under the direct supervision of an athletic trainer prior to April 1st of the year in which they are applying for acceptance.
• Each candidate must demonstrate a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA at the time of application and complete the following pre-requisite courses with a letter grade of “C” better.
• Each candidate must submit a letter of intent, the Application for Admission Form and submit three recommendation forms from a non-family member to the Program Director of Athletic Training by April 1st of the year in which they are applying for acceptance.
• Each candidate must also demonstrate proof of a completed physical examination, medical history form, immunization record, blood borne pathogen training and Technical Standards document.
Successful completion of all of the prerequisites mentioned above does not guarantee admission into the Athletic Training Program.
Progression Requirements
Academic Progress
Progression through the Athletic Training Program is contingent on students continuing to make adequate academic progress through the program. Academic progress is determined as follows: 1) Maintain a 2.7 cumulative grade point average, 2) Attaining a C or better in all preceding athletic training class, 3) Attaining a C- or better in all required pre-requisite/co-requisite courses, and obtaining at least an 85% or better on all exams or quizzes in athletic training courses or performing remediation to demonstrate comprehension. Students will be granted a one semester probationary period if their GPA falls below the 2.7 threshold. Failure to increase the cumulative GPA to 2.7 during the probationary semester will result in a referral to the Athletic Training Program Director for review. This may result in a delay of progression and/or dismissal in the program.
Students that do not obtain the necessary final grade in an athletic training course or pre-requisite/co-requisite class will be required to retake the course. Students will not be allowed to enroll in subsequent required athletic training courses without approval from the Athletic Training Program Director. This approval will be contingent on space availability, recommendations from the student’s advisor and course professor of the failed course and professional judgment of the Athletic Training Program Director.
Any failure to maintain academic progress will result in mandatory meetings with the Athletic Training Program Director to determine a plan of action. This remediation plan may include the addition of requirements for the student to regain sufficient academic progress at the discretion of the Athletic Training Program Director. Failure to adhere to the remediation plan will result in dismissal from the program.
Clinical Progress
Progression through the Athletic Training Program is contingent on students continuing to make adequate clinical progress. Clinical progress is defined as follows: 1) Attaining a B- or higher in all Athletic Training Clinical Experience/Internship courses, 2) Attaining a “Meets Expectations” on at least 60% of all clinical evaluation scores. Failure to maintain clinical progress will result in a dismissal from the program.
Compliance with Athletic Training Handbook
Students are required to comply with all aspects of the Athletic Training Handbook. Failure to maintain compliance will be handled according to the policy that was breeched. Of specific note, students must maintain eligibility for clinical experiences according to Section 5.05. Failure to maintain compliance may result in dismissal from the program.
Professional and Ethical Behavior
Professional and Ethical Behavior is required of all Athletic Training Students. Specifically, students must comply with the National Athletic Trainers Association Code of Ethics, clinical site policies and procedures, and confidentiality agreements. In addition, students are expected to maintain the highest levels of professionalism including appearance, punctuality, and demeanor. Students should also consult the Augustana University Student Handbook and the University catalog for policies relating to possession of alcoholic beverages/use of illegal drugs. Any violations of professional or ethical behavior will result in dismissal from clinical laboratory and disciplinary action in accordance with University policies. At the discretion of the Athletic Training Program Director, this may also include additional student requirements and/or dismissal from Athletic Training Program.