Mission

The CAATE-accredited athletic training educational program is a cooperative program housed in the Department of Human Nutrition with support from the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. Upon completion of the program a bachelor of science degree is awarded.

The athletic training educational program prepares students for careers as allied-health professionals and prepares them for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination leading to certification and the credential of certified athletic trainer. Students in this program study the concepts and skills to properly manage the health care problems associated with physical activity. In cooperation with physicians and other health care personnel, the athletic trainer functions as an integral member of the health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports, sports medicine clinics, and other health care settings.

All students complete 53–56 hours of general education requirements and 60 hours in professional studies, plus unrestricted electives to total 124 hours. Within the professional studies are practicum courses in athletic training where students participate in the clinical education aspect of the curriculum. Clinical education represents the student’s formal acquisition, practice, application, and evaluation of the entry-level athletic training clinical proficiencies through classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences under the supervision of a clinical instructor. The clinical experiences include the opportunity for students to apply related skills in the context of direct patient care at one of our clinical affiliate sites, which include area high schools, clinic, and collegiate settings. All students are required to carry liability insurance while in the practicum courses.

A minimum of 124 credit hours is required for graduation.

Level of students within the program

Preprofessional
Before students are formally admitted to the athletic training program, they must undergo a period of guided observation in the athletic training rooms at K-State. This period allows students to make an informed decision about whether they wish to pursue athletic training as a career and it allows the staff athletic trainers to observe each student’s work habits, knowledge, and abilities. Observation is conducted concurrently with the HN 120 and 121 courses.

Admission policy
During the spring semester, students interested in seeking formal admission into the athletic training curriculum must apply to the program director. Applications will be considered based on the following criteria:

1. Completion of HN 120 and 121 with a grade of B or better.
2. A cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better and at least a 3.0 grade point average in core classes.
3. Demonstration of competence on the entrance oral and written examinations during HN 120 and 121.
4. Completion of an application provided by the program director, clinical coordinator, or website.
5. Completion of a physical performed by a physician.
6. Completion of technical standards available from program director, clinical coordinator, or website.
7. Proof of liability insurance (must be maintained)

This application process is competitive. Candidates will be evaluated by the entire athletic training staff and will be selected based on the criteria outlined above.

Transfer students
Transfer credit will only be received for HN 320 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries. All other athletic training classes must be taken at K-State. Transfer students are required to complete the practicum courses at K-State.

Transfer students who demonstrate exemplary prior experience will be accepted provisionally to the athletic training curriculum. If, after the first semester, they demonstrate the qualities expected of athletic training students, transfer students will be accepted to full status.

Exemplary prior experience would be demonstrated by the following criteria:

1. Documentation of at least 500 clock hours of prior practical experience under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer.
2. An overall grade point average of at least 2.75 at the previous institution attended.
3. Completion of an equivalent of HN 320 with a grade of a B or better.
4. Proof of liability insurance (must be maintained).

An application to the curriculum as well as documentation of the requirements must be provided to the program director prior to formal admittance into the athletic training educational program.

Bachelor’s degree requirements