The Athletic Training major provides students with an understanding of the athletic training profession and the knowledge and skills necessary  to be a successful athletic trainer. Students enrolled in the five semester program will have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology, hygiene, kinesiology, nutrition, taping, conditioning, prevention of injury methodology, protective equipment, first aid, and emergency care via formal classroom experiences. In addition to academic coursework, students are exposed to a variety of clinical settings throughout their five semesters via five practicum courses. Graduates of the Shawnee State Athletic Training Education Program are well versed to implement prevention-of-injury programs, assess athletic injuries, provide immediate treatment, and administer rehabilitation procedures for injured athletes. Graduates also possess the human relations and communication skills necessary to work well with team physicians, coaches, administrators, and athletes.

Special Note: Students are not automatically nationally certified and/or licensed to practice athletic training after the completion of the Athletic Training program. You must sucessfully take and pass the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and any applicable state licensure exam upon successful completion of all requirements of a CAATE accredited athletic training program.

Application for Admission to the Athletic Training Program

Admission into the Athletic Training program (ATEP) at Shawnee State University is selective and limited. The number of students accepted into the program each year is based on the availability of clinical supervisors and quality clinical instruction. Students must meet the following eligibility requirements for formal admission into the athletic training program:

• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Submission of a written application, including two character references; signature of acknowledgement and agreement of understanding of the Technical Standards for Admission to the ATEP.
• Successful completion of directed clinical observation hours (via ATTR 2100 and 2200).
• Current CPR certification.
• Completion of the following prerequisite coursework with a grade of “C” or better

• Completion of the following athletic training prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better:

•  Attendance and successful completion of a universal precautions in-service and proof of HVB vaccination (or initiation of the series) or sign a form of declination of the vaccine.

Note: Transfer students and sophomores who have met the above criteria are welcome to apply

PTA-AAS Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training
Students interested in obtaining both the Associate Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant and the Bachelor Degree in Athletic Training may do so concurrently. Students should seek out advising from the PTA program and Athletic Training program as soon as possible to reduce delay in graduation. See the Physical Therapy Assistant AAS section for a full list of requirements for admission to the program.