Admissions
Program Standards
The Athletic Training Educational Program at Charleston Southern 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 program standards set forth by the Athletic Training 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 programs accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these program standards, the student will not be admitted into the program. Compliance with the program standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the BOC certification exam.
CANDIDATES MUST DEMONSTRATE:
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately;
- The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress;
- The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the Athletic Training Program as outlined and sequenced;
- Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations; and,
- Effective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.
Candidates for selection to the athletic training program will be required to verify they understand and meet these program standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards (compliance with the program standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the BOC examination)
Advancing in ATP
Retention and Matriculation Policy
- A student must demonstrate progression through the ATP. A student’s status is jeopardized his/her program status (i.e., probation and/or program dismissal) if he/she does not meet the following program standards:
Criteria:
- Maintain and overall 3.0 GPA in ATP-based credit hours taken at CSU toward degree
- Minimum grade requirement of a “C” in all courses
Consequence:
- Recommended remediation plan set up by the student and the athletic training program faculty. A student will have a 15-week academic period to bring his/her overall GPA above 3.0. If a student is unable to bring their GPA to a 3.0 during this time period, he/she will be dismissed from the program. If a student’s GPA falls below a 3.0 at the conclusion of his/her last semester in the program the student will not eligible to receive this/her degree
- If a student earns less than a “C” in a course a student will be dismissed from the program
Overall 3.0 GPA in Credit Hours Taken at CSU Toward Degree
- If the GPA falls below 3.00 it must be raised to the required GPA the next semester or the student will be ineligible to continue in the program. If the student GPA falls below a 3.00 at the conclusion of their last semester in the program the student will not be eligible to receive their degree.
Graduation Requirements
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University Requirements
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To be eligible for graduation in the Master’s Degree Program, a student must complete professional core and specialization area requirements with a 3.00 GPA (see Academic Catalog for specific degree requirements)
Athletic Training Program Requirements
- Completion of all professional coursework (65 units)
- Maintain overall 3.0 GPA in credit hours taken at CSU toward degree
- Earned minimum grades in all professional courses (see retention policy above)
- Completion of all clinical education requirements
- Completion of education competencies and clinical integrated proficiencies
- Completion of clinical hours
- Maintain good standing in the Athletic Training Program according to the policies and procedures stated in the CSU-ATP Handbook
- Follow BOC Inc. Standards of Professional Practice and NATA Code of Ethics
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