Department of Health Education and Promotion

College of Health and Human Performance

Prospective Athletic Training Students

Prospective Athletic Training Majors

Tell a friend about this page.
All fields required.
Can be sent to only one email address at a time.
Share MyLinks Facebook Icon Twitter Icon

Dear Prospective Athletic Training Major, [ top ]

Thank you for looking into East Carolina University's outstanding academic Athletic Training Education program. We are one of the oldest and most established accredited athletic training education programs in the country, as we were first recognized in 1971. Our program is a CAATE (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education) accredited athletic training curriculum. We prepare undergraduate students to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) National exam upon graduation, and work as certified athletic trainers. Students pursuing the athletic training degree will earn a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training within the Department of Health Education and Promotion. This major requires a minimum of 126 semester hours (sh) including 42 hours of foundations curriculum (FC) courses, 72 s.h. in the major area, and elective hours that can result in an approved minor or a dual degree with School Health Education.

The Athletic Training program requires separate admission (in addition to ECU) to the required Candidacy Period. Typically, first year students to ECU apply to the Candidacy Period immediately following high school graduation, prior to their first year at ECU. Candidacy Period has limited enrollment and occurs for one full academic year, beginning every Fall semester. In May, following the Fall-Spring Candidacy Period, qualified students are eligible for the Athletic Training major. Screening of the applications for the Candidacy Period begins every July 1, and only completed application packets on or before the August 1 deadline will be considered for that Fall semester. The applicant pool may fill prior to the August 1 deadline, and prospective students are encouraged to submit completed packets immediately following the July 1 screening date. All applicants will be notified via their personal ECU Email address by August 3.

The program has a strong clinical aspect in addition to rigorous course work. A minimum of 800 practical, supervised hours under BOC certified and state-licensed athletic trainers are required for graduation. Admission to East Carolina University does not guarantee admission into the athletic training major. This major is restricted by student-to-clinical instructor ratio, and admission is competitive. Our program begins with a one-year candidacy period, in which students shadow in the athletic training field, and take specific preparatory courses; followed by formal and competitive admission to the athletic training major. There are also written technical standards for admission that can be found in the ECU Athletic Training Student handbook and the program web site: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-hhp/hlth/athletictr/athletetr.cfm

We do not offer direct financial aid to Candidate athletic training students. Students who have been active in the major for at least one year, and are Juniors or Seniors, may apply for the Ronnie Barnes or Athletic Training Alumni Scholarships.

Thank you for your interest in our program. If I may be of further assistance, please feel free to get in touch with me. Go, Pirates!

Katie Walsh

Dr. Katie Walsh, LAT, ATC
Director of Athletic Training Education Programs
Walshk@ecu.edu

Athletic Training Education Program Costs [ top ]

Approximate
Costs of items required for the program

CANDIDATE PERIOD (Level I)

Uniform:
Khaki shorts/pants $ 15.00 - 50.00 (each) #
Uniform T-shirt $ 20.00* (each)
Name tag $ 8.00*
Game polo shirt $ 20.00 - 30.00 (each) *
Physical: Free at ECU Student Health Center
Shots/immunizations $ 10.00 - 50.00 each

ATEP MAJOR (Level II - IV)

Uniform:
ATEP T-shirt $ 15.00* (each)
Game polo shirt $ 20.00 - 30.00 (each) *
Equipment:
Fanny Pack $ 30.00 - 45.00*
Tape Scissors $ 30.00 - 40.00*
Goniometer/reflex hammer $ 25.00
Living Expenses: For ATEP 3500
Housing/food/transportation on your own (3 - 4 weeks in August)

ANNUAL COSTS:

CPR/AED card $ 30 - 40.00* (twice during curriculum)
Liability Insurance $ 20 - 30.00*
Extra ATEP Uniform T-shirt(s) $ 20.00* (each)
TB Test $ 20.00 (ECU Student Health Center)
Athletic tape/prewrap $ 60.00* each semester for each lab

Note: Travel to off site clinical rotations are not provided. Travel costs (transportation, gas, parking) are the responsibility of each student.

* Purchase through the Athletic Training Education Program
# Purchase on your own (outside supplier/department store)

Athletic Training Education Program Goals [ top ]

The primary educational goal of the East Carolina University Athletic Training Education program is to develop competent and contributing entry-level certified Athletic Trainers. This is achieved through the following goals:

  1. Master the entry-level competencies through a combination of extensive didactic and clinical learning experiences.
  2. Develop highly respected professionals who are competent in diverse situations.
  3. Foster a high commitment to community involvement and service.
  4. Maintain the philosophy of life long learning (See one, Do one, Teach one) through research and scholarly activities.

Recommended Course Sequencing [ top ]

126 total semester hours

FIRST YEAR - 31 semester hours
Fall (15 s.h.) Spring (16 s.h.)
  • ATEP 1800 Orientation to Athletic Training (1)
  • HLTH 1000 Personal Health (2)
  • PSYC 1000 (3)
  • General Biology (4)
  • English 1100 (3)
  • Humanities/FA (2)
  • ATEP 2810 Princ of Athletic Training (3)
  • ATEP 2811 Principles AT Lab (1)
  • BIOL 2130 Anatomy (4)
  • Math 1065 (3)
  • EXSS 2850 Intro to Kinesiology (1)
  • English 1200 (3)
  • EXSS 1000 (1)
SECOND YEAR - 32 semester hours
Fall (16 s.h.) Spring (16 s.h.)
  • ATEP 3810 Ortho Eval Upper Extremity (3)
  • ATEP 3811 Ortho Eval UE Lab (1)
  • ATEP 2800 Medical Nomenclature (2)
  • ATEP 3200 Field Experience I (1)
  • MIS 2223 Intro to Computers (3)
  • Social Science (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • ATEP 3820 Ortho Eval Lower Extremity (3)
  • ATEP 3821 Ortho Eval LE Lab (1)
  • ATEP 3201 Basic Rehabilitation Techniques (2)
  • ATEP 3270 Pathology & General Medical (3)
  • ATEP 3272 Clinical Skills in Health Assm (1)
  • Physics 1250/1251 (4)
  • Elective (2)
THIRD YEAR - 32 semester hours
Fall (16 s.h.) Spring (16 s.h.)
  • ATEP 3250 Sports Medicine Tx Modalities (3)
  • ATEP 3251 Sports Medicine Tx Modalities Lab (1)
  • EXSS 3850 Biomechanics (3)
  • ATEP 3350 Concepts in Pharmacology (3)
  • ATEP 3000 Evidence Based Medicine (3)
  • ATEP 3400 Clinical Experience in Equipment Intensive Sport (2)
  • ATEP 3500 Clinical Experience in Medical Readiness for Sport (1)
  • ATEP 3280 Therapeutic Rehabilitation (3)
  • ATEP 3281 Therapeutic Rehab Lab (1)
  • ATEP 3860 Sports Medicine Practicum I (3)
  • HLTH 3020 Health Disparities (3)
  • COMM 2410 Public Speaking (3)
  • Nutrition 2105 (3)
FOURTH YEAR - 31 semester hours
Fall (16 s.h.) Spring (15 s.h.)
  • ATEP 4860 Sports Medicine Practicum II (3)
  • EXSS 3805 Exercise Physiology (3)
  • ATEP 3271 Clinical Experience in Medicine (1)
  • Humanities/FA (3)
  • Social Science (3)
  • Approved Electives/Minor (3)
  • ATEP 4320 Organization & Administration (WI) (3)
  • EXSS 3804 Measurement of Physical Activity & Fitness (3)
  • Social Science (3)
  • Humanities/FA (2)
  • Approved Electives/Minor (4)

March 2012

2011-2012 catalog: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/aa/SrchCatalog.cfm

Recommended Course Sequencing for Transfer Students who have completed all FC requirements* [ top ]

87-90* total semester hours

FIRST YEAR - 28 semester hours
Fall (14 s.h.) Spring (14 s.h.)
  • ATEP 1800 Orientation to Athletic Training (1)
  • BIOL 2130 Anatomy & Physiology (4)
  • MIS 2223 Intro to Computers (3)
  • NUTR 2105 (3)
  • EXSS 2850 Intro to Kinesiology (1)
  • ATEP 2800 Medical Terminology (2)
  • ATEP 2810 Princ of Athletic Training (3)
  • ATEP 2811 Principles AT Lab (1)
  • PHYS 1250/1251 (4)
  • PSYC 1000 (3)
  • HLTH 1000 (3)
SECOND YEAR - 27 semester hours
Fall (14 s.h.) Spring (13 s.h.)
  • ATEP 3810 Ortho Eval Upper Extremity (3)
  • ATEP 3811 Ortho Eval UE Lab (1)
  • ATEP 3000 Evidence Based Medicine (3)
  • ATEP 3200 Field Experience I (1)
  • EXSS 3850 Biomechanics (3)
  • EXSS 3804 Measurement of Physical Activity & Fitness (3)
  • ATEP 3820 Ortho Eval Lower Extremity (3)
  • ATEP 3821 Ortho Eval LE Lab (1)
  • ATEP 3201 Basic Rehabilitation Techniques (2)
  • ATEP 3270 Pathology & General Medical (3)
  • ATEP 3272 Clinical Skills in Health Assm (1)
  • ATEP 3860 Sports Medicine Practicum I (3)
THIRD YEAR - 32 semester hours
Fall (16 s.h.) Spring (16 s.h.)
  • ATEP 3250 Sports Medicine Tx Modalities (3)
  • ATEP 3251 Sports Medicine Tx Modalities Lab (1)
  • ATEP 3350 Concepts in Pharmacology (3)
  • ATEP 4860 Sports Medicine Practicum II (3)
  • EXSS 3805 Exercise Physiology (3)
  • ATEP 3400 Clinical Experience in Equipment Intensive Sport (2)
  • ATEP 3500 Clinical Experience in Medical Readiness for Sport (1)
  • ATEP 3280 Therapeutic Rehabilitation (3)
  • ATEP 3281 Therapeutic Rehab Lab (1)
  • ATEP 4002 (2)
  • HLTH 3020 Health Disparities (3)
  • COMM 2410 Public Speaking (3)
  • ATEP 4320 Organization & Administration (WI) (3)
  • ATEP 3271 Clinical Experience in Medicine (1)

October 2012

2011-2012 catalog: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/aa/SrchCatalog.cfm

* may need additional 3 sh of WI (Writing Intensive) if taken outside of ECU

Admission to the Major Criteria [ top ]

Formal acceptance into the athletic training major occurs following a one-year Candidacy period* (usually the first year at ECU) and includes the following criteria:

  1. A ECU semester and cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 or above
  2. Completion of ATEP 1800, 2810 and 2811 with a grade "C" or better
  3. Current CPR (infant, child and adult) and Basic First Aid certification from an approved provider, (proof is required by May of the Candidate year or you will not be considered.)
  4. Successful completion of the candidacy period which includes:
    1. HIPAA and OSHA training prior to clinical observation
    2. All Level I Proficiencies must be completed and signed off by an appropriate athletic trainer
    3. No violations of the NATA or ECU Athletic Training Code of Ethics, or ECU Honor Code
    4. Observational clinical hours (fall hours and spring semesters combined) shadowing ECU athletic trainers/athletic training majors
  5. A Health Screening/Physical Examination and immunization review at ECU's Student Health Service in the Spring of the Candidate year
  6. Interview with Program faculty/staff in the Spring of your Candidacy year
  7. In addition, scores from
    1. East Carolina University semester and cumulative GPA
    2. Evaluation scores from the observation hours
    3. Previous course work
    4. A review from the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities will be used to determine that students are compliant with the ECU Honor Code.

A specific rating sheet is included in the Athletic Training Student Handbook that is a part of the required reading for ATEP 1800 in the fall of the Candidate year.

All students formally accepted into the major are gaining didactic knowledge in the classroom, and also logging supervised practical hours under BOC certified and state licensed athletic trainers. The number of slots available determines the number of students accepted into the major. If the athletic training candidate is not accepted into the program following his/her candidacy period, he or she may choose to attempt to gain entry the next year by returning to the pool of eligible candidates.

Transfer students must also meet the above criteria, both for admission to the candidacy year, and acceptance into the major. No transfer athletic training classes will be accepted, but other course work may be allowed on an individual basis. Contact the College of Health and Human Performance Advising Center for details at 252.328.4645.

* Note – Prospective majors must apply and be accepted into the Candidacy Period. Applications are accepted beginning July 1 the month prior to beginning at ECU. See this website for more information.

Reapplying to the Athletic Training Candidacy [ top ]

Qualifications:

  • Formal acceptance into the Athletic Training Candidacy Period (via an email signed by the Program Director)
  • Previously enrolled in ATEP 1800 (Orientation to Athletic Training)
  • Previously assigned clinical observation hours
  • At the conclusion of the Spring semester, applicants must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, in both semester and cumulative areas
    • o NOTE: If semester or cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 over the summer session(s); the applicant will not be admitted into the Candidacy Period.

Students meeting meet the above criteria, who left the Candidacy period, or were not accepted into the Athletic Training major; may reapply by following the rules below:

  1. Submit a letter, addressed to the Program Director, asking to be readmitted to the Candidacy Period. This letter must explain why you left the Candidacy Period, and detail how you are now prepared to meet the demands of the program. The letter must be dated, and contain your signature, address and email address.
  2. Official transcripts from all colleges you have taken courses from since your original application, including ECU transcripts. These must come in sealed envelopes.
  3. Signed and dated Technical Standards (found on this website).

Instructions:

  • All of the application materials (above) must be sent together in one envelope
  • Mail to:
    • ATEP Candidacy Application
    • 2201 Carol Belk Building
    • East Carolina University
    • Greenville, NC 27858
  • Do not send prior to June 1
  • Screening begins July 1
  • Application Deadline is August 1; unless that date falls on a weekend; then it will be the Monday following August 1
  • Acceptance will begin July 1 and continue until all Candidate slots are full; which may be sooner than August 1

Program Policies [ top ]

Uniform Requirement [ top ]

In the East Carolina Athletic Training Program (ATEP), we adhere to a uniform to be worn at all times while logging clinical hours.

The ATEP Uniform includes

  • ATEP T-shirt, which can be purchased from the Program the night of Fall mandatory meeting for about $20 each, depending on the final bid from the company. The official ATEP T-shirt identifies students as health care providers and are to be worn proudly. Official ATEP polo shirts are worn by the majors (Levels 2-4) in game situations. New majors will be notified.
  • Tan khaki shorts or pants, Please note that jeans, denim, sweats, nylon, cargo or Capri pants, and low riders are not appropriate in the athletic training room. In addition, shorts must be long enough (hems clearly showing below fingertips when you are standing) to be able to perform tasks easily and without embarrassment. Shorts should have a zipper and belt loops.
  • Belts must be worn at all times.
  • Socks and tennis shoes or closed-toe work boots
  • A name-tag – purchased through the Athletic Training Student Club in the Fall semester.
  • Excessive jewelry is not necessary in the athletic training room. Excessive jewelry constitutes more than one earring per ear, any other pierced body parts bearing jewelry, and any necklaces, rings, etc. which can interfere or detract from your ability to perform as a medical care giver in the clinical setting.
  • Cell phones are not permitted for Observational (Level 1) students or at any affiliate site. They are to be locked in your car or in a cabinet in the Athletic Training Room (ATR).
  • Students accepted to the major will also receive an ATEP jacket in the Fall of the Level 2 year. It is to be worn at anytime at clinical sites when it is cold or rainy. Students in the major are not to wear any other outerwear in colder days, as the hooded jackets are warm enough (especially if you wear a sweatshirt underneath).
  • Students wearing inappropriate clothing for work in a professional medical setting will be immediately sent home and removed from logging hours until such time that they can acquire appropriate clothing.
  • We require you to present yourself in the athletic training room in a clean and neat uniform at all times when you are functioning as an athletic training student. Please keep that in mind when purchasing your khaki shorts and pants, as well as Logo T-shirt. You will want enough clothing so that you will not be burdened with laundry daily should your clothing become soiled while logging observational hours in the clinical setting.

Code of Ethics [ top ]

In addition to the NATA Code of Ethics, the following standards apply to those engaged in the East Carolina University Athletic Training Educational Program (ATEP). Failure to abide by these standards can lead to permanent expulsion from the program.

  1. I will be honest with my ability and myself. I will admit if I lack the knowledge or skill, and will not attempt to bluff my way through any situation.
  2. Under no circumstances will I attempt to carry out a procedure or evaluate an injury/illness unless I have the knowledge and proficiency mastered.
  3. I acknowledge that altering; copying, sharing, removing or tampering with medical records is not tolerated and is a violation of the law.
  4. I will strictly maintain medical confidentiality. I will be aware of my surroundings when discussing an injury/illness, and be mindful when working on medical records. I understand that colleagues and teammates do not have a right to know other's conditions; furthermore, it is illegal.
  5. I will use good judgment when discussing the events of the day – practice, occurrences in the athletic training room, etc. Even though they may not be medical in nature, much of what occurs here is not for public awareness.
  6. I will encourage and promote scholarship achievement in others. I will strictly adhere to the Academic Integrity policies of ECU. I will not lie, steal or cheat.
  7. I will not use medications unless they are specifically prescribed for me. I will not use non-therapeutic drugs.
  8. I understand that negative actions in or outside of the athletic training education program may have a profound effect on my continuing in the program, especially if they affect patient safety or trust in me.
  9. I will be professional at all times while representing ECU. My dress, mannerisms, attitude, integrity and character will reflect positively on our program, while at home and away.
  10. Unless given permission by my supervising athletic trainer, I will strictly adhere to team rules while traveling. I know I am not to be in athletes' or coaches' rooms unless in the presence of my preceptor. I will not allow athletes/coaches in my room.
  11. I will be cooperative, courteous, and considerate to staff, coaches, colleagues, student athletes and visitors. I am aware that I represent our program and the medical profession – and will act accordingly.
  12. I will avoid rude behavior, inappropriate language, discriminatory remarks or behaviors, and criticism of others.
  13. I will show respect for the certified staff, physicians, and allied health professionals affiliated with the program. I am aware that any comments or actions interpreted as being disrespectful will not be tolerated.
  14. I will strive to always be early, prepared and professional when in uniform.

Retention Policy [ top ]

Retention in the East Carolina University Athletic Training Education Program is contingent upon the following criteria:

  1. In order to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training at East Carolina University, a minimum course grade of C is all required for all required courses in the athletic training program
    • Depending on individual situations, students might be allowed to progress in the athletic training education program with an unsatisfactory grade IF the course is repeated within one academic year, and a grade of C or higher is earned.
      • Students repeating certain ATEP classes will also enroll in a clinical class the same semester in order to allow for sufficient clinical practice with newly acquired skills.
    • Students receiving a grade below a C in any of the following classes, will be removed from the athletic training education program: ATEP 2810, 2811, 3810, 3811, 3820, 3821, 3860, & 4860.
  2. A minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 2.0
  3. Current CPR certification
  4. Current Liability Insurance
  5. Current verification of TB status
  6. Satisfactory progression of the assigned level of proficiencies set forth in the Competency Checklist
  7. Upholding the Athletic Training Program Code of Ethics including the ECU Academic Honor Code and ECU Student Code of Conduct
  8. Complete coverage of your primary clinical assignment. This entails being actively involved in the rotation and you must have at least 200 hours each semester of clinically supervised experience.
  9. Review and sign all your clinical evaluations (twice each clinical experience).

Current CPR, TB Status verification and Liability Insurance must be verified and remain current each academic year. It is your responsibility to make sure this is done.

You must complete the level of Competencies you are assigned to before beginning any competencies at the next level. (Candidates are Level 1)

As part of this Retention Policy, the Program will verify via the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities that students are in good disciplinary standing with University Policies.

Infectious Disease Policy [ top ]

The medical director will determine if athletic training personnel are fit and able to be in a health care situation with the following suspected infectious conditions, but limited to:

Mumps Measles
TB
Influenza
Strep throat
MRSA
Conjunctivitis
Folliculitis
Tinea corporis (ringworm)
Varicella
Hepatitis (A, B, C, etc.)
Staphylococcus
Abscesses, boils, cellulitis
Streptococcus
Meningitis

If an athletic training student is infectious, the medical director will relay to the program director/clinical coordinator the ability of the student to be involved in health care. Until the student hears directly from the program director/clinical coordinator, he/she is to refrain from being in any health care facility.

It is the student's obligation to inform any preceptor or field experience supervisor of his/her absence from an assignment.

If students have concerns about their health, they are to contact a Preceptor to set you up an appointment with the Medical Director at the Student Health Services on campus as soon as possible.

Students are not to be in any heath care situation until the medical director clears them to do so, and the program director has informed them of this.

The College of Health & Human Performance
Minges Coliseum | Greenville, NC 27858-4353
252.328.4630 | Contact Us
© 2013 | Terms of Use | Last Updated: 2013-05-22
Give To East Carolina University