EIU Department of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation

Fall 2018 was the last semester for admission into the B.S. in Athletic Training program.  

Athletic Training Admission Requirements

Admission to the Athletic Training Program is selective and competitive. Applications are due by December for admission. One class is admitted each year in the spring.  Applications may be obtained by calling or writing the Director of the Athletic Training Program: Lee Ann Price, EdD, ATC, 2251 Lantz, Athletic Training Program, Charleston, IL, 61920, (217) 581-7615, lprice@eiu.edu.

Students must meet the following minimum prerequisites for admission to the AT Program:

1. Minimum Professional GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
2. Minimum Cumulative GPA of a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale;
3. Completion of KSR 2130 and KSR 2135 with an A or B, as well as the following course requirements:
a. Successful completion of a performance assessment of two basic injury evaluations; b. Completion of 65 hours of clinical observation under a Licensed EIU certified Athletic Trainer; c. Completion of the Basic Athletic Training Skill Requirements.
4. Completion of the AT Program application;
5. Submission of official transcripts of all college course work completed to date.
6. Must be enrolled as an Athletic Training Major.

*In the event that there are too many applicants a point system will be utilized to ensure that all applicants receive a fair opportunity to be accepted into the AT Program.

Technical Standards (Abilities and Skills) for Admission to and Progression within the Undergraduate Athletic Training Program

The Athletic Training Program at Eastern Illinois University is rigorous and intense, and places specific requirements and demands on the students. 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 technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Program establishes 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 program's accrediting agency.  All students admitted to the Athletic Training Program must meet the following abilities and expectations. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program.

Compliance with the program's technical standards does not guarantee a student's eligibility for the NATABOC certification exam.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Program must demonstrate:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
5. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
6. The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
7. The flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
8. The affective 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 that they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.

The Office of Disability Support Services will evaluate a student who states s/he could meet the program's technical standards with accommodation and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws.

If a student states s/he can meet the technical standards with accommodation, then the University will determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation; this includes a review of whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account whether the accommodation will jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical experiences and internships deemed essential to graduation.

Eastern Illinois University adheres to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need an accommodation under this Act due to a disability, contact the Office of Disability Support Services.

Upon acceptance into the athletic training education program, students must present to the Program Director:

• The verification of three hepatitis B vaccinations or fill out a hepatitis vaccination declination form
• Documentation of a physical examination performed by a physician;
• Documentation of American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR certification valid through the school year;
• Documentation of current health/hospitalization insurance.

Failure to present this documentation by the specified deadline to the Program Director will result in administrative withdrawal from the program.

Retention

To remain in good standing in the program, students must:

• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale;
• Maintain a professional grade point average (all required ATEP coursework as per University catalog) of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale;
• Earn a grade of C or better in KSR 2136, 3140, 3141, 3142, 3143, 3144, 3180, 4500, 4900;
• Earn a passing score on a developmental portfolio;
• A student failing to meet the minimum grade requirements in athletic training course work will not be allowed to continue into more advanced athletic training courses until the minimum grade requirement is met.