Valdosta State University
Athletic Training Education
Program
Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training (B.S.A.T.) Degree
http://www.valdosta.edu/coe/kspe/athletictraining/index.shtml
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ATHLETIC TRAINING (B.S.A.T.) DEGREE
The Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The
Accreditation Standards are the minimum standards of quality used in accrediting educational programs that prepare individuals to
enter the athletic training profession. These Standards can be obtained through the Program Director. The extent to which a program
complies with these standards determines its accreditation status. In 1990, the Valdosta State University Athletic Training Education
Program was the first accredited program in the state of Georgia and since then has successfully completed re-accreditation in 1995,
2000, and 2005. This has resulted in over a decade long history of producing excellent athletic trainers.
The American Academy of Family Physicians, The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Orthopedic Society for Sports
medicine, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association
(NATA), cooperate to establish, maintain, and promote appropriate standards of quality for educational programs in Athletic Training
and to provide recognition for educational programs that meet or exceed the minimum standards.
The incoming class of athletic training students are enrolled Spring semester in course work and are under the supervision of a
certified athletic trainer on staff either at VSU, at an affiliated high school settings, or medical/allied health professional at a general
medicine rotation (orthopedic surgeon, family practice, VSU Student Health, physical therapy clinic) for clinical education
experiences. Each semester the athletic training student receives a new clinical rotation: Equipment Intensive, Upper Extremity,
Lower Extremity, and General Medical. These rotations include the opportunity to work with a diverse population (gender, age,
ethnicity, socioeconomic status, etc.) This allows the athletic training student to receive clinical instruction from Certified Athletic
Trainers at VSU and local high schools. During the General Medicine rotation athletic training students shadow physicians and other
allied health professionals. Athletic training students also shadow the Team Physician, as well as shadow the program’s Medical
Director during a portion of the general medical rotation.
Description of the Profession: An athletic trainer is a qualified health care professional educated and experienced in the management
of 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
programs, sports medicine clinics, and other health care settings. The athletic trainer functions in cooperation with medical personnel,
athletic personnel, individuals involved in physical activity, parents, and guardians in the development and coordination of efficient
and responsive athletic health care delivery systems. (CAATE)
Professional Preparation: The athletic trainer’s professional preparation is directed toward the development of specified competencies
in the following domains: risk management and injury prevention, pathology of injuries and illnesses, assessment and evaluation,
acute care of injury and illness, pharmacology, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise, general medical conditions and
disabilities, nutritional aspects of injury and illness, psychosocial intervention and referral, health care administration, professional
development and responsibilities. Through a combination of formal classroom instruction and clinical experience, the athletic trainer
is prepared to apply a wide variety of specific health care skills and knowledge within each of the domains.
Program Mission: To develop critical thinking athletic training professionals capable of meeting diverse regional, national, and
emerging international opportunities; athletic training professionals who recognize the importance of continuing education, possess
mastery level skills, and demonstrate problem solving capacity.
Selected Educational Outcomes: The athletic training student will possess knowledge, skills, and values, as well as demonstrate
competency and proficiency in the following areas:
1. Risk Management and Injury Prevention: to identify injury and illness risk factors and to plan and implement a risk
management and prevention program
2. Pathology of Injuries and Illnesses: to understand the cellular events and reactions and other pathological mechanisms in the
development, progression and epidemiology of injuries, illnesses, and diseases.
3. Orthopedic Clinical Examination: to clinically examine and diagnose a patient for the purpose of identifying (a) common
acquired or congenital risk factors that would predispose the patient to injury and (b) musculoskeletal orthopedic injuries to
determine proper care including the referral of the patient to other health care providers when appropriate.
4. Medical Conditions and Disabilities: to possess an understanding of medical conditions and disabilities associated with
physically active individuals.
5. Acute Care of Injuries and Illnesses: to recognize, assess, and treat patients with acute injuries and illnesses and provide
appropriate medical referral.
6. Therapeutic Modalities: to plan, implement, document, and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic modalities in the treatment of
injuries to and illnesses of their patients.
7. Conditioning and Rehabilitative Exercise: to plan, implement, document, and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic exercise
programs for the rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries and illnesses.
8. Pharmacology: to possess an understanding of pharmacologic applications and governing pharmacy regulations relevant to
the treatment of injuries, illnesses, and diseases.
9.
Psychosocial Intervention and Referral: to recognize, intervene, and refer when appropriate patients exhibiting sociocultural,
mental, emotional, and psychological behavioral problems/issues.
10. Nutritional Aspects of Injuries and Illnesses: to possess an understanding of the nutritional aspects of injuries and illnesses.
11. Health Care Administration: to develop, administer, and manage a health care facility and associated venues that provide
health care to athletes and others involved in physical activity.
12. Professional Development and Responsibility: to understand professional responsibilities and avenues of professional
development to promote athletic training as a professional discipline.
Various assessment techniques are used in the athletic training program to determine the progress of students and to determine if the
curriculum is providing appropriate professional preparation.
- Upon graduation from the program, the student is eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC), certification examination.
VSU ATEP ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
For incoming freshmen and students who have earned less than 30 hours before Fall 2012
Students declare the major in athletic training as enrolling freshmen and begin the application process to the program during the fall
semester of their freshman year. The admissions process requires two semesters.
Admission to the program is limited by the number of available clinical positions. Applicants will be accepted each year according to
the criteria listed below.
1. Overall grade point average
A student must have a 2.75 overall grade point average (includes transferred coursework) after the completion of all
prerequisite/application required coursework.
2. Course work
a. Completion of 24 semester hours
b. A grade of “C” or better in KSPE 2050, KSPE 3430B, and KSPE 4300
3. Directed Observation
a. Rotations at various clinical education facilities fall and spring semester (number of rotations indicated in the syllabi for KSPE 2050
and KSPE 4300)
b. Skills test
4. Interview (end of spring semester)
5. Favorable recommendations from three non-familial sources
6. Completion of required admissions paperwork, to include criminal background check (as a part of KSPE 2050)
7. Ability to provide own transportation to clinical education sites
8. Official Transcript
9. Hepatitis B vaccine inoculation or signed waiver
10. Documentation of required immunizations
11. Attendance at specified OSHA training and adherence to OSHA regulations
12. Ability to meet the published technical standards of the program
Disclaimer: Fulfillment of the eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
For students who have earned a minimum of 30 hours before Fall 2012
Students may declare the major in athletic training as enrolling freshmen and then formally apply to the program during the fall
semester of their sophomore year.
Admission to the program is limited by the number of available clinical positions. Applicants will be accepted each year according to
the criteria listed below.
1. Overall grade point average
A student must have a 2.75 overall grade point average (includes transferred coursework)
at the time of enrolling in KSPE 2050 Introduction to Athletic Training.
2. Course work
a. Completion of 45 semester hours
b. A grade of “C” or better in KSPE 2050 and BIOL 2651
3. Directed Observation
a. Three rotations at various clinical education facilities
b. Skills test
4. Interview
5. Favorable recommendations from three non-familial sources
6. Completion of required admissions paperwork, to include criminal background check (as a part of KSPE 2050)
7. Ability to provide own transportation to clinical education sites
8. Official Transcript
9. Hepatitis B vaccine inoculation or signed waiver
10. Documentation of required immunizations
11. Attendance at specified OSHA training and adherence to OSHA regulations
12. Ability to meet the published technical standards of the program
Disclaimer: Fulfillment of the eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
VSU ATEP RETENTION REQUIREMENTS
1.Students must have the following in order to participate in academic and/or clinical components of the program:
a. Maintained an overall minimum GPA of 2.75. Students whose overall GPA falls below 2.75 will be placed on probation for one
semester meaning that the student would not be able to participate in the clinical education portion of the academic program.
b. Obtained the student liability insurance annually.
c. Obtained the Hepatitis B Vaccine inoculation or signed waiver.
d. Completed a pre-participation physical and passed annually.
e. Attended OSHA training and abide by all OSHA regulations.
f. Able to meet the published technical standards of the program.
2. Students will be dismissed for any of the following reasons:
a. Overall GPA falling below 2.75 and inability to achieve this requirement after one semester of probation.
b. Overall GPA falling below 2.75 a second time (once accepted into the program).
c. Receiving two final course grades below a "C" in any major courses.
d. Any violation provided in the program's policy and procedure manuals that results in dismissal.
3. Technical Standards
The VSU Athletic Training Education Program has specific technical standards that must be mastered prior to admission into the
program. The Standards can be found on the Athletic Training Education Program website:
http://www.valdosta.edu/coe/kspe/athletictraining/index.shtml
TRANSFER POLICY
Students transferring to Valdosta State University must complete the same requirements as a student entering the University as a
freshman (new student). Transferable core courses are left to the discretion of the VSU Office of the Registrar. Only athletic training
classes taken within the VSU ATEP will count towards fulfillment of the academic requirements. Course competencies/proficiencies
must be instructed and evaluated by an Approved Clinical Instructor within the VSU ATEP to count towards fulfillment of academic
requirements and to allow eligibility to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam.
POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
Please visit the Athletic Training Education Program Website at http://www.valdosta.edu/coe/kspe/athletictraining/index.shtml
Select “Academic Program Information” for comprehensive information regarding “Academic” and “Clinical Education” policies and
procedures within the program.
ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM
SUGGESTED COURSE PROGRESSION AND CLINICAL EDUCATION ROTATIONS
NOTE: Asterisks (*) indicate specific ATEP major/degree program courses. In order to complete the program in four years, these
courses should be taken and passed with a “C” or above when the student is advised to take the class. Failure to take and pass the
courses may result in the student not graduating in the four year time frame. No mechanism exists nor will one be constructed that will
allow a student to take classes out of the required sequence.
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Core Courses
*KSPE 2050 (Introduction to Athletic Training)
(12 – 15 credit hours)
Core Courses
*KSPE 3430B (Kinesiology)
*KSPE 4300 (Foundations of Injury Care and Prevention)
(12 – 15 credit hours)
Core Courses
*KSPE 4400 (Therapeutic Modalities and Pharmacology)
*KSPE 4350 (Evaluation of the Extremities)
*Clinical Education Experience
(12 – 15 credit hours)
Core Courses
*KSPE 4360 (Evaluation of Head, Neck, and Trunk)
*KSPE 4490 (Rehabilitation Techniques I)
*Clinical Education Experience
(12 – 15 credit hours)
Core Courses
*KSPE 4450 (Sports Related Issues)
*KSPE 4250 (Organization and Administration)
*KSPE 3200 (Nutrition)
*Clinical Education Experience
(12 – 15 credit hours)
Core Courses
*KSPE 4600 (Psychosocial Issues and Ethics)
*KSPE 3020B (Assessment)
*Clinical Education Experience
(12 – 15 credit hours)
Summer *Clinical Education Experience
Core Courses
*KSPE 3420 (Exercise Physiology)
*KSPE 4491 (Rehabilitation Techniques II)
*Clinical Education Experience
(12 – 15 credit hours)
Core Courses
*KSPE 4700 (Professional Prep Course)
*Clinical Education Experience
(12 – 15 credit hours)
VSU ATEP Four-Year Academic / Clinical Education Progression
For new curriculum beginning fall 2012
Freshman Fall
Freshman Spring
KSPE 2050 – Introduction to Athletic Training
KSPE 3430B – Kinesiology
KSPE 4300 – Care and Prevention
Sophomore Fall
KSPE 4360 – Evaluation of Head, Neck and Trunk
KSPE 4490 – Rehabilitation I
KSPE 3440 – Clinical I
Sophomore Spring
KSPE 4491 – Rehabilitation II
KSPE 4350 – Evaluation of Extremities
KSPE 3441 – Clinical II
Junior Fall
KSPE 4450 – Sports Related Illnesses
KSPE 4250 – Organization and Administration
KSPE 3200 – Nutrition
KSPE 4440 – Clinical III
Junior Spring
KSPE 3420 – Exercise Physiology
KSPE 4400 – Modalities and Pharmacology
KSPE 4441 – Clinical IV
Senior Fall
KSPE 4600 – Psychosocial and Ethics
KSPE 3020B – Assessment
KSPE 4442 – Clinical V (pending)
Senior Spring
KSPE 4700 – Professional Prep
KSPE 4443 – Clinical VI (pending)
*Sophomore Summer (May Semester)
KSPE 3500 – Athletic Training Special Topics (pending)
Clinical Plan involving students being assigned clinical assignments related to general medical and rehabilitation.
Related to General Medical: Students would be allowed to be assigned to this assignment beginning in the spring of the student’s
junior year as a part of KSPE 4441 (Clinical IV). At this point, students will have successfully completed KSPE 4450 (Sports Related
Illnesses) and this will allow the general medical assignment to reinforce the formal classroom and psychomotor skill learning that
was a part of KSPE 4450 (Sports Related Illnesses).
Relating to Rehabilitation: Students would be allowed to be assigned to these types of assignments beginning in the fall of the
student’s junior year as a part of KSPE 4440 (Clinical III). At this point, students will have successfully completed KSPE 4490
(Rehabilitation I) and KSPE 4491 (Rehabilitation II) and this will allow the assignments to reinforce the formal classroom and
psychomotor skills learning that was a part of KSPE 4490 (Rehabilitation I) and KSPE 4491 (Rehabilitation II).
VSU ATEP Four-Year Academic / Clinical Education Progression
For senior students currently in the program
Fall 2011
Spring 2012
KSPE 4450 – Sports Related Illnesses
KSPE 4700 – Professional Prep
KSPE 4600 – Psychosocial and Ethics
KSPE 4430 – AT Field Experience
KSPE 3200 – Nutrition
KSPE 4441 – Clinical IV
Clinical Plan involving students being assigned clinical assignments related to general medical and rehabilitation.
Related to General Medical: Students will be allowed to be assigned to this assignment beginning in the spring of the student’s senior
year as part of KSPE 4700 (Professional Prep). At this point, students will have successfully completed KSPE 4450 (Sports Related
Illnesses) and this will allow the general medical assignment to reinforce the formal classroom and psychomotor skill learning that
was a part of KSPE 4450 (Sports Related Illnesses).
Relating to Rehabilitation: Students will be allowed to be assigned to these types of assignments beginning in the fall of the student’s
senior year as a part of KSPE 4441 (Clinical IV). At this point, students will have successfully completed KSPE 4490 (Rehabilitation
I) and KSPE 4491 (Rehabilitation II) and this will allow the assignments to reinforce the formal classroom and psychomotor skills
learning that was a part of KSPE 4490 (Rehabilitation I) and KSPE 4491 (Rehabilitation II).
VSU ATEP Academic / Clinical Education Progression
For junior students currently in the program
Spring 2012
KSPE 4400 – Modalities and Pharmacology
KSPE 3420 – Exercise Physiology
KSPE 3020B – Assessment
KSPE 4491 – Rehabilitation II
KSPE 4440 – Clinical III
Fall 2012
KSPE 4450 – Sports Related Illnesses
KSPE 4600 – Psychosocial and Ethics
KSPE 3200 – Nutrition
KSPE 4441 – Clinical IV
Spring 2013
KSPE 4700 – Professional Prep
KSPE 4430 – AT Field Experience
Clinical Plan involving students being assigned clinical assignments related to general medical and rehabilitation.
Related to General Medical: Students would be allowed to be assigned to this assignment beginning in the spring of the student’s
senior year as part of KSPE 4700 (Professional Prep). At this point, students will have successfully completed KSPE 4450 (Sports
Related Illnesses) and this will allow the general medical assignment to reinforce the formal classroom and psychomotor skill learning
that was a part of KSPE 4450 (Sports Related Illnesses).
Relating to Rehabilitation: Students would be allowed to be assigned to these types of assignments beginning in the fall of the
student’s senior year as a part of KSPE 4441 (Clinical IV). At this point, students will have successfully completed KSPE 4490
(Rehabilitation I) and KSPE 4491 (Rehabilitation II) and this will allow the assignments to reinforce the formal classroom and
psychomotor skills learning that was a part of KSPE 4490 (Rehabilitation I) and KSPE 4491 (Rehabilitation II).
VSU ATEP Academic / Clinical Education Progression
For sophomore students currently in the program
Spring 2012
KSPE 3430B – Kinesiology
KSPE 4300 – Care and Prevention
KSPE 4350 – Evaluation of Extremities
KSPE 3440 – Clinical I
Fall 2012
Spring 2013
KSPE 4360 – Evaluation of Head, Neck, and Trunk
KSPE 3420 – Exercise Physiology
KSPE 4250 – Organization and Administration
KSPE 3020B – Assessment
KSPE 4490 – Rehabilitation I
KSPE 4400 – Modalities and Pharmacology
KSPE 3441 – Clinical II
KSPE 4491 – Rehabilitation II
KSPE 4440 – Clinical III
Fall 2013
KSPE 4450 – Sports Related Illnesses
KSPE 4600 – Psychosocial and Ethics
KSPE 3200 – Nutrition
KSPE 4441 – Clinical IV
Spring 2014
KSPE 4700 – Professional Prep
KSPE 4442 – Clinical V (pending)
KSPE 3501 – Athletic Training Special Topics (pending)
Clinical Plan involving students being assigned clinical assignments related to general medical and rehabilitation.
Related to General Medical: Students would be allowed to be assigned to this assignment beginning in the spring of the student’s
senior year as a part of KSPE 4442 (Clinical V). At this point, students will have successfully completed KSPE 4450 (Sports Related
Illnesses) and this will allow the general medical assignment to reinforce the formal classroom and psychomotor skill learning that
was a part of KSPE 4450 (Sports Related Illnesses).
Relating to Rehabilitation: Students would be allowed to be assigned to these types of assignments beginning in the fall of the
student’s senior year as a part of KSPE 4441 (Clinical IV). At this point, students will have successfully completed KSPE 4490
(Rehabilitation I) and KSPE 4491 (Rehabilitation II) and this will allow the assignments to reinforce the formal classroom and
psychomotor skills learning that was a part of KSPE 4490 (Rehabilitation I) and KSPE 4491 (Rehabilitation II).
VSU ATEP Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training (B.S.A.T.) Degree
ADVISING CHECKLIST
Name: ________________________________ ID#: _________________________
PRE-REQUISITES
None
ENGL 1101
None
None
None
ENGL 1102
Maybe
Maybe
Maybe
MATH 1101 or 1111
Maybe
Maybe
Maybe
Maybe
Declared AT Major
“C” or above in KSPE 2050
“C” or above in KSPE 2050
Maybe
None
BIOL 2651
None
None
None
Maybe
Official Admission into ATEP
Official Admission into ATEP
Official Admission into ATEP
Official Admission into ATEP
Official Admission into ATEP
“C” or above in KSPE 4360, 4490
Official Admission into ATEP
Official Admission into ATEP
Official Admission into ATEP
Official Admission into ATEP
“C” or above in KSPE 4350, 4400
Official Admission into ATEP
“C” or above in KSPE 4490
“C” or above in KSPE 4450, 4250, 3200
Official Admission into ATEP
Official Admission into ATEP
“C” or above in KSPE 3420, 4491
Official Admission into ATEP
“C” or above in KSPE 4600, 3020B
CORE COURSES
Area A - Essentials
ENGL 1101
ENGL 1102
MATH 1101, 1111, 1113
Area B – Perspectives
PERS (_____________)
PERS (_____________)
Area C – Humanities/Fine Arts
ENGL 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140
COMM 1100, 1110 suggested
Area D - Sciences
BIOL 1010 / 1020L
Lab Science
Math/Tech: MATH 2620 suggested
Area E – Social Sciences
HIST 2111 or 2112
POLS 1101
Soc. Sci. Elective (____________________)
Soc. Sci. Elective (____________________)
Area F – Major Specific / COE Required
KSPE 2050 (Introduction to Athletic Training)
(Fall / Freshman: Required for Admissions Process)
KSPE 4300 (Injury Care and Prevention)
(Spring / Freshman: Required for Admissions Process)
KSPE 3430B (Kinesiology)
(Spring / Freshman: Required for Admissions Process)
ACED 2400
BIOL 2651
BIOL 2652
KSPE Activity: KSPE 1000 suggested
KSPE Activity: KSPE 1020 suggested
KSPE 2000
PSYC 2700
ATEP Major Courses: Fall / Sophomore
KSPE 4360 (Evaluation of Head, Neck, Trunk)
KSPE 4490 (Rehabilitation I)
KSPE 3440 (Clinical Competencies I)
ATEP Major Courses: Spring / Sophomore
KSPE 4350 (Evaluation of Extremities)
KSPE 4491 (Rehabilitation II)
KSPE 3441 (Clinical Competencies II)
ATEP Major Courses: Summer / Sophomore
KSPE 3500 (AT Special Topics) (pending)
ATEP Major Courses: Fall / Junior
KSPE 4450 (Sports Related Illness)
KSPE 4250 (Organization and Administration)
KSPE 3200 (Nutrition)
KSPE 4440 (Clinical Competencies III)
ATEP Major Courses: Spring / Junior
KSPE 3420 (Exercise Physiology)
KSPE 4400 (Modalities and Pharmacology)
KSPE 4441 (Clinical Competencies IV)
ATEP Major Courses: Fall / Senior
KSPE 4600 (Ethics / Psychosocial Issues)
KSPE 3020B (Assessment)
KSPE 4442 (Clinical Competencies V) (pending)
ATEP Major Courses: Spring / Senior
KSPE 4700 (Professional Preparation)
KSPE 4443 (Clinical Competencies VI) (pending)
NOTES:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
VSU email: __________________________
HOURS
GRADE
SEMESTER
3
3
3
2
2
3
3
3/1
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
3
3
4
4
1
1
2
3
4
4
2
4
3
2
2
3
3
3
2
3
4
2
3
3
2
3
2
OTHER:
Area A-E (42hrs)+Area F (28hrs)+ATEP Major Courses (54hrs)=124hrs total.
Must have an overall GPA of > 2.75 to be eligible for ATEP admission._______
Refer to ATEP Admissions / Retention Requirements for more information.
_________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
WHERE OUR ALUMNI WORK (not a complete list)
Arkansas State University, Bass PT, Bremen High School, Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, Florida International University, Georgia
College and State University, Georgia Southwestern State University, LaGrange College, Lowndes High School, Memorial Hospital,
Piedmont Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Complex, Presbyterian College, St. Joseph/Candler Hospital, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The
Steadman Clinic, Troy University, Valdosta High School, Valdosta State University, University of Georgia, University of Michigan,
University of North Carolina, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
FACULTY CONTACT INFORMATION
Chuck Conner, L.A.T., A.T.C.
Assistant Professor, Program Director
Phone: 229-333-5354
Email: cconner@valdosta.edu
Russ Hoff, L.A.T., A.T.C.
Assistant Professor
Email: rhoff@valdosta.edu
Lori Howard, L.A.T., A.T.C.
Instructor, Co-Clinical Education Coordinator
Email: lchoward@valdosta.edu
Stacey Walters, L.A.T., A.T.C.
Instructor, Co-Clinical Education Coordinator
Email: swalters@valdosta.edu
Caren Walls, L.A.T., A.T.C.
Adjunct Instructor
Email: cmwalls@valdosta.edu