University of New England

UNE ATEP
Frequently Asked Questions
Revised March 2008

• How many faculty positions do you have in your athletic training education program?
  We currently have three full-time faculty members who also have the ATC® credential and one half-time clinical educator.  Additionally, we have over 25 Approved Clinical Instructors (ACIs) that supervise our students during field experience rotations in and around southern Maine.
• What is the average class size for the athletic training courses?
  Average class size for coursework in the Pre-professional Phase of the program (first year) is 22.  This number reduces to 18 in the Professional Phase.  Based on ATEP policy, the student:instructor ratio in all clinical coursework will never exceed 15:1 (additional ACIs are brought in to assist).
• When do students actually begin in the athletic training clinical program (i.e., are there acceptance criteria that must be met during the freshman year prior to actual acceptance into athletic training?
  The UNE ATEP employs a secondary admission process.  Please click here to learn more about this process.
• How many students do you typically accept each year into the Professional Phase of the program?
  The number of students who can be admitted into the Professional Phase of the program each year is based on the number of quality affiliated sites and ACIs that are available.  On average, approximately 20 students are admitted each year.
• What is the average number of clinical rotation hours per week that students are required to complete?
  Although students are required to complete at least 10 hours/week and 160 hours/semester as part of the field experience component of the program, most students participate in between 15-25 hours per week at their affiliated sites.
• I’m thinking about applying to the UNE Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program after I graduate.  Is this a good undergraduate degree for me?
  Many of our students decide to pursue a graduate degree in physical therapy upon graduation from our program, at UNE and elsewhere.  Although it is possible to take all of the prerequisite coursework for such a degree and obtain valuable hands-on experience diagnosing and treating various musculoskeletal conditions in our program, the athletic training major is specifically designed for individuals who intend on practicing as Certified Athletic Trainers.  Those who do not are recommended to other undergraduate majors, such as Applied Exercise Science.
• Can I declare Athletic Training as a major in my freshman year?
  Yes, you may major in athletic training upon admission to the UNE (Pre-professional Phase).  However, all students who wish to progress to the Professional Phase (years 2-4) must apply to do so.  Please click here for more information.
• Will I need a vehicle?
  Because so many of our field experience opportunities take place off-campus, each student admitted to the Professional Phase of the program must have her/his own transportation.  Although we make every effort to accommodate students who need to be placed close to campus, we strongly encourage each student to secure a reliable vehicle before progressing in the program.
• Can I play a varsity sport at UNE while in the program?
  Most definitely.  Please click here to view the policy related to athletics.
• What can I do with my degree?
  Most importantly, a degree in athletic training from the UNE will allow you to sit for the Board of Certification examination.  Once successfully completed, you can use your ATC® credential and experience in a whole host of settings, such as high schools, clinics, colleges, professional sports, industrial facilities, corporate facilities, and hospitals.
• Can I find a job after I graduate?
  The UNE ATEP has a 100% placement rate for individuals who have successfully challenged the BOC exam and entered the workforce as ATC®s.  Additionally, every student who wished to pursue a graduate degree in athletic training or a related field was successfully admitted to either her/his first or second choice of graduate schools—often securing a tuition-free graduate assistantship!