University of New England

Degree: Bachelor of Science with a major in Athletic Training Education

College: Arts and Sciences

Department: Exercise and Sport Performance

Contact: Dr. Richard J. LaRue (Chair) rlarue@une.edu

The mission of the Athletic Training Education Program at the University of New England is to provide a comprehensive curriculum designed for individuals who want to enhance the quality of health care for active persons and to advance the profession of athletic training through education and research in the prevention, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of injuries.

This degree program is designed for students who want to work to improve individual and team wellness and health. The curriculum in this program combines the study of anatomy and other health-related sciences with the art of preventing, managing, and rehabilitating athletic and orthopedic injuries. Students are provided with a thorough understanding of the effects of sport and sport-related injuries on the individual performer through a series of classroom (didactic) and field (clinical) experiences both on- and off-campus.

The Athletic Training Education Program employs a secondary admissions process at the end of the first year (pre-professional phase).   Athletic training education accreditation standards mandate that admission to the professional phase of the program be criteria-based. Therefore, meeting the coursework requirements does not guarantee a student admission into the professional phase of the program. The number of students admitted to the professional phase of the program on an annual basis is dictated by the number of available field experience sites and may vary slightly from year to year.  Please contact the program director for additional information

The following criteria must be met for a student to be eligible for admission into the professional phase of the athletic training education major:

1. Minimum cumulative UNE GPA of 2.0.
2. Minimum academic standing of first -semester sophomore.
3. Completion of ATC 100, and ATC 150 with a minimum grade point of 2.0.
4. Completion of a minimum of 20 observational clinical hours (ATC 100) under the direct supervision of a UNE-approved clinical instructor.
5. Successful completion of yearly OSHA-required safety training.
6. Regular attendance at Athletic Training Education Program meetings and presentations.
7. Completion of the program application and formal interview with the program director of athletic training education and program faculty (ATEP).
8. Fulfillment of the health requirements as outlined in the Athletic Training Student Handbook. This includes the completion of the University Immunization Questionnaire, physical exam, health history, and submission to UNE of proof of health insurance.
9. All students transferring into the athletic training education major must complete the ATEP admission requirements and complete the entire professional portion of the program.

See Undergraduate Admissions for details concerning first year admissions requirements.

See Undergraduate Admissions.

The Athletic Training Education Program at the University of New England 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 technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Education 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 program's accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs [CAAHEP]). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Education 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 Educational 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. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situation.
8. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Educational Program will be required to certify with the ATEP director that they have read, understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards. Please see  Disability Services for more information.

Students will be retained within the athletic training education major providing the following criteria are maintained throughout the undergraduate experience:

1. Minimum cumulative UNE GPA of 2.0.
2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the science foundation of the athletic training education major requirements.
3. Grade point of 2.0 or better in each athletic training education major required course with the ATC, EXS, or SPT prefix. Students who receive a grade point below a 2.0 in an athletic training education major required course with an ATC, EXS, or SPT prefix will be placed on clinical education suspension. They must repeat the course and earn a grade point of 2.0 or higher the next time the course is offered. A course may be repeated only once.
4. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in athletic training education required courses (ATC, EXS,  or SPT prefix).
5. Proof of successful progress toward the mastery of the clinical proficiencies and the completion of assigned clinical rotations (see: Athletic Training Student Handbook for definition of successful progress), in compliance with the requirements and guidelines of the Joint Review Committee on Athletic Training (JRC-AT)
6. Students who fail to demonstrate appropriate professional abilities and attributes will be subject to clinical education suspension. (See Athletic Training Student Handbook for details.) Clinical education rotation suspension status: students failing to fulfill any of the above requirements will be removed from the clinical education rotation portion of the program until the deficiency is remedied. The student shall receive written notice of the suspension and possible methods of remediation from the program director and/or clinical education coordinator. Upon successful completion of remediation the student will be notified by the program director and/or clinical education coordinator in writing and removed from suspension.
7. Any student appealing a decision, or requesting a waiver or exception, should appeal to the program director. If a solution is not reached that is satisfactory to both parties, the student or other party should contact the chairperson of the Department of Exercise and Sport Performance to request a formal review.
8. Other appeals should follow the process outlined in the UNE Student Handbook.

* Academic dishonesty (policy outlined in the University Student Handbook) will not be tolerated.

Accreditation

The UNE Athletic Training Education Program is an undergraduate program accredited by the Council on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Department of Exercise and Sport Performance Faculty

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2006-2007 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2006.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.