Athletic Training Education Program Admission and Retention Policies
A committee, based upon current selection criteria, will select students to be admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program. Students should apply to the Athletic Training Education Program after completing the prerequisite application requirements. You can download all application forms at the bottom of this page. The admission process takes place twice a year and actual admission occurs at the beginning of fall or winter semesters.
Selection Criteria for the Athletic Training Education Program
Ordinarily, the entering class is admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program in the fall or winter semesters. Admission to SVSU is required for, but does not guarantee, acceptance into the Athletic Training Education Program. The program is planned to accommodate a limited number of students each year and this number may vary depending on available resources. Prospective students must submit an application for admission to the athletic training education program by April 15th preceding fall admission or by November 15th preceding winter admission. Preference will be given to those applicants who have:
- Completed a minimum of 12 college level semester hours and are currently enrolled in a minimum of 12 college level semester hours.
- Achieved a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA for all completed course work (based on all college-level work computed both at SVSU and at other schools and colleges)
- Completed (or are in the process of completing) the following courses with a GPA of 2.75 or better in each:
- KINE 107 Conditioning & Weight Training
- KINE 120 First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer
- KINE 232 Athletic Injury Management
- KINE 232L Athletic Injury Management Laboratory
- KINE 252 Introduction to Athletic Training & Exercise Science
- The following valid certifications (or their equivalents):
- Sport Safety Training - American Red Cross
- CPR for the Professional Rescuer - American Red Cross
- Completed a minimum of 50 voluntary observational clinical hours under the direct supervision of a BOC certified athletic trainer. These hours need to be recorded on the appropriate form, which will be provided. Transfer students may complete documented observational clinical hours under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer at the institution from which they are transferring. These hours must be completed under the Direct Supervision of a BOC certified athletic trainer.
- Submitted two letters of recommendation.
Standards for Retention in the Athletic Training Education Program
Students will be retained within the SVSU Athletic Training Education Program providing the following criteria are maintained throughout the student’s undergraduate experience:
- Receive a grade of "C" or better in all major courses within the Athletic Training major and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.
- Receive written clinical evaluations that reflect positive advancement in the Athletic Training Education Program. The Clinical Instructors of the Athletic Training Education Program will complete evaluations at the middle and end of each semester.
- Maintain personal liability insurance in order to participate in clinical experiences.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior as members in the athletic training education program.
- Abide by all policies and procedures as outlined in the Athletic Training Student Handbook of the Athletic Training Education Program at SVSU.
NOTE: A student failing to fulfill any of the above requirements will be removed from the clinical portion of the athletic training education program until the deficiency is satisfactorily remedied. The faculty and staff reserve the right to dismiss students from the program when the student fails to comply with the outlined requirements.
Athletic Training Clinical Education Experience
All athletic training students will have the opportunity to participate in upper extremity intensive, lower extremity intensive, equipment intensive, and general medical clinical education experiences with a variety of different populations including genders, varying levels of risk, and protective equipment. These clinical experiences will allow students opportunities to practice with different patient populations and in different athletic or allied health care settings. Athletic training students will have the opportunity to participate in clinical education experiences at off-campus sites. All athletic training students who participate in clinical education experiences off campus must provide their own transportation to each clinical site as well as meet additional requirements as established at each off-campus site.
Eligibility for Certification
Certifying athletic trainers ensures high standards of professional practice. Certification by the Board of Certification (BOC) is considered the entry-level credential and is required by most employers nationwide. Students in the Athletic Training Education Program at Saginaw Valley State University will become eligible to sit for the BOC certification examination if they complete all of the athletic training major requirements and university requirements for graduation.
- In addition to certification, athletic trainers may have to meet individual state licensing and regulation requirements. To determine if these added requirements apply, athletic trainers must check with the states in which they practice.
Please complete all application forms and submit by the submission date listed above.
Application Forms ATEP Resources
ATEP Application Athletic Training Student Handbook
Athletic Training Student Contract 2008