Undergraduate Academic Programs

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training (BSAT)

Description of Program

Indiana University has been educating athletic trainers since 1949. Today, Indiana University is one of only a few institutions in the United States to offer both undergraduate and graduate athletic training programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Students who earn a B.S. in Athletic Training degree are prepared to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination during their final semester of coursework. The three year Athletic Training Program (ATP) provides students with related theoretical coursework as well as an intensive clinical education experience exposing students to a variety of different philosophies and clinical skills. Students complete a progressive sequence of coursework in addition to taking on more responsibility each year during clinical education, applying in a real life setting the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom. This facilitates the learning and mastery process.

During the sophomore year, students are assigned to new clinical education preceptors (clinical instructors) approximately every five weeks, thus rotating through a variety of on and off-campus clinical education experiences with different sports, settings and venues. Athletic Training Program juniors participate in three to four clinical experience rotations throughout the year participating in coverage of daily home practices and competitions. Seniors are assigned to one clinical education preceptor thus providing seniors with an in-depth, daily clinical education experience with one sport or setting throughout the entire year. Students also experience general medical rotations, including a service-based experience. These experiences broaden their understanding of comprehensive medical care with diverse patient populations and help them gain a sense of social responsibility. The clinical education progression in combination with concentrated academic study with different faculty, clinical staff, clinical preceptors, and other allied health care personnel provides students with a well-rounded learning experience. Clinical education hour expectations for athletic training students (ATS) are as follows:

  • Sophomores (first year AT students):a minimum average of 10-20 hours per week; however the athletic training student may participate in clinical education a maximum of 40 hours/ per week as long as clinical hours do not exceed an average of 20 per week for the semester. Clinical education may begin prior to or extend beyond the institution’s academic calendar and/or include holiday or institutional breaks. Per CAATE standards and IU policies, clinical experiences must be educational in nature.
  • Juniors: a minimum average of 15-20 hours per week; however may participate in clinical education a maximum of 40 hours/ per week as long as clinical hours do not exceed an average of 20 per week for the semester. Clinical education may begin prior to or extend beyond the institution’s academic calendar and/or include holiday or institutional breaks. Per CAATE standards and IU policies, clinical experiences must be educational in nature.
  • Seniors: a minimum average of 20 hours per week; however may participate in clinical education a maximum of 40 hours/ per week as long as clinical hours do not exceed an average of 20 per week for the semester. Clinical education may begin prior to or extend beyond the institution’s academic calendar and/or include holiday or institutional breaks. Per CAATE standards and IU policies, clinical experiences must be educational in nature. Graduates often pursue a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training or related fields or are employed in a variety of settings. Examples of such settings include universities, secondary schools, clinics or hospitals, industrial settings, military, performing arts, physician offices or professional teams.

Visit www.nata.org for more information on career opportunities in athletic training.

Admission

Admission to Indiana University

Apply online for undergraduate admission to Indiana University at http://admit.indiana.edu/.

International applicants for admission to a second undergraduate degree program in the School of Public Health - Bloomington, whose primary language is not English, must satisfy one of the following criteria before being considered for admission directly into one the School's degree programs:

  • submission of a minimum score on the Test Of English As a Foreign Language (TOEFL), of 550 on the paper-based test, or 213 on the computer-based test, or 80 on the Internet-based test.
  • submission of a minimum score of 7 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
  • proof of completing at least three full years of secondary school in a predominantly English speaking country. A current list of such countries can be found here.

For students from countries where the TOEFL and the IELTS are not available, other evidence of English proficiency may be considered.

All entering international students whose primary language is not English will be required to take a special examination in English with IU prior to registering. Prepared by IU and designed to test a student’s ability to use English in an academic setting, the exam consists of three parts: an essay on a general topic, a listening comprehension exercise, and a grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension section. There is little that one can do to prepare for this exam other than to continue using written and spoken English at every opportunity. Appropriate remedial English courses may be prescribed on the basis of the results of this test.

International students whose primary language is not English must agree to take any English language courses prescribed from the results of this examination. Fees for special part-time English courses are the same as for other courses; however, credits earned do not meet degree requirements. If the results of the proficiency examination indicate that full-time work in English is required, the student will be assigned to the Intensive English Program (IEP).  

Students enrolled in IEP do not take academic courses until they achieve adequate English proficiency. If a student has serious doubts about English ability and is not financially prepared to undertake the additional time and expense of an intensive English program here, the student should consider completing English study in the student’s home country. In addition, the student may consider delaying admission to a future session.

For more information about the program, contact Dr. Katie Grove by phone at (812) 855-3640, or by email at kagrove@indiana.edu; or contact Dr. Joanne Klossner by phone at (812) 856-1570, or by email at jklossne@indiana.edu.

Admission to the Athletic Training Program (ATP)

Students admitted to Indiana University are eligible to be considered for admission to the ATP at the end of the freshman year. Applications for the program are accepted until March 1. The number of students admitted to the professional athletic training major is limited to the number of clinical education spaces available.

Associated ATP Fees
Please note the costs of entering the program. NOTE: These costs may change.

Professional Liability Insurance ______________$35.00 (Annual)
NATA Student Membership __________________$75.00 (Annual)
Criminal History Check _____________________$30.00 (One time)
HBV Immunization (3 shots) _________________$100.00 (One time)
Professional Attire _________________________$40.00 (Annual)
Clinical Assessment Kit ____________________$40.00 (One time)
TB Vaccine ______________________________$15.00 Approximate cost (One time)
EMT Certification __________________________$135.00 (One time)
Physical Exam _________________(Cost varies depending upon health care provider)

Application Requirements

In order to apply to the ATP, students must complete the following eight application requirements:

  1. Complete the following three prerequisite courses with the following minimum required grades:
    -- ANAT-A 215 with a minimum grade of C
    -- SPH-H 160 with a minimum grade of B
    -- SPH-K 280 with a minimum grade of B- (includes participation in the Buddy Program. See below.)
    (Note: Students may be enrolled in these courses when they apply.)
  2. Overall university GPA of 2.50 or higher at the time of application.
  3. Complete Buddy Program AT observation experience forms A and B.
    The Buddy Program, which is a required Athletic Training Observation Experience, offers an opportunity for potential athletic training students to shadow a current athletic training student to determine if this career is right for them. While students are enrolled in SPH P-280, they may complete the shadowing experience if they are interested in applying to the athletic training program. As part of this shadowing experience the student must complete the Athletic Training Observation Experience—Hour Verification and Basic Athletic Training Proficiency Skills forms A and B as well as maintain a daily journal each time she/he is completing observation hours.
  4. Complete Technical Standards form.
    The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training 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. These standards meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). All students admitted to the Athletic Training Program must acquire the required abilities and meet expectations to fulfill these technical standards. 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.
  5. Complete Federal Criminal History Background Check.
    In order to be accepted into the program, a federal criminal history background check must be completed. This is due to students potentially coming into contact with minors. Steps to complete the required federal criminal history background check include:
    a. Go to www.certifiedbackground.com.
    b. Click Students
    c. Enter package code IB74
    d. You will be directed to set up your Certified Profile account
    e. A fee of approximately $30 may be associated with this as determined by federal policies.
    f. This background check is REQUIRED from students prior to formal admission to the program.
  6. Submit current transcripts (transfer students only)
    Note: that transfer students may be interviewed for admission into the ATP if they have met or are taking the required prerequisites. If accepted the transfer student will still have to complete the three year program.
  7. Names and email address of three references
  8. Recommended: Additional shadowing experiences. Complete the Athletic Training Program Applicant Observation Experience Hour Log form.
    Submit the observation experience hour log form as proof of additional observation hours under an athletic trainer in a setting other than that required in the Buddy Program. Include dates of observation, type of setting, name and contact information of supervising athletic trainer. While there is no set minimum of hours, we recommend at least 10-15 hours in a different setting to help you learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the athletic trainer as a health care provider.

Complete Online Application

Once you have successfully completed all eight application requirements, you may complete the online application form at https://www.indiana.edu/%7eSPHweb/atApplication/index.php. Complete all required fields in the online application. (Note: It is recommended that you read through the online application and prepare your answers BEFORE you begin.)

Admission to the Athletic Training Program (ATP) – Interview

Students who have successfully completed and submitted the ATP admission application will be notified via email to let them know whether or not they have been chosen for an interview. The email message will tell selected students the time and location of the interview. If the time does not work, students may reply to the email message requesting an alternate time. The email message will also inform students of any necessary preparation. If a student is not chosen for an interview the student may contact either Dr. Katie Grove at (kagrove@indiana.edu) or 812- 855-3640; or Dr. Joanne Klossner at (jklossne@indiana.edu) or 812-856-1570.

Interview Process
An interview will occur with two to three faculty/staff athletic trainers. Applicants will also have a separate interview with current athletic training students. Each interview lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Weighted Importance of Admission Criteria in the Admission Decision
• Overall GPA and grade in the three required courses (45%)
• Letters of recommendation and application (20 %)
• Interview (35%).

The relative weight of these criteria may be adjusted from time to time at the reasonable discretion of the program director. However, such changes will be identified in the application materials so that all applicants will be aware of the weight of the selection criteria when they apply to the program. A selection committee that includes at least one BOC Certified Athletic Trainer determines final admission to the program.

Students will be notified of their admission status by July 1. If students are admitted, they will receive via email other documents for admission completion. If students are not chosen for admittance into the ATP, they may contact either Dr. Katie Grove at (kagrove@indiana.edu) or 812- 855-3640; or Dr. Joanne Klossner at (jklossne@indiana.edu or 812-856-1570.

Degree Requirements

This is a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training degree. The Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education (CAATE). This program is subject to change to meet new athletic training accreditation standards. The curriculum prepares the student to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. Admission to the program is limited. Students admitted to this program are selected from a pool of applicants. Applicants must earn minimum grades of C in ANAT-A 215, B in SPH-H 160, and B- in SPH-P 280. Graduation requirements include:

  • completion of general education requirements.
  • completion of athletic training major requirements.
  • a minimum of 120 successfully completed credit hours which count toward the degree program.
  • a minimum 2.0 cumulativeGPA.
  • a minimum 2.0 cumulativeGPA in a combination of ANAT-A 215 and courses with the following department code-prefixes: SPH-A, SPH-C, SPH-D, SPH-K, and  SPH-M.
  • No Pass/Fail except for free electives.
General Education (20 – 39 credits)

All undergraduate students must complete the IU Bloomington campus-wide general education common ground requirements. Such students must visit the 2013-2014 General Education Bulletin to view these requirements.


Major (89 cr.)

Required Skill/Theory Courses (64 cr.)
A minimum grade of C– is required in each skill/theory course.
Complete each of the following courses:

  • EDUC-G 207 Introduction to Student Athlete Counceling Psychology and Mental Health (3 cr.)
  • SPH-A 269 Clinical Education I (1 cr.)
  • SPH-A 270 Clinical Education II (1 cr.)
  • SPH-A 279 Recognition and Evaluation of Lower-Extremity Injuries in the Physically Active (3 cr.)
  • SPH-A 281 Recognition and Evaluation of Upper-Extremity Injuries in the Physically Active (3 cr.)
  • SPH-A 282 Strapping and Bandaging of the Physically Active (3 cr.)
  • SPH-A 283 General Medical Issues in Athletic Training (3 cr.)
  • SPH-A 381 Clinical Education III (1 cr.)
  • SPH-A 382 Clinical Education IV (1 cr.)
  • SPH-A 383 Principles and Techniques of Therapeutic Modalities (3 cr.)
  • SPH-A 384 Principles and Techniques of Therapeutic Exercise (4 cr.)
  • SPH-A 481 Clinical Education V (1 cr.) (Fall)
  • SPH-A 482 Clinical Education VI (1 cr.) (Spring)
  • SPH-A 490 Organization and Administration of Athletic Training (3 cr.)
  • SPH-A 494 (Formerly: HPER-A 491) Senior Seminar in Athletic Training (1 cr.)
  • SPH-H 160 First Aid and Emergency Care (3 cr.)  (minimum B grade required)
  • SPH-H 401 Emergency Medical Technician (3 cr.)
  • SPH-H 404 Emergency Medical Technician Lab (1 cr.)
  • SPH-K 280 Basic Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (2 cr.)  (minimum B- grade required)
  • SPH-K 316 Theories of Advanced Conditioning (2 cr.)
  • SPH-K 391 Biomechanics (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 409 Basic Physiology of Exercise (3 cr.) (P: ANAT-A 215 & PHSL- P215)
  • SPH-K 450 Topic: Introduction to Kinesiology and Public Health (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 450 Topic: Evidence-based Practice (3 cr.) orNURS-H 365 Nursing Research (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 452 Motor Learning (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 488 Athletic Training Assessment of and Adaptation for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (3 cr.)
  • SPH-N 231 Human Nutrition (3 cr.) +(N&M)(P: CHEM-C 101 or equiv and BIOL)
Additional Major Courses (25 cr.)
Complete each of the following courses: 
  • ANAT-A 215 Basic Human Anatomy (5 cr.) +(N&M)(minimum C req.)
  • Complete one of the following five-credit choices: the combination of CHEM-C 101 Elementary Chemistry I (3 cr.) +(N&M) and CHEM-C 121 Elementary Chemistry Laboratory I (2 cr.) -OR- CHEM-C 103 Introduction to Chemical Principles (5 cr.) +(N&M)
  • PHSL-P 215 Basic Human Physiology (5 cr.) +(N&M)
  • PHYS-P 101 Physic in the Modern World (4 cr.) +(N&M)
  • PSY-K300 Statistical Techniques OR SPEA-K300 (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 200 Microcomputer Applications in Kinesiology (3 cr.) or SPH-R 212 Computers (3 cr.) or CSCI A110 Computers (3 cr.) +(N&M)

+ Courses followed by an A&H, N&M, or S&H notation apply toward completion of both the major requirement and the general education, arts and humanities, natural and mathematical sciences, and social and historical studies requirements.



Suggested Athletic Training Courses for the First-Year Student
Fall Semester
Mathematical Modeling course (3 cr.)
CHEM-C 101 (3 cr.) and CHEM-C 121 (2 cr.) or CHEM-C 103 (5 cr.)
ENG-W 131 Elementary Composition 1 (3 cr.)
SPH-K 280 Basic Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (2 cr.)
SPH-K 450 Topics: Introduction to Kinesiology and Public Health (3 cr.)

Spring Semester
ANAT-A 215 Basic Human Anatomy (5 cr.)
SPH-H 160 First Aid and Emergency Care (3 cr.)
Arts and Humanities (3 cr.)
Mathematical Modeling course (3 cr.)
Social and Historical Studies (3 cr.)

Special Opportunities

The Athletic Training Student Council, composed of both graduate and undergraduate students, is regularly involved with philanthropic activities and also assists students with partial funding for professional development activities.

An overseas travel experience during the summer to the Dominican Republic to work with a variety of different baseball teams.

Careers

Athletic trainers help prevent, assess, treat, and rehabilitate injuries. Athletic trainers can work with clients of all ages and in many areas, from athletics, to health care, to industry. They are often the first on the scene when injuries occur and are trained to assess injuries and provide immediate care. Athletic trainers also help to prevent injuries through taping, bracing, and education. Athletic trainers often find employment in colleges and universities, secondary schools, clinics or hospitals, industrial settings, military, performing arts, physician offices, or professional teams.

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