Is WCU’s Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) accredited?

Western Carolina University’s Athletic Training Education Program is completing the self-study application for accreditation with CAATE, the accrediting body for Athletic Training Education Programs. The application will be submitted during the summer of 2006 and the program will have an initial accreditation site visit in the spring of 2007. For more information please see The Program.

What happens if the WCU ATEP does not become CAATE Accredited?

Students enrolled in the program who have met all the Department of Health Sciences and Western Carolina University requirements for degree completion will graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Students currently enrolled in the program who have not met degree requirements will be given the option of completing their current program of study, completing another degree program in the Department of Health Sciences or transferring to another Athletic Training Education Program.

Students who choose to complete the program at Western Carolina University will be eligible to apply for admission to entry-level Athletic Training Education Programs or other graduate programs in Allied Health Professions. The University of North Carolina- Greensboro Entry-Level Masters Athletic Training Program is the closest Athletic Training graduate program in proximity to Western Carolina University . Furthermore, for eligible students completing their education at Western Carolina University, articulation agreements are currently being proposed for direct admission to the Western Carolina University Master of Physical Therapy Program and the Western Carolina University Master of Health Sciences Programs.

Who are the faculty in the program?

The faculty and staff of the WCU ATEP combine youthful exuberance with years of experience to offer students an outstanding professional education. Students have the unique opportunity to interact with the faculty and clinical instructors in the classroom, on the field and in the clinic. This allows the athletic training student to apply his/her classroom knowledge to a living laboratory (the athletic training room). Professors include: Certified Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists, Physicians, Exercise Physiologists, Anatomists, Paramedics, Nutritionist, Pharmacists and Physiologists (to name a few). Courses are taught by faculty within the ATEP, the Department of Health Sciences and across campus. Guest speakers include surgeons, physical therapists, biomechanists, and other allied health professionals.

Where can I expect to obtain employment after graduation?

Most of our graduates will opt for a Master’s degree in a field directly related to athletic training. The vast majority of students who pursue graduate degrees do so as Graduate Assistants, receiving tuition waivers and stipends to assist with this continued education. Other students may enter the workforce immediately and find employment in high schools, sports medicine clinics, industrial medicine, professional sports and collegiate settings. For more information please see Careers.

How many hours are required to complete the ATEP and how many hours are students expected to complete per week?

Clinical experiences are linked to Clinical Education courses in the Athletic Training Education Program . Students begin formal clinical education in the sophomore year and are required to complete a minimum of 100 hours of clinical education each semester. During the next three semesters, students are required to complete 200 hours per semester of clinical education. The final semester in the program, students complete a clinical education experience at an off-campus site. Athletic Training Students complete approximately ten hours per week during the initial two semesters in the program and approximately twenty hours per week at practices, events and rehabilitation sessions during the next three semesters.

What courses am I required to take while completing the ATEP?

A complete course listing can be found on the Western Carolina University Athletic Training Education Program web page, including required course progression through the program.

How large are the classes in ATEP major courses?

Classes within the Athletic Training Education Program major are typically limited to 12-16 students. This allows for individualized interaction with the professor and the ability to participate in hands-on and problem solving activities. Accessibility to Athletic Training faculty is outstanding and the professional relationships forged between students and faculty/mentors in the ATEP are unlike any found across campus.

How are students admitted to the ATEP?

Requirements for admission include completion of Introduction to Athletic Training (HSCC 150) with a grade of C+ or better and completion of 50 hours of Athletic Training observation prior to making application to the ATEP. Students must have an overall GPA of 2.75 to be considered for acceptance to the program. Acceptance to the program is limited and competitive in nature. Applications are due December 15th (for early admission) and April 15th (for regular admission) of each year and students are notified of their status approximately 2 weeks after the application deadline. For more information please see Admission Requirements.

What physically active individuals do Athletic Training Students interact with?

Athletic Training Students gather their professional experiences in a variety of settings both on and off campus. These experiences include working with Catamount varsity athletic teams and working with certified athletic trainers and other allied health professionals in on-campus and area clinics, as well as local high schools. Additional opportunities include interacting with patients and clinicians in Student Health Services, Physician Office’s, Hospitals and Emergency Care Facilities. The opportunities to interact with a variety of physically active individuals are abundant at WCU.

Can I transfer to WCU and complete the ATEP?

Transfers are welcome in the WCU ATEP. However, transfer students must meet the same standards as other Athletic Training Students, including being accepted to the program after completing HSCC 150 and a minimum of 50 hours of clinical observation at WCU or one of its affiliated clinical sites. Transfer students typically require a minimum of 6 semesters to complete the Athletic Training Education Program . Athletic training coursework (courses within the major) and clinical hours cannot be transferred toward the requirements for graduation. Students considering transferring are encouraged to contact Dr. James Scifers immediately to discuss the program and their individualized progression in detail.

Where can I go to learn more about the profession of athletic training?

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) has a website which provides essential information regarding the athletic training profession and athletic training education programs. The NATA can also be reached by phone at 1-800-TRY-NATA.

Can I play a sport and be in the ATEP?

It is extremely difficult to be a student-athlete and an athletic training student due to the time commitment and overlapping nature of the two activities. In some cases, (exceptional) students can complete both programs. Success will require a major commitment on the part of all involved parties including student, coach and faculty. Only the most dedicated and academically sound students will successfully complete both programs. Interested students are encouraged to pursue both athletics and athletic training as freshmen prior to making a decision. The ability to complete both activities may also be determined by the sport the student participates in and the length of the athletic season. Finally, Athletic Training Students who compete in athletics for WCU must realize that their professional education will most likely be extended by one semester to one year as a result of this athletic participation. Decisions made regarding sports participation are done on an individualized basis. Students considering athletic participation are encouraged to contact Dr. James Scifers immediately to discuss the program and their individualized progression in detail.

Can I work and be in the ATEP?

Working and completing the WCU ATEP is similar to competing in athletics while completing the program. Students are discouraged from seeking outside employment after their freshman year due to the extensive time commitment of the program. Students who do choose to work must complete all athletic training assignments and duties completely and in a timely fashion. Part-time or full-time work during holidays and summers is an excellent source of income for Athletic Training Students. Some students find on-campus employment with flexible scheduling which allows them to complete all the requirements of the Athletic Training Education Program while earning some extra spending money. Other sources of funding are available in terms of financial aid and scholarships.

Will I be traveling with WCU athletic teams?

Every opportunity is made to allow students to travel to away contests with university athletic teams. Students will always be traveling with certified athletic trainers.

Will I be required to complete clinical education experiences in the summer or during holiday breaks?

In some cases, students are required to return to campus early or stay on campus during winter and spring breaks. This will depend upon the clinical education experience a student is assigned to complete. Completing clinical education experiences and traveling during actual holidays is rare, however returning to campus early for pre-season or mid-season practices and events is quite common for upper class Athletic Training Students. After being accepted to the program, students are also required to return to WCU each August for an Athletic Training In-Service. Students are also often required to return to school in August to assist with pre-season practices of fall athletic teams. During these activities, housing and food are provided to athletic training students.

Can I minor in Athletic Training?

No, there is no minor in Athletic Training. However, Introduction to Athletic Training is open to all students as an elective course. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Performance offers courses related to the care of athletic injuries.