Bachelor of Science, 128 hours required for graduation with 72 hours in the major.
Students begin clinical observation/education experiences their first semester at WCU and complete six semesters of clinical education after admission to the program.
Students are eligible to take the North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Exam after their first semester of enrollment in the program.
Students complete three full semester evaluation courses in the program: upper extremity evaluation, lower extremity evaluation, and spine evaluation.
The program features courses in functional anatomy, spine evaluation and treatment, radiology, pharmacology and strength and conditioning.
Students are given preference with regard to admission decisions to Western Carolina University’s Master of Physical Therapy Program.
Western Carolina University Athletic Training students travel across the country to attend continuing education seminars, present research and clinical case studies, as well as participate in clinical education experiences. The athletic training profession has predicted job availability increases of 31% by 2010.
Careers with this Degree
- Biomechanics
- Certified Athletic Trainer
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
What makes this program special?
The Athletic Training Education Program focuses on preparing athletic training clinicians by emphasizing critical-thinking and problem-solving in a hands-on intensive program. Small class sizes and an outstanding faculty-to-student ratio allow for ample opportunities for individualized instruction. Students begin clinical observation experiences as freshman and complete six semesters of clinical education in a variety of professional settings after admission to the program. The program allows students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant and Medicine to complete pre-requisite coursework during the four-year program.
Are there any additional admission requirements?
Formal application to the program occurs during the freshman year. In order to be admitted to the program, students must complete HSCC 150: Introduction to Athletic Training with a grade of C+ or higher, complete a minimum of 50 hours of athletic training observation at Western Carolina University or one of its approved affiliate clinical sites under the direct supervision of an Approved Clinical Instructor and have an overall grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
What scholarship monies are available?
All students are considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission. Additional scholarships are available based on FAFSA information. Local scholarships are sponsored by Carolina West Sports Medicine, Southeastern Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation and the WCU ATEP Faculty. Additionally, state, regional and national scholarships are available to upperclassmen enrolled in the Athletic Training Education Program.
What will I be able to do with this degree when I graduate?
The program prepares graduates for careers as Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) working in colleges and universities, secondary schools, professional athletics, physician practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and sports medicine facilities. Program graduates also are eligible for credentials as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
What are the professors like?
The program features award-winning faculty with over 30 years of combined clinical practice and more than 20 years of teaching experience. Faculty members are actively engaged in the clinical practice of Athletic Training and hold certifications, licensure and advanced degrees in the fields of Athletic Training, Physical Therapy and Biomechanics.
What are the students in the program doing?
Western Carolina University Athletic Training students have completed over 40 state, district and national presentations since the program’s inception in 2004. Additionally, students have been awarded scholarships for the North Carolina Athletic Trainers’ Association and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). In 2006, the program was one of only five nationally to have multiple NATA undergraduate scholarship winners.
Will I be able to participate in internships, clubs and other extracurricular opportunities?
Students enrolled in the program complete clinical education experiences at Western Carolina University and in the local community. These experiences include secondary schools, sports medicine facilities, hospitals and physician offices. The Western Athletic Training Association is a student run organization that promotes the profession of Athletic Training and has been consistently recognized for its role in community service activities.
Contact
James Scifers, DScPT, PT, SCS, LAT, ATC
E-mail: jscifers@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828-227-2147
Visit the Athletic Training Program Website
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