Athletic Training (B.S.)

Mission.

The Athletic Training Program seeks to prepare students through knowledge, values, critical thinking, and psychomotor skills to assume a professional role in the Athletic Training Profession that will optimize the quality of healthcare of the physically active.

Curricula.

The Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training is designed to meet standards set forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The MSU AT-Program is accredited and must comply with CAATE accreditation. Upon meeting all degree requirements, graduating students will qualify to sit for the BOC certification examination. Program Policies and Procedures, as well as Technical Standards are available in the HHP Department, or on the web at www.mcneese.edu/hhp.

ADMISSION TO THE AT-PROGRAM.

1. All students entering the AT-Program, whether directly from high school or by transferring from another university, are subject to admission procedures and standards of the university. Please refer to the MSU web site for those standards. Admission to McNeese State University as a Health and Human Performance major does not ensure acceptance to the Athletic Training Program.
2. Eligible students must apply for admission. Students having completed prerequisite courses: BIOL 100, BIOL 225, HHP 111, HHP 115, HHP 122, HHP 124, and HHP 285, may complete the necessary paperwork required by the AT-Program for progression to upper level coursework in Athletic Training during HHP 115: Introduction to Athletic Training.
3. HHP 115 course “Introduction to Athletic Training”, prospective students will be provided with all necessary documents for entering into the AT-Program. All majors in the field of Health and Human performance are required to make a minimum grade of “C” in all HHP courses. In addition, the following prerequisites are considered to be the minimum requirements to advance into HHP 288:
   
   1. 2.5 out of possible 4.0 overall Grade Point Average (Note: An adjusted GPA may be considered for this requirement for courses that have been repeated.)
   2. A minimum grade “B” in HHP 115, “Introduction to Athletic Training”
   3. A completed physical examination by physician/physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner
   4. Signed copy of the Athletic Training Program’s Technical Standards
   5. Current CPR/AED Professional Rescuer Certification card - Hard Copy.
4. The MSU Athletic Training Program does exercise a competitive admission policy. Students meeting the minimum requirements for admission are not automatically accepted into the Athletic Training Program. Available spaces in the AT-Program are filled based on the following points based system, which includes a formal interview (50 pts.): 
   
   1. Grade higher than “C” minimum for BIOL 100, BIOL 225, HHP 111, 122, 124, and 285: 1 pt. each, max 21
   2. Documented Volunteer work in athletics (high school or college level); (Other volunteer activities are considered if Athletics is not available at the institution.): 2 pts. per sport, max 10
   3. Documented community service work: 1 pt. per 20 hours, max 10
   4. Observation of ATC or other allied health professional: 1 pt. per 20 hours, max 10
5. AT-Program is designed to have an average of 12 cohorts annually. Available program slots are determined by a variety of factors. The Program Director and Clinical Education Coordinator determine the number of available program slots for each year, above or below, based on the following criteria:
   1. The number of preceptors participating in the Clinical for that academic year, and their willingness to accept AT clinical students;
   2. The Clinical Education Coordinator workload;
   3. The number of graduates or program drop outs.
6. Proof of Immunization - Once a student has been formally admitted to the Athletic Training Program, they will be required to provide proof of immunizations during the Physical Exam (PPE). If the student does not have an updated immunization report, it will be the student’s responsibility to obtain and incur the cost for the report or produce a signed waiver. Appropriate documentation will be kept on file as part of standard university procedure. Immunization records include, but are not limited to TB Skin Test, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Hepatitis. In the event OSHA guidelines require or allow, a signed waiver may be substituted for the TB skin test or HBV.**
7. Transfer Policy- Students who transfer from any other institution must follow university regulations and policies regarding academic transfer and course credit substitution. The AT-Program at McNeese requires that students meet all prerequisites before making application to the AT-Program. When prerequisites are satisfied, a transfer student must follow the normal coursework and clinical track, beginning with HHP 288. No course substitutions are allowed for AT-Program clinical classes. Course prerequisites and corequisites also apply. The Department Head of HHP, with advice from the Program Director, must approve course substitutions. Students enrolled in a different major at McNeese, wishing to change their major to Athletic Training, must also follow these rules.

Fees.

1. The AT-Program does have a fee (e.g. Lab Fees) associated with its required courses (Ex. Lab Fees). The University reserves the right to assess fees on the basis of need. Please refer to the University policies and procedures for more information.
2. From time to time, students may be required to meet requirements of the program that may involve financial obligation. Required costs indirectly associated with the program include, but are not limited to: 
   1. Fuel consumption for travel to affiliated sites during clinical rotations
   2. CPR and First aid certification requirements (see section V in Policies and Procedures)
   3. Appropriate dress code for clinical rotations that may require specific attire.
   4. Physical Exams (PPE) with proof of immunization**.
   5. Membership dues for the Athletic Training Society
   6. Expendable Supply Fee for HHP 285.
3. The University will make every attempt to defray costs, if possible. Students having difficulty in meeting the financial obligations are asked to notify the Program Director for possible solutions.

**Note: Once a student has been formally admitted to the Athletic Training Program, they will be required to provide proof of immunizations during the Physical Exam (PPE). If the student does not have an updated immunization report, it will be the student’s responsibility to obtain and incur the cost for the report.

Retention, Progression, Dismissal.

Once admitted to the AT-Program, students must strictly adhere to the program’s policies and procedures, as well as maintain a 2.5 GPA.** Clinical courses are designed to follow a course progression that includes both prerequisites and co-requisites. See course descriptions for details. Students may be placed on probation and/or dismissed from the AT-Program according to the AT-Program policies and procedures available in the HHP department, and on the web:  www.mcneese.edu/hhp.

Graduation.

Degree eligible candidates must meet all requirements listed in the section titled “Graduation Requirements” in the Academic Regulations section of the catalog. Only HHP courses with a grade of “C” or higher may be applied to the degree plan. The Athletic Training curriculum is subject to CAATE standards. Students accepted into the program must complete 1020 hours of clinical internship in specific content areas, some of which are located at affiliated off campus sites. Contact the Program Director in the HHP department for more information.