HELP 2011-2012 University Catalog Athletic Training, BS Print-Friendly Page

Banner Code:  E1-BS-ATT

This 123-credit degree provides educational and clinical experiences concerning the management of injuries and health problems associated with physical activity. The goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills that must be mastered to successfully prepare for the Board of Certification (BOC®) Examination and practice as an entry-level athletic trainer. The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is divided into pre-professional and professional phases.  Students begin the pre-professional phase upon admission to Mason by enrolling in required prerequisite courses (ATEP 150, ATEP 180, BIOL 124, BIOL 125, HEAL 110, HEAL 230, and KINE 300).

Upon successful completion of all pre-professional course work with a grade of C or higher and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67, students may advance into the professional phase (three levels) of the program.  Professional phase levels I-III require concurrent enrollment in didactic, clinical techniques, and practicum clinical education courses.  The professional phase requires satisfactory completion of prerequisites, attainment of a grade of C or higher in all ATEP required course work, a minimum cumulative within-major GPA of 2.67, and maintenance of current Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) and First Aid certifications. 

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  section of the catalog. Students should also review the section on University General Education  requirements.

Application Process

Freshmen Applications

Admission to George Mason University is competitive, and successful candidates generally have a B+ average or higher in a challenging college preparatory curriculum.  All students accepted to George Mason University and declaring athletic training as a major are admitted into the pre-professional phase of the program (typically freshmen).  Freshmen are bound to university admissions criteria as stated in the university catalog.  To progress into the professional phase of the program, students must earn a minimum grade of C in all within-major courses (ATEP 150, ATEP 180, BIOL 124, BIOL 125, HEAL 110, HEAL 230, KINE 300) and attain a cumulative minimum within-major GPA of 2.67 or greater.

Transfer Student Applications

Application for admission as a transfer student into the ATEP is competitive. Transfer applicants are evaluated based on satisfactory completion of standards identical to all other students enrolled in the ATEP.  Students transferring from another institution must provide documentation of successful completion of all ATEP-related course work with a grade of C or higher, a cumulative within-major GPA of 2.67 or higher on a 4.0 scale, and related clinical education/experiences. Additional documentation includes transcripts, course syllabi, a letter from the ATEP director of the previous institution certifying satisfactory completion of all clinical experiences, completed proficiency assessments signed and dated by an approved clinical instructor attained at the previous institution, and current Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) and First Aid certifications. Students unable to provide this documentation will not be admitted into the professional phase of the ATEP. All transfer students are advised to meet with the ATEP Director for an evaluation of all previously completed course work.

Special Requirements

Fees and expenses specific to the ATEP are as follows: laboratory supplies and equipment, clinical attire, clinical supplies, and clinical education manuals. Pre-professional phase students enrolling in ATEP 150 and ATEP 180 will be assessed a laboratory fee $110. Professional phase students will be assessed a laboratory fee of $100 for each clinical techniques course (ATEP 255, ATEP 265, ATEP 355, and ATEP 365). Payment is due at the first meeting of each course.

After admission to the pre-professional phase, students must submit a technical standards certification statement indicating that they have read, understand, and can meet the technical standards for athletic training students, either with or without accommodation. These standards outline the essential functional tasks that students must be able to perform to enroll in and complete the program. Students requiring special accommodations are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services.

Athletic training students are required to obtain a health examination and immunizations before entering the professional phase of the program. Students must have evidence of completion of the three hepatitis B immunizations and provide proof of tuberculosis screening in accordance with current U.S. Public Health Service recommendations. Students choosing not to complete hepatitis B immunizations will be required to sign a declination waiver. All professional phase students must complete annual blood-borne pathogens training offered in the practicum courses. Students may be required to undergo a criminal background check. If a criminal background check fails to meet the requirements of a student’s assigned practicum site, the student will be withdrawn from the practicum site and may be prohibited from completion of the curriculum. Students are encouraged to disclose any criminal background incidences to the ATEP Director prior to practicum placement. All students must have Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR, AED) and First Aid certifications before entering their first practicum experience and must maintain these certifications through the remainder of the ATEP. For additional information about ATEP academic policies and procedures refer to the program handbook at http://rht.gmu.edu/atep/forms/

It is the responsibility of professional phase ATEP students to arrange transportation to and from their assigned practicum course sites. It is recommended that students have personal transportation. A limited number of sites are accessible via public transportation from the Fairfax campus. In the case that a practicum site is not accessible by public transportation and the student does not have a car, it is suggested the student take public transportation as far as possible and then take a taxi to the site. The student is responsible for all transportation fees including gas, parking, bus, metro, taxi and zip car expenses. Students that have financial difficulty are encouraged to meet with a financial aid advisor to seek additional assistance.