Admission into the USC ATEP is selective and competitive. Students seeking admission into the program must meet the following criteria.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission into the USC ATEP is competitive. Students seeking admission into the program must meet the following criteria:

Complete the following pre-requisites:

PEDU 263 Introduction to Athletic Training
PEDU 266 Care & Prevention of Athletic Injuries
PEDU 266L Athletic Training Lab
PEDU 275 Functional Musculoskeletal Anatomy
PEDU 300 First Aid/CPR Professional Rescuer

• Maintain Cumulative GPA of 2.75 (4.0 Scale).
• Completion of PEDU 266L and PEDU 300 Clinical Competencies.
• Minimum of 100 hours of clinical experience (Direct Supervision by USC ACI/CI)
• Satisfactory clinical experience evaluations from assigned USC ACI/CI.
• Submit 3 standardized recommendation forms.
• Submit proof of current CPR training (American Red Cross Professional Rescuer or American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider Certification)
• Submit proof of initiation of Hepatitis B vaccination series and current TB test or waiver.
• Meet ATEP Technical Standards (See Below) & have a current Physical Examination.
• Submit a Complete ATEP Application and Personal Admissions Essay
• Interview/Athletic Training Committee Approval
• Meet Department of Physical Education professional point requirements (See Department of Physical Education Student Handbook)
• Submit proof of membership in a professional organization (South Carolina Athletic Trainers' Association or National Athletic Trainers' Association)

TRANSFER POLICY

Transfer students must meet the same admissions criteria the traditional four-year students for entrance to the program. Transfer students should plan on a minimum of three years (6 semesters) to complete the program once accepted into ATEP.

Transfer students should meet with the ATEP Director to clarify which courses will transfer into the ATEP plan of study. Credit for a transfer course in basic athletic training (PEDU 263) is determined on an individual basis at the discretion of the Program Director. Students may be required to provide documentation such as course description and/or course syllabus in order to receive credit.

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Technical standards are basic physical, cognitive, and psychosocial skills and abilities that are required for all athletic training students at the University of South Carolina . The technical standards set forth by the USC Athletic Training Education 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, as well as meet the expectations of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The following abilities and skills must be met by all students admitted to the USC athletic training education program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, the student will not be admitted into the program.

The student must posses:

1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
3. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
4. The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
5. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
6. The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
7. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
8. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education.

In conjunction with the Office of Disability Services (803) 777-6742, the University of South Carolina will evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, a student's request for reasonable accommodation on the basis of a disability. The University of South Carolina is committed to providing equal access/opportunity for students with disabilities, while at the same time, reserving the right to deny accommodations that compromise clinician/patient safety and/or fundamentally alter the nature of the program.

All technical and academic standards must be met throughout enrollment in the athletic training curriculum. It is the student's responsibility to notify the program director if during enrollment, circumstances occur and he/she cannot meet the technical standards.

Adapted from the National Athletic Trainers' Association

Students must turn in an entire application packet with all materials by Friday March 21, 2008 by 2:00 PM. Individual forms turned in throughout the semester will not be accepted.

Complete packets can be turned in to Dr. Torres-McGehee in Room 218 Blatt PE Center.