First in Education. Second to None.
Bridgewater State College's Athletic Training Education Program
Frequently Asked Questions
If you would like to visit campus and meet with someone from the Athletic Training Faculty, please call (508) 531-1237 to arrange a campus tour through the Admissions Office. While on campus, you can speak with one of the Athletic Training Faculty by pre-arranging an interview time by calling (508) 531-2072 to speak with the ATEP Program Director. Every effort will be made to accommodate your travel schedule.
About Athletic Training/Sports Medicine
How is Athletic Training different than Sports Medicine?
What is the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)?
What is the BOC certification exam?
Where do BOC Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) work?
What are average starting salaries?
What is the employment outlook for ATCs?
About Our Program Admissions
What are the requirements for admission into the Athletic Training Education Program?
Is the program CAATE accredited?
Do you accept undergraduate transfer students?
When do I apply to the Athletic Training Education Program?
How many students apply to the Athletic Training Education Program each year?
How many students do you accept into the program each year?
Who should I ask to write my recommendation letters?
What if I don't get into the Athletic Training Education Program the first time I apply?
Can I take Athletic Training classes without being accepted into the Program?
Do you have any scholarships available for Athletic Training?
About Our Sport/Clinical Assignments
When do I begin my clinical assignments?
What sports will I work with?
What clinical experiences do I complete?
Can I work part-time or participate in
extra-curricular activities (e.g., varsity sports, fraternities or sororities)
while in the athletic training education program?
About Our Graduates
What is the pass/fail rate of our students taking the BOC certification
examination?
What do our students do upon graduation?
What have been the unique successes of students completing our athletic training
education program?
We encourage you to visit the other pages in this web site for more information about the athletic training profession and our program.
About Athletic Training
Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as an allied healthcare profession, and the AMA recommends BOC certified athletic trainers in every high school to keep Americas youth safe and healthy. BOC certified athletic trainers (ATC) are highly educated and skilled medical professionals specializing in injury prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses, particularly in the orthopedic and musculoskeletal disciplines. Specifically, the certified athletic trainer has demonstrated knowledge and skill in six practice areas or domains:
- Prevention
- Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis
- Immediate Care
- Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning
- Organization and Administration
- Professional Responsibility
As part of a complete healthcare team, the certified athletic trainer works under the direction of a physician and in cooperation with other healthcare professionals, athletics administrators, coaches and parents. The certified athletic trainer gets to know each patient/client individually and can treat injuries more effectively
How is athletic training different than sports medicine?
Sports medicine is a very broad term. The American College of Sports Medicine defines sports medicine as multidisciplinary, including the physiological, biomechanical, psychological, and pathological phenomena associated with exercise and sports. It involves any profession or field of study that is dedicated to physical activity and sport either through performance enhancement or through injury care and management. Examples include, but are not limited to, athletic training, physical therapy, sports nutrition, medicine, sport psychology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports massage, sports dentistry, orthotists/prosthetists, chiropractic, and strength and conditioning. The uniqueness of athletic training is that it combines all of these practices to work exclusively with individuals who are physically active.
What is the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)?
The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is a not-for-profit organization with more 30,000 members nationwide. The mission of the NATA is to enhance the quality of health care provided by certified athletic trainers and to enhance the athletic training profession.
Founded in 1950 with a membership of 200 athletic trainers, the NATA is based in Dallas, Texas, and provides a variety of services to its membership including continuing education, governmental affairs and public relations. The NATA also publishes the Journal of Athletic Training, a quarterly scientific journal, and NATA News, a monthly membership magazine.
To sit for the BOC certification exam, candidates must graduate from a CAATE (Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education) accredited athletic training program. CAATE is the agency responsible for the accreditation of professional (entry-level) Athletic Training educational programs. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Sports Medicine (AAOSSM), and the National Athletic Trainers Association, Inc. (NATA), cooperate to sponsor CAATE and to collaboratively develop the Standards for Entry-Level Athletic Training Educational Programs.
Accredited Athletic Training Education Programs include the following curricular areas:
Athletic Training Curricula
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Acute Care
- General Medical Conditions and Disabilities
- Pathology of Injury and Illness
- Pharmacological Aspects of Injury and Illness
- Nutritional Aspects of Injury and Illness
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Risk Management and Injury Prevention
- Health Care Administration
- Professional Development and Responsibilities
- Psychosocial Intervention and Referral
What is the BOC certification exam?
Once you have successfully earned your degree at Bridgewater State College you will be eligible to sit for the certification exam that will give you the credential of ATC. Beginning in the spring of 2007, the Board of Certification [BOC] in conjunction with CASTLE Worldwide, Inc. will offer its ATC® credentialing examination on-demand through a national network of proctored and secure computer-based testing facilities. This change provides increased accessibility to candidates, increasing the number of testing centers by more than three-fold. In addition, candidates will have options for morning or afternoon testing sessions, where there is interest
Where does a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) work?
In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the ATC functions as an integral member of the athletic health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, industrial settings and other health care environments.
What are average starting salaries?
This is a question that is difficult to answer because it really depends on which area of the country and what setting you work in. According to the latest survey across all settings, of those ATCs with 0-1 years starting salaries are about $29,667 and those with 6-10 years of experience make about $38,570.
What is the employment outlook for ATCs?
Currently, many efforts are being made to improve the employment opportunities for ATCs. Great strides have been made in attaining third-party insurance reimbursement for the services provided by ATCs. If this trend continues it will open the door to many future employment possibilities and most likely an increase in salaries. In addition, increasing state regulation of the practice of athletic training (e.g., licensure) in most states throughout the country and public awareness of the value of an ATC are proving to protect and enhance the athletic training profession. According to the BOC, the following sites are avenues for employment:
Employers of Athletic Training Services
- Professional & Collegiate sports
- Secondary & Intermediate schools
- Sports medicine clinics
- Hospital ER & rehab clinics
- Occupational settings
- Fitness centers
- Physicians offices
Ideal Practices for Athletic Trainers' as Physician Extenders
- Orthopaedics
- Osteopathy
- Family Practice
- Primary care
- Physiatry
- Occupational medicine
- Chiropractic
About Our Program Admissions
What are the requirements for admission into the Athletic Training Education Program?
Students must meet the following requirements to be admitted into the athletic training professional preparation program:
|
1. |
Formal letter of application into the ATEP |
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2. |
Copy of current emergency cardiac care certification and first aid |
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3. |
Signed Oath of Confidentiality |
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4. |
Signed Technical Standards |
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5. |
Interview with members of the ATEP Faculty Committee. |
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6. |
Successful completion of prerequisites including: |
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Undergraduate ATEP: 40 semester hours including a B- or better in PHED 100, ATTR 240, and BIOL 251 |
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Graduate ATEP: Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution including Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Introduction to Athletic Training, Introductory Psychology, Kinesiology/Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, Drugs in Society and Sports First Aid. |
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7. |
Documentation of a minimum of 50 hours of athletic training observation (arranged through ATTR 241). |
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8. |
Two letters of recommendation (one must come from an athletic trainer who has supervised you in a clinical setting). |
Yes. The Bridgewater State College Athletic Training Education Program initially received National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Approval as an undergraduate concentration in 1980. The College has remained strongly committed to maintaining and improving this program as demonstrated by the proposal to implement the Athletic Training Major on both the undergraduate and graduate levels in 2006. The program remains accredited by CAATE .
Do you accept undergraduate transfer students?
Yes, but transfer students must complete all requirements for the undergraduate ATEP. Depending on your past coursework some classes may count towards fulfilling our requirements. Please contact the Program Director about your situation.
When do I apply to the Athletic Training Education Program?
All students apply by March 1 of the spring semester. In addition, graduate students must apply into the Graduate School by February 1. Please contact the Program Director for specific information. In any case, the application will be evaluated for completeness, content, and clarity. Decisions will be made by the ATEP selection committee.
How many students apply to the Athletic Training Education Program each year?
It varies every year, but on the average there are about 15-20 undergraduate applicants, and 4-8 graduate applicants.
How many students do you accept into the program each year?
It varies every year, but on the average, we accept about 12-16 undergraduate students and 4-6 graduate students.
There are many things you can do. First, if you haven't already, enroll in ATTR 240 Introduction to Athletic Training. You may also wish to enroll in ATTR 100 Taping and Bracing and ATTR 112 Sports First Aid. If you are meeting the above requirements, our advice to you is to make sure you talk with as many students and faculty/staff in our program. During your directed observation experience, try not to be too shy and let us know who you are. Be professional at all times. Follow the dress code, speak appropriately, and maintain a good rapport with the athletes.
If possible, volunteer to help a certified athletic trainer at your high school or local physical therapy/sports medicine clinic. If you can't do that on a regular basis, see if you can at least job shadow for 1-2 days. Ask as many questions as possible.
Take classes such as anatomy to see if you like learning about the human body.
Becoming certified in first aid and CPR can also be very beneficial. The following organizations have classes throughout the year:
American
Red Cross
American
Heart Association
National
Safety Council
Who should I ask to write my recommendation letters?
We recommend that you ask people such as Athletic Trainers (other than the ones at BSC) teachers, coaches, and employers. Avoid asking neighbors or friends of the family who may less objectively attest to your academic ability or work ethic. At least one of the recommendations must be written by an athletic trainer who has observed you in a clinical setting to attest to your dependability, responsible nature, and desire to become an athletic trainers.
Yes. Although you are welcome to do your hours at another site, it is in your best interest to do the majority of your hours at BSC. This will give the Athletic Training Staff an opportunity to get to know you and for you to learn where supplies are kept, what some of the policies and procedures are, and whether or not you might enjoy working in athletic training.
What if I don't get into the athletic training education program the first time I apply?
In most instances, you may reapply. We will assist you in identifying and correcting your deficiencies. We will let you know if you should consider pursuing another major/profession. Most of the time, those that don't get into the program have poor grades, do not seem to display a full awareness of our program or the profession, or have not demonstrated good interpersonal skills or professionalism.
Can I take Athletic Training classes without being accepted into the Program?
There are a few introductory classes that you can take, such as ATTR 100 Taping and Bracing and ATTR 112 Sports First Aid. The higher level classes are designed for only those students in the ATEP. However, if you have met the prerequisites for the lecture/lab classes, you are welcome to enroll in those classes.
Do you have any scholarships available for Athletic Training?
Not at this time, but we have a variety of scholarship/awards for outstanding student performance at the College. You can see these scholarships/awards on the website undner Student Services.
About Our Clinical Experience Assignments
When do I begin my clinical experiences?
If you are accepted into the professional program during the spring semester, you will begin the formal clinical program during the subsequent fall semester.
What clinical experiences will I receive?
Students will engage in variety of clinical experiences/assignments with BSC teams and off-campus affiliated sites during their tenure in the athletic training education program. All clinical experiences are under the supervision of an approved clinical instructor. When a student is not under supervision of a clinical instructor, their duties must be limited to those of a first aider. Clinical assignments are categorized and expose students to medical conditions, upper extremity injuries, lower extremity injuries, and equipment intensive sports. These assignments will be distributed through individual and team sports, in-season/out-of-season sports, contact and non-contact sports, and men and women's sports. Further, each student will complete a clinical experience with football or hockey. Athletic training student clinical assignments will be made by the Director of Clinical Education. Student-athletes accepted into the program may continue to participate in their one season sport, but must immediately begin clinical rotations once participation has ended for the season. The majority of the clinical experiences will be completed in the afternoon during 1-6 PM. However, certain sports will practice either earlier or later than this time, and many games are in the evening or on weekends. Once a student is assigned to an approved clinical instructor/sport, they are to check with the ACI about the practice time for that sport.
What clinical experiences do I complete?
Students with no experience in athletic training from their high schools or previous colleges, will be assigned initially to the BSC Athletic Training Room. After a full semester on campus, and for those students with past experience, all students may do clinical rotations off-campus. All students are required to do at least one rotation at an area high school/college and complete hours at a physical therapy clinic and at a physicians office for general medical conditions. Practicums are primarily supervised by Approved Clinical Instructors (ACI) in school settings and guided by the Director of Clinical Education.
Once formally accepted into the program, athletic training students are required to complete 250 laboratory/clinical hours per semester for four consecutive semesters. It is recommended that not less than 2 hours, nor more than 6 hours be done on any given day, and the hours should average 20-25 each week throughout the semester. These hours typically occur from 2:00 - 9:00 pm Monday through Saturday depending on the clinical rotation. Because of this time commitment, it may not be possible to work part-time or participate in extra-curricular activities during these hours. Individuals who have concerns about meeting the laboratory/clinical hourly requirement should meet with the Director of Clinical Education prior to applying into the ATEP. The plan must be approved by the Director of Clinical Education and the Undergraduate Program Director. Go to ADMISSIONS listed below to download the application process and packet for the ATEP application requirements.
About Our Graduates
What is the First-Time Pass/Fail rate of our students taking the BOC Certification Examination?
For the past 2 years, the BSC pass rate for the oral/practical sections has been well above the national average. For the written and written simulation section, it has been at the national average. Over the past years, nearly 100% of those students who seek certification become certified and employed in athletic training.
What do our students do upon graduation?
Bridgewater State College graduates take a variety of paths to success. Most graduates are immediately employed by area colleges or high schools. In some instances, hospitals hire the graduates to work in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic and then subcontract the athletic trainer to area high schools. Others go on to pursue a Master's degree while working as a graduate assistant in that University's athletic training department. Many then accept jobs at clinics, high schools, colleges and universities. Still others pursue post-professional training in physical therapy or medicine, as a physician assistant program, podiatry, or chiropractic medicine.
What have been the unique successes of students completing our athletic training education program?
Our program has enjoyed a fair amount of notoriety. In some part this notoriety is due to the success/visibility of some of its alumni, faculty, and past professional staff. In some part it is also due to the current recognition of its clinical education program and related research. Many athletic trainers who have attended or worked at Bridgewater State College have held leadership positions within the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA). One of the current faculty served as the District I Director for four years, received an Outstanding Service Award, and was recently inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame. Another faculty member is known nationally as the lead author of Foundations of Athletic Training: Prevention, Assessment and Management, one of the leading athletic training textbooks in the United States and Canada, and was recently inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame for the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts (ATOM).
Graduates of our ATEP hold or have held prominent positions as Athletic Trainers for the New England Patriots, Pawtucket Red Sox, Cape Cod Baseball League, Ottawa Links of the Baltimore Orioles, University of New Haven, Yale University, Brown University, Stonehill College, Kansas State University, San Jose State University, Stanford University, University of Miami, University of Delaware, Williams College, Bridgewater State College, Nichols College, Boston College, Tufts University, Wheaton College, Wellesley College, Brockton High School, New Bedford High School, Taunton High School, and have been Athletic Training educators at the University of North Florida, Southern Illinois University, LaSalle University and Bridgewater State College.
Last Modified: May 11, 2009
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