Athletic Training (B.S.)

Sue Shapiro, Ed.D., Program Director

The Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training (ATP) is one of the first undergraduate curriculum programs in athletic training to be accredited and is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). This program includes a comprehensive view of the broad field of Sports Medicine and offers future career opportunities in professions related to the care, prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation of activity-related injuries. This undergraduate major also provides a strong foundation in the sciences for those students interested in pursuing graduate study in Athletic Training (AT) or related fields (e.g., exercise physiology, various medical professions, occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreational therapy, physician’s assistant, etc.).

The B.S. degree in Athletic Training requires 51 credit hours specific to the Athletic Training major (beyond the SES core of 22 credit hours) and includes 20 credit hours of clinical instruction and field experience. The program is designed so that the total 125 credit hours can be completed in four years (eight semesters), assuming the student maintains satisfactory progress, remains in good standing, and enrolls in 15‑18 credits per term (averaging 17 credit hrs.) including clinical skills instruction.

The minimum grade of C is required in all major, SES core, and co-requisite courses. SES-499 A and SES-499 B (A.T. Internship I and II) meet the integrative experience requirement for graduation.

Completion of AT degree and clinical requirements prepares the Athletic Training major to attempt the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. A description of clinical program requirements and selection criteria can be found following the ATP degree requirements. The student majoring in Athletic Training must make application and be approved by the BOC and program director for the BOC examination prior to being approved for graduation. Student must pass SES 487 Senior Seminar with a grade of C or better to be eligible to be approved by the program director for BOC Examination. The student is responsible for all examination fees and the cost of all related travel to and from the examination site. Fees are posted on the BOC website at www.bocatc.org. On the BOC website, click on "Candidates" and follow the steps to fee structure (step 2 under "Apply for the Exam"). BOC certification, in combination with the B.S. degree in Athletic Training, qualify the Barry graduate to apply for a State of Florida License in Athletic Training. Licensing information is available from the Program Director and at www.myflorida.com.

Other options: AT majors should consult with their advisor if interested in pursuing coursework in Pre-Medicine, Pre-Physical Therapy, or other allied health graduate programs. A detailed explanation for each of these areas can be found later in this section.

Minors in, Exercise Physiology, and Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, are also available to support the major in Athletic Training, as well as majors in other health-related fields (e.g., nursing, pre-med, allied health, and biological sciences) who are interested in enhancing their knowledge of human performance and movement science.

Pre-Medical Professional Option

The student interested in a Pre-Medical Professional option should consult with his/her Barry academic advisor early in one’s undergraduate course of study in order to accommodate any additional courses that may be necessary into one’s schedule.

Mission

The program is designed to prepare qualified athletic trainers for employment in high schools, community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, professional sports programs, and other sports medicine-related agencies throughout the United States and foreign countries. The athletic training program provides an effective blend of classroom instruction and clinical experience designed to prepare the student for the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of injuries and/or illnesses experienced by athletes at all levels of competition. Professional preparation of students in the administrative, educational, and counseling aspects of athletic training is also of importance and is included in this program.

The purpose of the Athletic Training Program (ATP) at Barry University is to provide a quality experience in athletic training. The graduate will have the opportunity to return to society a service that will improve the health and well-being of the sports participants and physically active people for whom they care.

Academic Good Standing for B.S. in Athletic Training

By the end of the first academic year of study, Athletic Training student majors must have earned at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA in order to qualify for entrance into the clinical portion of the Athletic Training Program. Students not meeting or maintaining the program cumulative GPA requirement will be notified at the end of the first semester of study, and given one additional semester to meet or exceed the minimum cumulative GPA. If at the end of the second semester of study the student still has not earned the required program cumulative GPA, they will be dismissed from the major. After clinical acceptance into the clinical portion of the program, students may only repeat an athletic training core course one time with a total of two attempts (one repeat per athletic training core course with a total of two attempts per athletic training curriculum). After 2021-2022, this option will no longer be available. 

Program Goals

The Athletic Training Program strives to have its graduating students:

  • Master the skills, knowledge, and clinical proficiencies included in the Educational Competencies in Athletic Training; National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA, 2011, fifth edition);
  • Demonstrate currently accepted professional practices in athletic training (BOC, 2018);
  • Utilize through competent practice, the theories and evidence-based procedures that aid in the prevention, recognition, management, and rehabilitation of exercise-related injuries;
  • Utilize, through competent practice, the theories and evidence-based procedures of program administration, including the education and counseling of those people involved in athletic training;
  • Assume personal responsibility for continuing professional competence and development;
  • Encourage students to assume leadership roles in the community with respect to effecting social change;
  • Engage in quality clinical experiences utilizing state-of-the-art resources alongside allied healthcare preceptors;
  • Engage in quality clinical experiences utilizing state-of-the-art resources alongside allied healthcare preceptors
  • Engage the athletic training community through participation in state, regional, and national symposia;
  • Pursue graduate study in athletic training or a related field;
  • Incorporate respect for human diversity and dignity while participating in culturally and spiritually sensitive action in community service.

Bachelor of Science (125 credits)

Distribution Requirements and Co-requisites (52 credits)

The student majoring in this program must exceed the University’s distribution requirement of 45 hours. The Science and Mathematics area requires 16 credit hours of course work, bringing the total distribution credit hours required for Athletic Training majors to 52. Courses listed as specifically required are shown below each subject area and must be completed with a grade of C or better.

Theology and Philosophy (9 credits)

THE-201THEOLOGY: FAITH, BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS

3

PHI-220INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

3

-
 

THE-
From University approved distribution list

3

-
Or

PHI-
From University approved distribution list

3

Written and Oral Communication (9 credits)

ENG-111FIRST-YEAR COMPOSITION & RHETORIC

3

ENG-112TECHNIQUES OF RESEARCH

3

-
 

-
Or

-
 

ENG-210WRITING ABOUT LITERATURE

3

SPE-101FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH

3

-
 

-
Or

-
 

COM-104INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

3

-
 

-
Or

-
 

TH-155ACTING I: FUNDAMENTALS I

3

Science and Mathematics (16 credits)

BIO-220Foundations of Human Anatomy

3

BIO-220LFOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN ANATOMY/LAB

1

BIO-240FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (4,1)

4

BIO-240LFoundation of Human Physiology Lab

1

MAT-152ELEMENTARY PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS

3

SES-361EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY

3

SES-361LEXCERCISE PHYSIOLOGY LAB

1

SES-361 and SES-361L: also required in SES core but counted in distribution

Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 credits)

PSY-281INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

3

-
From University approved distribution list

6

Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credits)

From University approved distribution list

SES Core Requirements (18 credits)

(See listing. SES-335 required, (SES-361/SES-361L required but counted in Distribution)

Athletic Training Major Requirements (55 credits)

CS-180INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL LITERACY

3

SES-181A.T. PRE-CLINICAL SKILLS I

1

SES-220CARE & PREV MUSC INJURIES

3

SES-220LCARE/PREV MUSC INJ LAB

1

SES-281AT PRE-CLINICAL SKILLS II

1

SES-316THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES

3

SES-316LTHERAPEUTIC MODAL LAB

1

SES-318THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE

3

SES-318LTHERAPEUTIC EXERCISE LAB

1

SES-320KINESIOLOGY

3

SES-320LKINESIOLOGY LAB

1

SES-321ADV UPP EXT ASSESS MUSC INJ

3

SES-321LADV UP EXT ASSESS MUSC INJ LAB

1

SES-322ADV LOW EXT ASSESS MUSC INJURIES

3

SES-322LADV LOW EXT ASSESS MUS INJ LAB

1

SES-330NUTRITION/PHY PERFORM

3

SES-381AAT CLINICAL SKILLS II

2

SES-381BAT PRE-CLINICAL SKILLS II-2

2

SES-481AAT CLINICAL SKILLS III

2

SES-481BAT PRE-CLINICAL SKILLS III-2

2

SES-487SENIOR SEMINAR

2 to 3

SES-499AINTERNSHIP

3

SES-499BINTERNSHIP

3

Clinical Program Requirements in Athletic Training

All course requirements for certification by the Board of Certification (BOC) are included in the Athletic Training major. To satisfy Barry University and BOC requirements, the student must complete all hours of clinical instruction and field experiences in six continuous semesters of clinical study and approval of Program Director prior to applying for the BOC certification examination in accordance with the standards set by Barry University, the BOC and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Clinical courses and Internships may not be done concurrently.

Clinical Program Selection Criteria

  1. A minimum of 24 credit (semester) hours completed in specific coursework.
  2. SES-181: A. T. Pre-clinical Skills I; SES-281: A. T. Pre-clinical Skills II; BIO-220/BIO-220L: Intro to Human Anatomy with lab; BIO-240/BIO-240L: Human Physiology and Lab; SES-220/SES-220L: Care and Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries and Lab; SES-212/SES-212L: Emergency Response completed with all certifications and a grade of C or better.
  3. Major declared in Athletic Training.
  4. A program application form completed and filed with the Program Director.
  5. Official transcripts on file with the academic advisor. Students transferring to Barry and simultaneously applying for acceptance into the clinical program must have their official transcripts filed with their clinical application to the Program Director.
  6. Both a cumulative and major GPA of 2.75 or higher to enter and to remain active in the clinical program.
  7. Two program recommendations on file with the Program Director.
  8. Statement of personal and professional goals filed with the Program Director (one full page, typed, double spaced).
  9. Successful completion of interview with the selection committee.
  10. Technical Standards acknowledgement form signed by applicant and witnessed by program director.

The candidates for the clinical component of the athletic training professional program must meet all ten criteria listed above. The number of appointments to the program will vary from year to year. Program application materials must be received by April 1 of the first academic year in which the student participates as an Athletic Training major in order to be considered for the fall semester. These fall candidates will be notified of their clinical program status by June 1. Students not accepted on the first attempt have one more opportunity to apply the following year by April 1. The application must be resubmitted the next consecutive year. Students unable to qualify for acceptance into the clinical program after the required two (2) consecutive attempts will be withdrawn from the major.

Students accepted into the clinical program must stay at or above a 2.75 cumulative GPA. Students who drop below 2.75 are placed on program probation and have one semester to return to program standing with a 2.75 or higher cumulative GPA. If after one semester of program probation, the 2.75 GPA requirement is not met, the student must change his/her major.

Students receiving below a "C" in any Athletic Training Core Course will be placed on clinical probation for one academic year or until the course is offered the next cycle. Students on clinical probation may not continue clinical course experiences until they have been re-enrolled in the Athletic training course in which they received the less than "C" grade. Their overall GPA must again be at the program requirement of 2.75. 

Note:

Students accepted into the clinical program will be assessed a fee of approximately $25 per semester. This assessment will occur at the time of registration and will provide liability insurance coverage for the semester. Students should consult the AT student handbook for a list of other ATP course fees. Clinical students are highly encouraged to attend at least one professional symposium annually. (See the ATP Program Director for registration information). Uniforms are required for all students in the clinical program. (See the ATP Program Director and the ATP Student Handbook for cost and purchasing details). Students will need to arrange transportation to off-campus clinical experience sites. This may include cost for public transportation and/or parking. Senior fall interns in SES 499 will begin at their site approximately four weeks before the term begins. Students must make room and board arrangements for this time which may result in additional financial obligations. Prior to registration for SES 499 Internships, students are required to obtain a Level II background check, current TB skin test, and inoculations at students’ expense Students attending summer session must be enrolled full-time during this session to receive financial aid.

Transfer students’ credentials will be examined on the basis of the same ten acceptance criteria and a minimum six semester commitment to meet clinical instruction and field experience requirements at Barry University.

Students who have completed the academic program in Athletic Training must have also completed clinical instruction and field experience (SES-381A & SES-381B and SES-481A & SES-481B at 2 hours/segment for two Level II and two Level III segments equaling 8 credit hours total) prior to being approved for enrollment in SES-499 (Internships). All hours of clinical instruction and field experience must be completed prior to receiving a final grade in SES-499 A. T. Internship II. All Athletic Training majors must apply for the BOC examination on the advertised fall date for fall graduation or the advertised spring date for spring graduation. Please see the program director for BOC examination application information.

The clinical education component of the Athletic Training Program at Barry University is a competency-proficiency based program which utilizes faculty in mentoring students in the attainment of athletic training, clinical knowledge, and skills. Clinical education assignments are not based on sex, ethnicity, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation. Each year is considered a clinical level in which selected proficiencies and experiences must be completed BEFORE advancing to the next clinical level.  Knowledge and skill acquisition is assessed each academic year in the spring semester. Every level II and III clinical student must pass the Comprehensive Oral and Written Examination (assigned in clinical courses) with a combined score of 80% or greater. Before applying for the clinical education program, students must be enrolled in SES 181/SES 281. Students in Level I who are not enrolled in SES-181/SES-281 shall be withdrawn from the ATP major program.

Level I Completion Requirements

  1. Successful completion of SES-181/SES-281, SES-212/SES-212L, SES-220/SES-220L, BIO-220/BIO-220L; BIO-240/BIO-240L
  2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75;
  3. Acceptance into the clinical education program; and
  4. Interim acceptance achieved by the end of year one.

Level II Completion Requirements

  1. Completion of SES-321/SES-321L, SES-322/SES-322L, SES-316/SES-316L, SES-381A and SES-381B with a grade of C or better;
  2. Emergency Response re-certifications;
  3. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75; and
  4. Recommendation of the Athletic Training faculty for Level III promotion.
  5. Pass the Level II Comprehensive Oral and Written Examination with a combined score of 80% or greater in SES 381B*

Level III Completion Requirements

  1. Completion of SES-318 and SES-318L, SES-481A and SES-481B with a grade of C or better;
  2. Emergency Response re-certifications;
  3. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75; and
  4. Recommendation of the Athletic Training faculty for Level IV promotion.
  5. Pass the Level III Comprehensive Oral and Written Examination with a combined score of 80% or greater in SES 481B*

Level IV Completion Requirements

  1. Completion of SES-499 in two semesters at 6 credits per semester, with grades of C or better;
  2. Emergency Response re-certifications;
  3. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75;
  4. Completion of SES-487 with a grade of C or better; and
  5. Recommendation of the Athletic Training faculty for the BOC examination and graduation.
  6. Must apply and be approved by the Program Director and BOC to take the BOC Examination before graduation date. Students does not have to take the examination but must be approved to take the exam prior to graduation. 

  * Unsuccessful completion of the Comprehensive Exam with less than 80% combined written and oral score will result in remediation. Upon completion of remediation, students will be required to retake either the oral or written or both exams to achieve the required combined score of 80% or greater. 

Technical Standards for Clinical Program Acceptance

The Athletic Training Program at Barry University is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Barry University ATP 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 program’s accrediting agency, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The following abilities, personal qualities, and expectations must be met by all students admitted to, studying in, and graduating from, the Athletic Training Program.

Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the BOC certification exam or a student’s progress to internship courses or graduation. The Athletic Training faculty reserve the right to accept, to retain, and to recommend to the dean for graduation only those candidates who fulfill all academic requirements and who satisfy all technical standards.

Candidates for selection to, and completion of, the Athletic Training Program must demonstrate:

Standard 1. Intellect

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.

Standard 2. Physical Ability

Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques and accurately, safely, and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.

Standard 3. Communication

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.

Standard 4. Receptive Language

The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.

Standard 5. Emotional Fortitude

The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.

Standard 6. Commitment

The perseverance, diligence, and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.

Standard 7. Flexibility

Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.

Standard 8. Professionalism

Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport as relates to professional education and quality patient care.

Evaluation of Technical Standards

Students who, with reasonable accommodation(s), are found to not be able to meet the technical standards of the Athletic Training Program (ATR) must change their major.

Appeal

Students failing to meet the technical standards with all reasonable accommodation(s) may request an outside review of their ability to meet the technical standards by a Florida Licensed and BOC certified athletic trainer in good standing with the BOC in conjunction with a licensed Physiatrist specializing in disabilities. This review should be arranged through the ATP program director. If the review affirms the program’s position of failure to meet the technical standards, the student will immediately change his or her major. If the review affirms the student’s position, the student will be allowed to continue with the signed understanding that he or she in all probability will not be able to earn a passing performance in the clinical course sequence or the BOC Examination. Barry University policy allows a maximum of three attempts at any course. After the third failed attempt at any clinical coursework, the student at that time would be required to change his or her major.