Eastern Illinois University Athletic Training Education Program 

Mission  |  Goals  |  Admission  |  Retention  |  Course Work  |  Future Students

VISION

Eastern Illinois University's Undergraduate Athletic Training Education Program is dedicated in providing a strong foundation of education and clinical experiences for athletic training students in preparation for a career in Athletic Training. Our athletic training students will be prepared for the challenges of caring for the physically active in a comprehensive program of recognized excellence.


MISSION

The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) at Eastern Illinois University has been developed to provide the option of concentrated study and clinical educational experiences. The athletic training students will qualify to sit for the National Athletic Trainer's Board of Certification exam. Through modern athletic training techniques, principles, and tools of the profession, student education enhancement is coupled with allied health care profession experiences. The program is structured to provide opportunities to develop specified competencies in six domains that are defined by the National Athletic Trainer's Association role delineation study. The program promotes high standards of practice and quality care, emphasizes the importance of ethical reasoning abilities, develops sound decision-making skills, and exemplifies leadership roles.

Program Goals and Objectives

1.) Model and promote professional and ethical conduct as outlined by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Code of Ethics
2.) Provide students with opportunities to develop, refine, and maintain knowledge and skills through classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences.
3.) Provide learning experiences and activities that require students to develop effective written and oral communications skills as members of the professional allied health care team.
4.) Design learning activities that require students to use problem solving and critical thinking.
5.) Facilitate students' competency in the use of technology within the athletic training profession.
6.) Provide role models who demonstrate excellent practice in a variety of settings (i.e., classroom, laboratory, on-campus and affiliated clinical settings.
7.) Promote the professional development through participation in educational conferences, meetings and workshops.
8.) Prepare students to pass the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification examination.
9.) Assist students with career planning and placement (i.e., employment or graduate school)
10.) Prepare effective entry-level athletic trainers for employment in educational, clinical, and professional settings. 


 ADMISSION

Admission to the Athletic Training Education Program is selective and competitive. Applications are due by December for admission. The following spring, one class is admitted each year. Applications may be obtained by calling or writing the Director of the Athletic Training Education Program: Lee Ann Price, ABD, ATC, 2220 Lantz, Athletic Training Education Program, Charleston , IL , 61920 , (217) 581-7615, lprice@eiu.edu .

Students must meet the following minimum prerequisites for admission to the ATEP:

1. Minimum Professional GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
2. Minimum Cumulative GPA of a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale;
3. Completion of PED 2130, 2135, 2136 with an A or B, as well as the following course requirements:
   a. Successful completion of a performance assessment of two basic injury
       evaluations;
   b. Completion of 100-150 hours of clinical observation under a Licensed EIU certified
       Athletic Trainer;
   c. Completion of the Basic Athletic Training Skill Requirements.
4. Completion of the ATEP application;
5. Submission official transcripts of all college course work completed to date.
6. Must be enrolled as a Physical Education Major.

*In the event that there are too many applicants a point system will be utilized to ensure that all applicants receive a fair opportunity to be accepted into the ATEP.

Technical Standards (Abilities and Skills) for Admission to and Progression within the Undergraduate Athletic Training Education Program

The Athletic Training Education Program at the Eastern Illinois University is rigorous and intense, and places specific requirements and demands on the students. 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 Athletic Training Education Program establishes 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 All students admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program must meet the following abilities and expectations. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program.

Compliance with the program's technical standards does not guarantee a student's eligibility for the NATABOC certification exam.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program must demonstrate:

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, safely, 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. The flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
8. The affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program will be required to verify that they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.

The Office of Disability Support Services will evaluate a student who states s/he could meet the program's technical standards with accommodation and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws.

If a student states s/he can meet the technical standards with accommodation, then the University will determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation; this includes a review of whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account whether the accommodation will jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical experiences and internships deemed essential to graduation.

Eastern Illinois University adheres to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need an accommodation under this Act due to a disability, contact the Office of Disability Support Services.

Upon acceptance into the athletic training education program, students must present to the Program Director:

• The verification of three hepatitis B vaccinations or fill out a hepatitis vaccination declination form
• Documentation of a physical examination performed by a physician;
• Documentation of American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR certification valid through the school year;
• Documentation of current health/hospitalization insurance.

Failure to present this documentation by the specified deadline to the Program Director will result in administrative withdrawal from the program.

Retention

To remain in good standing in the program, students must:

• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale;
• Maintain a professional grade point average (all required ATEP coursework as per University catalog) of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale;
• Earn a grade of C or better in PED 2136, 3140, 3141, 3142, 3143, 3144;
• Earn a passing score on a developmental portfolio;

• A student failing to meet the minimum grade requirements in athletic training course work will not be allowed to continue into more advanced athletic training courses until the minimum grade requirement is met.

Courses

Physical Education with Athletic Training Option

The program provides students interested in the prevention, care, and evaluation of athletic injuries the necessary course work and clinical experience to qualify to sit for the examination leading to certification by the National Athletic Training Association Board of Certification.

Guidelines restrict the number of students who may participate in the AT Program. This number is in direct proportion to the number of “certified” clinical supervisors employed by EIU. Due to this imposed limitation, students are advised that their acceptance into this program is not an assumed right. Students must complete PED 2130, 2135, and 2136 (beginning second semester Freshman year) in order to be considered for acceptance into the Athletic Training Program. All students must meet specific program selection criteria.

General requirements plus:

Biological Sciences 1001G, 2001G [Gen Ed (4)]………..……….3 sem.hrs.
Health Studies 2000………………………………..……………….3 sem.hrs.
Family and Consumer Sciences 2100, 4755……………..………6 sem.hrs.
Physical Education Service Course
(include PED 1600)……………………………………………….…1 sem.hrs.
Physical Education 1500, 2130, 2135, 2136
2440, 2850, 3140, 3141, 3142, 3143, 3144, 3180
3800, 3900, 4275 (3 hrs.), 4340, 4440, 4450
4470, 4741 (3 hrs.), 4900 (2 special topics approved
by advisor)………………………………………………………....62 sem.hrs.
Psychology 1879G [Gen Ed (3)]…………………………………..0 sem.hrs.
Biological Sciences 2200………………………………………….4 sem.hrs.
TOTAL…………………………………………………………......79 sem.hrs.

**Students must receive a “C” or better in all Physical Education courses.
(Athletic Training Professional GPA based on Physical Education, Health Studies, Biological Sciences, and Psychology courses in this option taken at EIU). 
Bachelor of Science in Physical Education Option

Athletic Training Course Sequence
Department of Physical Education
Sample four-year sequence

Pre-requisites for PED 2136: PED 2130 and PED 2135

*Courses in bold are Athletic Training Courses

Athletic Training Course Prerequisites and Descriptions

PED 2135 Basic Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries (Spring)
Primary causes of injuries; analysis of preventive measures; care of injuries in relation to the type of tissue involved.

PED 2130 Athletic Training Practicum (Spring)
Pre-requisite: must be enrolled in PED 2135
Practical experience in athletic training skills.

PED 2136 Athletic Training as a Profession (Fall )
Pre-requisites: PED 2130, 2135, or permission of instructor for Junior College transfer students with a minimum of 60 hours.
Introduction to basic Athletic Training skills and procedures. 

PED 3140 Injury Recognition – Upper Extremity (Spring)

PED 3800 Biomechanics (Spring)
See course catalog.

PED 3141 Therapeutic Exercise (Fall)
Pre-requisites: PED 2130, PED 2135, PED 2136
A study of indications, contraindications, physiological effects, resistance methods, and prescription relating therapeutic and injury preventative exercise.

PED 3142 Injury Recognition – Lower Extremity (Spring)
Pre-requisites: PED 2130, PED 2135, PED 2136
A study of the relationship of the lower extremity to various injuries, assessment procedures and immediate care of those injuries.

PED 3141 Therapeutic Modalities (Fall)
Pre-requisites: PED 2130, PED 2135, PED 2136
A study of physical principles, physiological effects, indications, contraindications, and standard operating procedures of all therapeutic modalities commonly used in Athletic Training.

PED 3144 Seminar in Sports Medicine (Fall)
Pre-requisites: PED 2130, PED 2135, PED 2136
A seminar approach to Sports Medicine as it pertains to Athletic Training, including but not limited to administration, legal implications, confidentiality, budget processes, insurance, facility planning and maintenance and contemporary issues and trends currently facing the profession.

PED 3180 General Medical Conditions in Athletes
See course catalog.

PED 4275 Clinical Internship
See course catalog.

PED 4470 Measurement and Evaluation (Fall)
See course catalog.

PED 4741 Hospital Internship
See course catalog.

PED 4900 Pharmacology, Sports Psychology
See course catalog. 



FUTURE STUDENT INFORMATION

What is Athletic Training?

Certified Athletic trainers provide care under the direction of a physician in a variety of settings to physically active individuals with muscle-skeletal injuries. Certified Athletic Trainers exhibit a mastery of skills and knowledge within 6 domains.

What are the (6) Athletic Training Domains?

• Prevention of Athletic Injuries
• Recognition, Evaluation, Assessment
• Immediate Care
• Treatment, Rehabilitation, Reconditioning
• Organization and Administration
• Professional Development and Responsibility

 

What coursework will I be required to take?

As with any health care profession, EIU athletic training students are expected to excel in the classroom. Eastern's Accredited Athletic Training Education Program requires instruction in:

• Athletic Training Practicum
• Basic Care and Prevention of Injuries
• Athletic Training as a Profession
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Therapeutic Modalities
• Lower Extremity Injury Recognition
• Upper Extremity Injury Recognition
• Seminar in Sports Medicine
• Fitness for Life
• Biomechanics
• Sports Psychology
• Nutrition for Physical Performance
• Exercise Physiology
• Kinesiology
• Human Physiology
• Human Anatomy
• Pharmacology
• General Medical
• Human Health
• Physical Fitness Appraisal
• Exercise Program Design
• Measurement and Evaluation

How can I become admitted into Eastern's ATEP?

• Professional GPA (3.0 minimum)
• Cumulative GPA (2.75 minimum)
• Enrollment as a Physical Education Major
• Completion of Basic Athletic Training Skill Requirements
• Minimum of 100 observation hours under a Licensed EIU Certified Athletic Trainer

What are the student costs involved?

• There are no mandatory costs associated with the Athletic Training Education Program, however, students may choose to purchase scissors, kits, clothing, etc.

How do I find more out about the ATEP at Eastern Illinois University?

You can call:
Lee Ann Price ATEP Director
(217) 581-7615
Email: lprice@eiu.edu