No longer accepting applications for undergraduate curriculum.
COURSE OUTLINE
The Athletic Training Program is a very dynamic and hands-on academic experience that is designed to include a wide scope of academic coursework and clinical education experiences. This hands-on approach provides students with a broad foundation of knowledge, which can lead to increased employment opportunities in clinical, education, hospital, and athletic settings and graduate school opportunities.
The University of Charleston is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) located at 6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3184. After extensive review during the 2017-2018 academic year, the Athletic Training Program has been awarded 10 years of CAATE Accreditation.
Admission to the Athletic Training Program is competitive. The cohort admitted each year is limited by the availability of clinical sites and preceptors. Applicants submit their application materials in their entirety to the AT Program by March 15th. Applications can be downloaded here. To be considered for admission the applicant must meet the following criteria:
Earn a minimum 2.75 overall GPA;
Achieve a minimum of a “C” or higher in all Athletic Training and Health and Natural Science required courses;
ATEP 100: Orientation to Athletic Training (recommended)
ATEP 113: Structural Kinesiology
ATEP 213: Prevention & Care of Injuries
ATEP 213L: Prevention & Care of Injuries Lab
BIOL 130: Biology for Majors
PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology
Complete a minimum of 40 observation hours with an Athletic Trainer obtained during the first two semesters;
Completion of the Application Packet:
Candidate Information Form
Letter of Application
Resume
Undergraduate transcripts
Clinical observation hours and service point forms
Self-evaluation
Two reference evaluations
Requirements for Progression and Graduation
Proof of current CPR/AED certification (either BLS for the Healthcare Provider or CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer)
Proof of current First Aid certification
Signed technical standards form
Immunization review and clearance for clinical practice
Photograph release form
Medical physical
Applicants submitting completed applications by March 15th and meeting the above criteria will be scheduled for an interview with the AT Program Interview Committee.
Applicants are evaluated on the completed application, letter of application, GPA, course grades, observation hours and clinical evaluations, reference evaluations, interview, and community and professional involvement.
The applicant will be notified of the admission status in writing using the home address by May 30th. Applicants are then responsible for following the procedures for completing a criminal background check. Students failing to submit such evidence will not be allowed to enroll in the practicum courses or participate in the clinical education experiences. In the event the applicant is not admitted to the AT Program, the applicant may re-apply the following year.
As part of the admissions process to the AT Program, an applicant must provide evidence of immunization for the conditions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for healthcare professions. As part of the application process, the applicant must have a healthcare provider complete the Immunization Review and Clearance for Clinical Practice and attach records showing serological proof of immunity for the following conditions:
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
Varicella
Hepatitis B
Immunization records are confidential information and will only be released to a clinical site for verification of compliance when requested by the clinical site. Note: Upon acceptance into the AT Program, an AT Student must provide evidence of an annual TB Skin Test and seasonal flu vaccine.
*Prices are based on local health department. Cost may vary depending on amount of medical insurance.
Liability Insurance (Automatically assigned to the student tuition when enrolled in any practicum course – ATEP 201, 202, 301, 302, 401, and 402; specific amount is determined by the group policy negotiated yearly by administration).
Students transferring into the Athletic Training Program or switching majors after the end of their Freshman year must go through the application and interview process. These individuals must contact the AT Program Director, as these applications are reviewed on a case by case basis.
Admission Status
The applicant will be notified of the admission status in writing using the home address by May 30th. Applicants are then responsible for following the procedures for completing a criminal background check. Students failing to submit such evidence will not be allowed to enroll in the practicum courses or participate in the clinical education experiences. In the event the applicant is not admitted to the AT Program, the applicant may re-apply the following year.
Program Requirements
Progression Requirements
Students are monitored for satisfactory progression at regular intervals for progression to graduation. To progress a student must:
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on all work completed at the University of Charleston;
Earn a minimum grade of “C” in all Athletic Training and Health & Natural Science required courses;
Complete a minimum of 330 clinical hours per year;
Show progress on earning service and continuing education points as outlined in the AT Student Handbook;
Pass the written, isolated skills, and oral/practical components of the Comprehensive Program Assessment each semester;
Maintain current CPR/AED certification;
Maintain documentation of yearly PPD (TB skin test) and seasonal flu vaccine; and
Follow all policies, procedures, and guidelines as stated in the current copy of the AT Student Handbook.
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for graduation a student must:
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on all work completed at the University of Charleston;
Complete a minimum of 125 academic credits;
Earn a minimum grade of “C” in all Athletic Training and Health & Natural Science required courses;
Complete 40 observation hours with an Athletic Trainer prior to acceptance into the AT Program;
Complete a minimum of 990 clinical hours, after admission to the program, that are directly supervised by preceptor;
Complete 75 service and continuing education points as outlined in the AT Student Handbook;
Pass the written, isolated skills, and oral/practical components of the senior comprehensive examination; and
Complete the program within five years (60 months) upon beginning the practicum courses.
Students must also complete a minimum of 990 clinical hours upon admission to the professional program under the supervision of a Preceptor.
The mission of the Athletic Training Program is to educate each student on the integration of knowledge, skills, foundational behaviors, and community involvement in the Athletic Training profession.
Outcome 3 : Demonstrate interprofessional collaborative practice in healthcare.
3.1 Identify roles and responsibilities of athletic trainers in a variety of experiences.
3.2 Interact with health care professionals other than athletic trainers while demonstrating appropriate professional behaviors.
3.3 Collaborate with health care professionals from multiple disciplines to provide appropriate patient care and develop appropriate interprofessional attitudes.
Outcome 4 : Demonstrate professional communication through verbal and written forms, including use of electronic formats.
4.1 Develop skills necessary for verbal and written communication in a professional environment.
4.2 Prepare and disseminate information through verbal, written and visual formats in a professional environment.
4.3 Synthesize and evaluate information and present to a professional audience in written, verbal and visual formats that is organized, accurate and coherent.
Outcome 5 : Model foundational behaviors and attitudes that reflect the expectations of the profession and the community.
5.1 Identify foundational behaviors and attitudes of the athletic training profession and community.
5.2 Demonstrate an understanding of foundational behaviors and attitudes in the athletic training profession and community.
5.3 Evaluate methods of modeling foundational behaviors and attitudes over time.
BOC Exam Pass Rates
2016-2017
2017-2018
2018-2019
3 Year Aggregate
Number of students graduating from the program
5
9
6
20
Number of students graduating from the program who took the exam
5
9
5
19
Number of students who passed the exam on the first attempt
5
8
2
15
Percentage of students who passed the examination regardless of the number of attempts
100%
89%
40%
79%
Number of students who passed the examination regardless of the number of attempts
5
8
2
15
Overall percentage of students who passed the examination regardless of the number of attempts
100%
89%
40%
79%
Program Retention Rate
2016-2017
2017-2018
2018-2019
3 Year Aggregate
Number of students beginning program
8
10
n/a
18
Number of students returning for subsequent year 2.
5
9
n/a
14
Program retention rate (%)
62.5%
90%
n/a
78%
Number of students returning for subsequent year 3.
5
9
3
17
Program retention rate (%)
100%
100%
100%
100%
Graduate Employment Rate
Number of graduates employed within 6-months of graduation regardless of type of employment
3
4
4
11
Number of graduates not employed, due to enrollment in a degree or residency program
1
1
3
5
Graduate placement rate after graduation -employment or placement in another degree or residency program (%)
100%
100%
77.8%
92.6%
ATHLETIC TRAINING
Bachelor of Science
FACILITIES
Athletic Training Classroom
Assessment Lab
Carl Calvert Sports Medicine Clinic
ATHLETIC TRAINING POLICIES
Comprehensive Examination
Students must successfully pass a written simulation and an oral/practical comprehensive examination in the final semester of the year of expected graduation in order to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. The minimum passing rate is 75% on each section of the examination. Each student may repeat a section of the comprehensive examination only two times.
Policies for Laboratory & Clinical Education Experiences
The AT program utilizes the learning over time model throughout the program. In this program a student will enroll in a didactic course to learn the cognitive competencies and psychomotor skills of a selected topic. The following semester the same student will enroll in a practice
course to review psychomotor skills and develop clinical proficiency and put into use evidence based practice.
Students are required to have the following clinical education experiences: lower extremity, upper extremity, equipment intensive, general medical, off-campus clinic, and exposure to a variety of male and female patients and athletes. Additional policies are contained within the AT Student Handbook.
Transportation
Students are expected to assume responsibility for transportation to the various clinical assignments that are off campus. Additional policies on clinical experiences are located in the AT Student Handbook.
Uniforms
Students are required to follow the uniform policy during all clinical education experiences as outlined in the AT Student Handbook, including a photo identification badge, a watch with a second hand, and designated shirt and pants.
Students are responsible for all required fees associated with this program. These required fees include, but are not limited to:
Background Certification to be completed by August 1st of the sophomore year for those formally admitted to the program
Laboratory Fee (Due at registration for ATEP 100, 213L, 201, 202, 301, 302, 401, and 475; specific amount is posted in the course schedule each semester)
Liability Insurance (Automatically assigned to the student tuition when enrolled in any practicum course – ATEP 201, 202, 301, 302, 401, and 402; specific amount is determined by the group policy negotiated yearly by administration)
Medical Kit fees of ~$100.00 is due by August 1st of the sophomore year for those formally admitted to the program
Photo ID ($5.00)
Clinical Rotation Attire – designated polos and khaki pants and shorts (see AT Student Handbook for dress code requirements)
Insurance
For the protection of the Athletic Training student, those students enrolled in any of the practicum courses will be required to carry medical malpractice insurance. The insurance is provided through a group policy written for the University of Charleston. The University will collect the insurance premium at the time of registration with tuition and other fees.
Transfer Students
Students transferring into the Athletic Training Program or switching majors after the end of their freshman year must go through the application and interview process. These individuals must contact the AT Program Director, as these applications are reviewed on a case by case basis.
Background Certification
Each athletic training student is required to follow the procedures for completing a criminal background check as indicated in the AT Student Handbook. Students failing to submit such evidence cannot be allowed to enroll in the practicum courses or participate in the clinical education experiences.
Students have the opportunity to gain clinical experience with athletic trainers, physicians, surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors, in numerous locations including schools, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and performance enhancement centers.
Graduates are Ready for the Real World
100% first time pass rate on BOC exam to become certified athletic trainers for the past 3 years
100% acceptance for those seeking a graduate program or employment placement
Graduates have been employed by a variety of health care providers, along with professional athletics, high schools, and colleges
Many UC graduates continue into graduate programs for post-professional athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise science, cardiac rehabilitation, exercise physiology, physician assistant, and medical school
AT Program sponsors the Beta Mu chapter of Iota Tau Alpha National Honor Society for Athletic Training
The Sports Medicine Club is a UC student organization that allows AT students to be peer leaders, participate in community service events, and raise funds to attend local and national meetings
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs – MS, Sports Medicine – 2007
University of Northern Colorado – BS, Sports in Exercise Science – 2005
Jody (Miller) Mashinter joined the University of Charleston in the fall 2014 as an Instructor and Athletic Trainer. She provides athletic training medical services primarily with the men’s soccer team and is an instructor for clinical and didactic courses within the Athletic Training Program. This summer, Jody completed the certification as a Corrective Exercise Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Jody received a B.S. in Sports in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Athletic Training from the University of Northern Colorado in 2005. Following Northern Colorado, Jody attended the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs where she earned a Masters of Science in Sports Medicine. While at UCCS Jody was a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer overseeing injury prevention and management for men’s and women’s cross country, men’s soccer, and men’s basketball teams. Prior to arriving at the University of Charleston, Jody held various positions as Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. In 2007, Jody started as the Assistant Athletic Trainer and was promoted to Head Athletic Trainer in 2009. Finally, in 2013 Jody transitioned to more of a faculty role where she served as the Clinical Education Coordinator, Athletic Training Instructor, and Associate Head Athletic Trainer. At such a small liberal arts institution, Jody had the opportunity to work with 21 NAIA athletic teams, but was primarily responsible for football. Jody also gained experience with men’s basketball, men’s soccer, softball and baseball. Major accomplishments at Bethany included creation and implementation of institutional drug testing and baseline neurocognitive exams.
Rebekah Warrington, ATC, PES
Coordinator of Clinical Education, Athletic Trainer, Instructor
Rebekah joined the faculty at the University of Charleston in January 2019. In her current role, she will be teaching courses in the Athletic Training and Movement Science programs as well as providing athletic training services for the women’s softball team and being a preceptor for the UC athletic training students. Rebekah is also currently finishing her graduate degree at Marshall University and will graduate in May 2019.
While at Marshall University, Rebekah served in the role of graduate assistant where she taught various courses and labs at the undergraduate level, acted as a preceptor for athletic training students, and assisted with accreditation requirements. Additionally, Rebekah’s graduate assistant position provided her with the opportunity to work clinically as the athletic trainer at St. Albans High School for two years before transitioning into clinical practice at the collegiate level.
While Rebekah is a new faculty member at UC, she is not a new face on campus. Rebekah graduated Magna Cum Maude from the University of Charleston in 2017 with a degree in Athletic Training. She spent 3 years completing the required coursework and graduated on an accelerated educational path. While attending UC Rebekah was a member of the women’s soccer team. Her love for soccer is what lead her to become an athletic trainer. After completing her bachelors’ degree Rebekah immediately started her coursework towards masters’ and worked at Teays Valley Physical Therapy Clinic for both rehabilitation and performance enhancement.
Michael Nyquist MA, ATC
Coordinator of Clinical Services
East Tennessee State University – MA, Physical Education- Sports Management – 2006
Lees-McRae College – BS, Biology-Sports Medicine – 2003
Michael joined the University of Charleston Athletic Training staff in March of 2012 as the Coordinator of Clinical services, Head Athletic Trainer, and Instructor. He received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Sports Medicine concentration from Lees-McRae College and a Master of Arts in Physical Education-Sport Management from East Tennessee State University.
Prior to arriving at the University of Charleston, Michael served as an Assistant Athletic Trainer and Head Athletic Trainer at Lees-McRae College.
Marshall University – BS, Athletic Training – 2010
Marshall University – MS, Exercise Science – 2008
Chukyo University (Toyota, Japan) – BS, Health and Sports Science – 2006
Kenji Ueda is very excited to enter his first year as the Athletic Trainer& Instructor in the Department of Athletic Training at University of Charleston. Kenji will be providing athletic training services to UC Women’s Lacrosse, JV Men’s Soccer, Women’s Tennis, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, and Rowing. Kenji is also an instructor in the Health Promotion major in the School of Health Sciences.
Ueda has been a certified athletic trainer since 2011. He began his career in athletic training at his Alma Mata, Marshall University, as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for Women’s Softball. Soon after, Ueda served as the Head Athletic Trainer at Mountain State University, being charged with the health and well-being of all MSU student athletes until 2012. In 2013 Ueda became a per diem Athletic Trainer at University of Charleston and assisted in providing athletic training services to UC Volleyball and others. Ueda also has athletic training experience working with West Virginia Lightning (semiprofessional football) and Elite Sports Training (performance enhancement gym).
He currently lives in South Charleston, WV with his wife, Jessica Ueda.
Kent State University-MA, Exercise, Leisure, and Sport with Concentration in Athletic Training – 2011
Mount Union College-BS, Athletic Training, Minor- Exercise Science and Health – 2009
Rachel Cummings joined the Department of Athletic Training at the University of Charleston as an assistant athletic trainer in August 2015. Her primary roles involve providing athletic training services for the Golden Eagle Women’s Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, and Men’s Volleyball programs while providing secondary coverage of Men’s Tennis and Women’s Track and Field. Rachel is also an instructor in the Athletic Training Program.
Rachel was employed previously at Portage Physical Therapy as the Head Athletic Trainer at Streetsboro high school for 2 years prior to coming to UC. She was also an adjunct faculty member in the Athletic Training Program at Kent State University for 3 years. In addition, Rachel also provided athletic training coverage for the Ohio Legends Semi-Professional Football team.
Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training with minors in Exercise Science and Health from Mount Union College in Ohio where, as an Athletic Training Student, she assisted in athletic training coverage for Women’s Soccer, Wrestling, Track and Field, Women’s Basketball, Tennis, and Football. Rachel was also an Athletic Training Student for the 2008 Mount Union College Football team that won the Division III National Championship.
Following MUC, Rachel received her Master of Art in Exercise, Leisure, and Sport with a concentration in Athletic Training from Kent State University in Ohio. While at KSU, she worked as a Teaching Assistant in the Athletic Training Program where she primarily taught freshman and sophomore courses.
Rachel is a member of the NATA, WVATA, and OATA where she is on the Young Professionals Committee as well as the Social Media Committee.
North Carolina State University – MR, Parks, Recreation, Tourism, & Sport Management – 2017
Barton College – BS, Athletic Training – 2014
Kasey Byzewski, originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, obtained her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Barton College in Wilson, North Carolina. She then went on to perform a 6-month certified internship at North Carolina State University providing athletic training services for the men’s soccer team. Following her internship, Kasey became an athletic training graduate assistant at NC State and provided athletic training services for both the men’s soccer team and the women’s tennis team while working on her Masters in Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management.
At UC, Kasey will provide athletic training coverage for football and men’s volleyball as well as serve as an instructor in the Athletic Training Program.