Admission Standards and Requirements for Athletic Training Education Program

To obtain a degree in athletic training a student must apply for admission in the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) after completing the pre-requisite courses.  The ATEP is a (5) five semester educational program. The ATEP combines study in the liberal arts, life sciences, and behavioral sciences with the study of athletic training to offer the Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training Degree.  The purposes of the ATEP are to prepare practitioners of athletic training to meet the health care needs of the physically active, to provide a foundation in the study of athletic training sufficient to support graduate study should the athletic training student elect to continue his or her education beyond the baccalaureate level, and to prepare the professional athletic training student for the BOC examination. 

Admission to the ATEP is competitive; a limited number of slots are available.  Only those pre-professional ATS who have completed the admission requirements for the ATEP will be eligible for admission to the ATEP.  Completion of admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the ATEP.  Additional fees will be required for students in the Athletic Training Education Program as well as expenses related to travel.

Admission to the ATEP requires:

1.  Enrollment or acceptance into Delta State University.

2.  Minimum GPA of 2.5.

3.  Completion of all pre-requisite courses with a grade of “C” or better.

4.  Completion of the application packet:

     Admission Portfolio (bound in listed order)

·   Application for admission into the ATEP

·   Official College Transcript(s)

·   Resume

·   A one page typed essay stating as to why you want to be an athletic trainer and why you want to enter into the educational program at Delta State University.

·   Physical Examination

·   Evaluation of Delta State University’s Technical Standards for admission to the ATEP

·   Self-assessment that includes such items as leadership skills and work ethic.  This can include both positive and negative characteristics.  If it is a negative characteristic, describe a plan of action for addressing the deficit. 

·   Career Goals

·   50 hours minimum documented athletic training practical experience with a certified 
athletic trainer

·   Immunization Records

     Letters of recommendation (3).  Sources could include but are not limited to:

• Certified athletic trainer
• Academic Instructor/Professor
• Employer
• Physician
• NO family members

Return the admission packet consisting of the application, admission portfolio, and letters of recommendation must be by MARCH 15.

Send admission packet to the following address:

Timothy E. Colbert, MS, LAT
Delta State University
Director of the Athletic Training Education Program
Box B-2
Cleveland, MS 38733

5.  Compliance with the technical standards set forth for admission to the ATEP,technical standards can be accessed on the Athletic Training Education Program web site or directly from the Athletic Training Education Program Director.

6.  Membership to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.

7.  Proof of professional liability insurance.

8.  Proof of Hepatitis B vaccination or signed Hepatitis B vaccination waiver.

9.  Completed Delta State University ATEP physical examination form.

** Students transferring from Community/Junior Colleges or other Universities must meet all Pre-Athletic Training requirements prior to admission to the ATEP.  These requirements include: Completion of the ATEP pre-requisite courses or their Community/Junior College equivalent.  

** Notice **

Due to the structure of the Athletic Training Education Program space is limited and thus not all eligible applicants will be accepted.  Notification of acceptance will be in the form of a written letter.  

The admission process is based on a sliding scale.  Point values are assigned by the ATEP curriculum committee to the prospective athletic training student’s resume, essay, self assessment, career goals, documented hours with a certified athletic trainer, letters of recommendation, GPA on a 4.0 scale, and ACT/SAT score.

(The ATEP is currently in candidacy.)

Alternate Education Pathways for Athletic Training Majors
(Options for Athletic Training Majors if the program does not achieve accreditation)

1. Bachelor of Science in Health, Physical Education and Recreation - With the current course plan and progression in athletic training, students would be able to graduate with a BS in Health, Physical Education and Recreation by taking one one-hour class and performing a six-hour summer intership.

2. Alternate Route Teaching Certificate - Requires an undergraduate degree, passing scores on Praxis I and Praxis II, a three-week summer session at the Teach Mississippi Training Institute, and attendance of several seminars during the first year of teaching. This route is also recommended for athletic training students who have an interest in work at the high-school level.

3. Allied Health Professional School - The BS in athletic training plus required prerequisites will satisfy requirements for entry into Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, or Medical School.

4. Masters Program in Athletic Training - The BS in athletic training will satisfy requirements for entry into an accredited MS program in Athletic Training.

This page is maintained by Timothy E. Colbert