Bachelor of Science, Major in Athletic Training

This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit catalog.shsu.edu.

The undergraduate Athletic Training Program at Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  The program is currently applying to the CAATE for a change in level of degree. Sam Houston State University is no longer accepting students into the undergraduate athletic training program. The last undergraduate cohort is expected to graduate in May 2021.

Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions (National Athletic Training Association)

Admission Requirements

The Athletic Training Program maintains a competitive admission process. The number of students admitted to the program will depend on the number of placements available (typically 10-15 students annually). The application deadline is in mid-April annually and is posted on the Athletic Training Program website.

All application materials must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m.on the application deadline to be considered for admission. There will be one cohort of students admitted to the program annually starting each fall semester only. Students must meet the following requirements for consideration of admission to the SHSU Athletic Training Program:

1. Complete a minimum of 53 credit hour Pre-professional Curriculum. The 53 credit hour Pre-Professional Athletic Training Curriculum is made up of 42 credit hours of core requirements as well as specific program prerequisites which include: BIOL 2403,  and BIOL 2404CHEM 1411  or CHEM 1406PSYC 1301, MATH 33792, KINE 2115, ATTR 2300, and ATTR 2110. Students presently enrolled in the final hours of the Pre-Professional Curriculum at the time of application, may be considered for conditional admission (see below).

Course Requirements
ATTR 2300Intro to Athletic Training3
ATTR 2110Taping and Bandaging1
BIOL 2403Human Anatomy & Physiology I 14
or BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy
BIOL 2404Human Anatomy & Physiology II 14
or BIOL 2402 Human Physiology
CHEM 1411General Chemistry I4
or CHEM 1406 Inorganic & Envir Chemistry
KINE 2115Lifetime Health and Wellness1
MATH 3379Statistical Mthods in Practice 23
PSYC 1301Introduction To Psychology3

2. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.75 may be considered for conditional admission (see below).

3. Earn a grade of ‘B’ or better in KINE 2115, ATTR 2300, and ATTR 2110. No grade less than a ‘C’ the remaining Pre-Professional Athletic Training Curriculum will be accepted. Students may be considered for conditional admission if no more than one grade falls below the requirement (see below).

4. Submit proof of current CPR/AED for Health Care Professionals (see list of approved certifications per BOC) certification.

5. Submit proof of immunizations using the program's immunization review form.  This form must be signed by a physician (MD, DO, NP, and PA are acceptable).

6. Complete a professional interview with the selection committee.

7. Complete the on-line SHSU Athletic Training Program Application no later than 5:00pm (Central Standard Time) on the last day of the application period.

Conditional Admissions

The Athletic Training Program has a competitive admission process, and the number of students will depend on the number of placements available (typically 10-15 students annually). There may be situations when the selection committee considers conditional admissions. Conditional admission to the Athletic Training Program may be considered in one or more of the following circumstances:

1. Applicant has a cumulative GPA greater than 2.5.

2. Applicant has no more than one grade in the Pre-Professional Athletic Training curriculum below the grade of C, or below a B in KINE 2115, ATTR 2300, and ATTR 2110

3. Applicant is within four credit hours of completing the Pre-Professional Athletic Training curriculum.

Students selected for conditional admission into the Athletic Training Program have only one semester to meet the full admission requirements of the program (see Admission Requirements above), or, in the case of GPA, show improvement in overall GPA. Students conditionally admitted that do not meet the conditions set forth by the Athletic Training Program and Selection Committee will be suspended from the program. Students suspended from the program must wait one year before applying for re-admission to the program.

Admission and Notification of Admission

The Athletic Training Program Selection Committee, made up of faculty and staff members, licensed health care professionals, and those who serve as clinical preceptors for the program, selects and admitted students. The number of students accepted each application period is determined by the number of faculty and clinical preceptors available for adequate advisement, mentorship, supervision, and learning. Admission requirements including GPA, grades in courses included in the Pre-Professional Curriculum, and Interview Scores are used to determine selection and admission to the program.  Additionally, Pre-professional student evaluations and all behavioral incident reports from pre-professional clinical experiences in ATTR 2300 will be taken into consideration for program admission decisions.

Once the selection committee has selected the candidates for admission to the program, the Athletic Training Program will send each applicant an acceptance letter (approximately June 1). Applicants accepting the invitation to enter the program must return an acceptance form. If the applicant chooses not to enter the program, the selection committee shall have a list of alternates in order of rank to offer program admission.

Retention Criteria

Students admitted to the Athletic Training Program must meet the following criteria to remain in the program in good standing:

1. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.60 or higher.

2. The student must complete all Clinical Experience courses and Internship courses with a grade of “B” or better.

3. The student must earn a "C" or better on all courses within the block of Athletic Training major courses on their degree plan.

If a student does not meet one or more of the above listed retention criterion, the student will be placed on a probationary period with the Athletic Training Program. A student on probation with the program may be restricted from enrolling in subsequent clinical experience courses. This can delay the student’s progression through the program and can delay the program completion date for that student. If the student does not complete or correct the unsatisfactory work by the end of the probationary period, the student will be suspended from the program. Students suspended from the program must correct unsatisfactory coursework and wait one year before returning to the program.

Student Grievances

Students who have questions or concerns regarding admission decisions are encouraged to meet with the Athletic Training Program Director and/or the Chair of the Department of Kinesiology. If the Program Director and/or Chair of the Department of Kinesiology cannot address the students concern, eligible matters may be the subject of a student’s formal academic grievance.

All formal academic grievances must follow guidelines established in the SHSU Academic Policy Statement 900823. Matters related to withdrawal or suspension of privileges related to degree-required clinical rotation, internship, or other clinical service delivery in professional degree programs may be addressed by the College of Health Sciences Professional Concerns Committee Policy. 

Transfer Students

The program length of two-years and the program course sequence is designed to meet the needs of a transfer student. Transfer students must meet all admission requirements or conditional admission requirements to be considered for admission to the program. Students transferring from another institution of higher learning, have earned dual credit or other transferable credits, must follow the Pre-Professional Athletic Training Curriculum guide and meet with a Faculty Advisor in Athletic Training to determine readiness to apply to the Athletic Training Program.

For any pre-professional prerequisite courses or athletic training major courses taken at another institution, a course description and syllabus must be submitted to the Athletic Training Program Director to determine transferability of those course credits into the student’s degree plan. The Athletic Training Program Director will review the course description and syllabus to determine course equivalency based on course objectives and content alignment with the current Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) competencies.

Clinical Experience and Internship Requirements

The Athletic Training Program collects information for students which is required by clinical experience sites and internship sites including background checks, drug screenings, proof of immunizations, and HIPAA training. All applicants are required to cooperate with SHSU instructions for collection of these required verifications and trainings and agree that the University may share the information with any potential clinical/internship site.

Criminal background checks and drug screening will be completed upon admission to the program but prior to the fall semester for those who have been selected for admission to the program.  Criminal history and drug screening can impact clinical placement and future employability. The cost of background checks and drug screenings is paid by the student.

Additionally, HIPAA training is required for all students in the Athletic Training Program. The cost of the training must be paid by the student.

Individual clinical and internship sites may have further requirements. The cost of any additional site requirements is the responsibility of the individual student. SHSU does not control the requirements of specific clinical site rotations or internship sites.

Cost of Program and Fees

The cost of tuition and fees at Sam Houston State University can be found on the Admissions web page. Additional cost of the program may include:

1. Costs associated with background checks, drug screenings, and HIPAA Training.

2. Fees for on-line courses.

3. Required access to the ATrack on-line database where each individual student uploads documents, logs hours, and tracks progress on learned competencies across the program. ATrack is a free service to student-members of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). Student non-members must  pay a fee for use of the ATrack system on an annual basis as long as the student is in the program.

4. Cost of clothing that complies with the dress code/policy at individual clinical and internship sites. Most commonly this includes khaki slacks and/or shorts, polo shirt, and athletic footwear with a closed toe. At some clinical and internship sites, students may be required to dress business formal which may include a dress shirt or blouse, tie, suit or jacket, and dress shoes.

5. Personal transportation to all clinical and internship sites. Students have input on their assignment to these locations.

6. If required by the clinical and/or internship site, additional immunizations, background checks, or drug screening. Students will have input on their assignment to these locations.

7. Additional costs associated with obtaining a passport and travel expenses for students who choose to study abroad.

Bachelor of Science - Major in Athletic Training

Bachelor of Science - Major in Athletic Training
Core Curriculum
Component Area I (Communication)6
Component Area II (Mathematics)3
Component Area III (Life and Physical Science)8
Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture)3
Component Area V (Creative Arts)3
Component Area VI (U.S. History)6
Component Area VII (Political Science/Government)6
Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences)3
Component Area IX (Component Area Option)4
Degree Specific Requirements
BIOL 2403Human Anatomy & Physiology I 14
or BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy
BIOL 2404Human Anatomy & Physiology II4
or BIOL 2402 Human Physiology
CHEM 1411General Chemistry I 14
or CHEM 1406 Inorganic & Envir Chemistry
PSYC 1301Introduction To Psychology 23
College Level Math 33
MATH 3379Statistical Mthods in Practice3
or STAT 3379 Statistical Methds in Practice
Athletic Training Major 4
ATTR 2300Intro to Athletic Training3
ATTR 2110Taping and Bandaging1
ATTR 3300Admin of Athletic Training3
ATTR 3370Prevention & Care of Injuries3
ATTR 3383Head & Face Injuries in Sport3
ATTR 3369Therapeutic Interventions I3
ATTR 4300Care of the Lower Extremity3
ATTR 4310Care of the Upper Extremity3
ATTR 4369Therapeutic Interventions II3
ATTR 4375Gen Med Conditions in Sport3
FACS 2362Nutrition3
HLTH 2383Multicultural Health Issues3
HLTH 3360Epidemiology3
KINE 2114Wgt Train & Phy Conditioning1
KINE 2115Lifetime Health and Wellness 51
KINE 3362Functional Kinesiology3
KINE 3373Physiology Of Exercise3
KINE 4335Sport and Exercise Psychology3
KINE 4373Adv Tpcs In Physlgy Of Exercis3
KINE 4377Prin Exer Testing/Prescription3
Experiential Learning Courses
Complete the following in sequence: 6
ATTR 3291Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training l2
ATTR 3292Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training ll2
KINE 4394Internship (Taken for two semesters.)3
KINE 4394Internship3
ATTR 4291Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training lll2
ATTR 4292Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training lV2
The following lab classes are taking concurrently with noted lecture class
ATTR 3169Therapeutic Interv I Lab (taken with ATTR 3369)1
ATTR 3170Prevention and Care of Injuries LAB (taken with ATTR 3370)1
ATTR 4100Lower-Extremity Injuries Lab (taken with ATTR 4300)1
ATTR 4110Upper-Extremity Injuries Lab (taken with ATTR 4310)1
ATTR 4169Therapeutic Interventions ll Lab (taken with ATTR 4369)1
ATTR 4175Gen Med Conditions Lab (taken with ATTR 4375)1
Total Hours122

Notes

Degree must have 120 hours with at least 42 advanced hours (3000 and 4000) taken at a four year institution.

Consult current University catalog for questions concerning transfer courses and residency requirements.

All Athletic Training majors must earn a "C" or better in all major requirement courses.

Students must either take BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402 as an 8 hour sequence, or they can take BIOL 2403 and BIOL 2404 as an 8 hour sequence.

BIOL 2402 requires a prerequisite of BIOL 2401 and CHEM 1406 or CHEM 1411, must earn a "C" or better.

BIOL 2404 requires a prerequisite of BIOL 2403 must earn a "C" or better.

MATH 3379 requires 3 hours of college Math.

ATTR courses must be taken in prescribed order and sequence with associated lab and clinical courses within the BS in Athletic Training Program.

ATTR 2300 requires department approval. 

KINE 4377 requires a prerequisite of KINE 3362 and KINE 3373.

BIOL 2401 or BIOL 2403 is a prerequisite for KINE 3362 and FACS 2362.

All course prerequisites can be located within the course descriptions.

 The undergraduate Athletic Training Program at Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  The program is currently applying to the CAATE for a change in level of degree. Sam Houston State University is no longer accepting students into the undergraduate athletic training program. The last undergraduate cohort is expected to graduate in May 2021.

First Year
FallHoursSpringHoursSummerHours
Component Area II (Mathematics)3Component Area V (Creative Arts)3Component Area IX3
BIOL 2403 or 240114CHEM 1411 or 140614POLS 230543
ENGL 130123ENGL 130223 
HIST 130133HIST 130233 
 13 13 6
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHoursSummerHours
Component Area IV3ATTR 23003KINE 33623
BIOL 2404 or 240214ATTR 21101 
KINE 21141FACS 23623 
POLS 230643HLTH 23833 
PSYC 13013KINE 21151 
 STAT 3379 or MATH 33793 
 14 14 3
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHoursSummerHours
ATTR 31701ATTR 31691KINE 439453
ATTR 32912ATTR 32922KINE 439453
ATTR 33703ATTR 33693 
ATTR 33833ATTR 41001 
KINE 33733ATTR 43003 
KINE 43353HLTH 33603 
 15 13 6
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours 
ATTR 41101ATTR 33003 
ATTR 41691ATTR 41751 
ATTR 42912ATTR 42922 
ATTR 43103ATTR 43753 
ATTR 43693KINE 43773 
KINE 43733  
 13 12 
Total Hours: 122

Notes

Degree must have 120 hours with at least 42 advanced hours (3000 and 4000) taken at a four year institution.

Consult current University catalog for questions concerning transfer courses and residency requirements.

All Athletic Training majors must earn a "C" or better in all major requirement courses.

Students must either take BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402 as an 8 hour sequence, or they can take BIOL 2403 and BIOL 2404 as an 8 hour sequence.

BIOL 2402 requires a prerequisite of BIOL 2401 and CHEM 1406 or CHEM 1411, must earn a "C" or better.

BIOL 2404 requires a prerequisite of BIOL 2403 must earn a "C" or better.

MATH 3379 requires 3 hours of college Math.

ATTR courses must be taken in prescribed order and sequence with associated lab and clinical courses within the BS in Athletic Training Program.

ATTR 2300 requires department approval. 

KINE 4377 requires a prerequisite of KINE 3362 and KINE 3373.

BIOL 2401 or BIOL 2403 is a prerequisite for KINE 3362 and FACS 2362.

All course prerequisites can be located within the course descriptions.