Gardner-Webb University :: Athletic Training

Athletic Training Educational Program
Welcome to the Gardner-Webb University Athletic Training Educational Program; a CAATE (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education) accredited program. We are excited about your interest in the University and our Program. The educational experience has two major parts; Classroom Education and Clinical Education . The combination of classroom learning and practice in the clinical environment fosters application of knowledge. Athletic training students going through this process will learn not just how to look at a problem, but how to solve the problem.

For more information about CAATE please go to the following link:
http://www.caate.net

The Gardner-Webb University Athletic Training Educational Program has been blessed to receive additional funding and support from the Fullerton Foundation. During the summer of 2004, Gardner – Webb University received an additional educational grant of $200,000 from the Fullerton Foundation to purchase educational supplies, materials and equipment. This follows the $98,883 grant that the Athletic Training Educational Program received in 1998 from the same foundation. A large portion of the funds received in 1998 were spent on classroom renovations. The Athletic Training Educational Program now has a fully integrated multi-media classroom/lab. With these additions our Athletic Training Educational Program will afford the athletic training student the ability to learn with the most current software and technology. The most recent grant was used to supply the 3,000 square foot athletic training room located in the Football Center adjacent to Spangler Stadium which opened in August of 2004. This additional space along with the "state of the art" equipment will provide the athletic training student with an exciting clinical education experience.

The Athletic Training Educational Program's competitive admission standard, and limited enrollment of 36 students is an ideal environment where the focus is on education.

WHAT IS A CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINER AND WHERE DO THEY WORK?

Certified athletic trainers are health care professionals specialized in the prevention, evaluation and rehabilitation of sports injuries. Athletic training is an Allied Health Care Profession recognized by the American Medical Association. Certified Athletic Trainers work with: Secondary School Interscholastic Athletic Programs, Professional Athletic Teams, Corporate Health Programs, Sports Medicine Clinics, Industrial Health Programs and Universities/Colleges.

For information about the profession please contact the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) at www.nata.org.

WHERE ARE GARDNER-WEBB GRADUATES EMPLOYED?

Graduates of our program have a variety of settings in which they can be employed. Currently our graduates are working with NFL football teams, colleges and universities, high schools and physical therapy clinics. After Gardner-Webb many of the athletic training students choose to seek graduate assistantships at colleges and universities. A graduate assistantship allows the athletic training student to pursue their master's degree while gaining additional experience within the profession.

Assistant Athletic Trainer Ms. Tracy Curry, MA ATC examines the knee of former GWU student athlete and Athletic Training Student: Jennifer Carawan-Welsh, PT ATC.

ABOUT GARDNER-WEBB'S ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

The athletic training major is housed in the Department of Physical Education, Wellness, and Sport Studies (PEWSS). The athletic training major consists of seven semesters of course work and clinical education. Upon successful completion of the academic and clinical aspects of the athletic training educational program the athletic training student will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training, and will then be eligible to challenge the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification (NATABOC) examination.

The athletic training major is a CAATE (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education) accredited athletic training program. A minimum of 128 semester hours is required for graduation, 40 hours within the major, 54-65 hours of general studies requirements, 15 - 18 for a minor of choice which all students at the University are required to complete, and the remainder of hours being completed as electives.

Former Head Athletic Training Student - Holly Flournoy working with a GWU student-athlete.

ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATIONAL GOALS

To develop competent and contributing entry-level National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Certified Athletic Trainers.
To achieve and gain proficiency with the entry-level
competencies through a combination of didactic and clinical
learning experiences.
To develop highly respected professionals who function competently in diverse settings and situations.
To foster a high commitment to individuals and community through service oriented projects.
To maintain the philosophy for life-long learning through scholarly research and continuing education.

ADMISSION POLICY FOR ATHLETIC TRAINING MAJOR

Observation Period

Admittance into the athletic program occurs each year between fall and spring semester. Any student wishing to pursue a major in athletic training must successfully progress through a 10 week fall semester observation in order to be eligible for admittance into the program. Prospective athletic training students are encouraged to express their interest in the athletic training educational program to the Educational Program Director prior to or during the fall semester to begin the observation experience.

Observation consists of prospective students being assigned to each of the staff clinical instructors allowing each student a wide range of experiences while accumulating a minimum of 80 hours of observation. Students will be placed on five-two week rotations with an Approved Clinical Instructor for a total of ten weeks. The student can obtain observation hours during mornings, afternoons, evenings or weekends based upon the schedule of their Approved Clinical Instructor.

To provide consistent education for each prospective athletic training student and to assure clear expectations for the observation period, periodic in-services will be conducted to disseminate information. Education will focus on information about the profession, expectations of the major, and discussion of topics that will improve the quality of the observation experience.

Application Period

At the completion of the 10 week observation period and accumulating 80 observation hours, prospective athletic training students are eligible to apply to the athletic training educational program. The process begins with completing an application form available from the Educational Program Director. In addition, three letters of recommendation and an essay on the observation experience are required. Lastly, proof of Hepatitis-B vaccination, proof of having begun the series, or a signed declination of vaccination must be provided. Upon receiving all of the required information an entrance interview with the athletic training staff and a member of the Department of Physical Education, Wellness, and Sport Studies will be conducted.

Due to the competitive admissions requirements of the athletic training educational program, the number of students accepted each year will vary based on the number of vacant spots. Program enrollment is limited to a maximum of 36 students each year. Acceptance into the athletic training educational program is not guaranteed based upon a student completing the observation period, but rather upon a successful application process. Following interviews, prospective candidates will be selected and offered a spot within the program contingent upon a fall semester GPA of a 2.25 or higher. Students not selected are encouraged to reapply to the program the following fall semester. Students will then begin the admission process from the beginning (observation period).

Students accepted into the athletic training educational program begin their athletic training course work and clinical education the following spring semester.

Gardner-Webb University; Boiling Springs, North Carolina 28017 USA (704) 406-4000
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