Admission

Requirements for Admission to the Athletic Training Education Program

Applying to the Athletic Training Program is a two-stage process. First, apply and be accepted into Alma College. Contact the Alma College Admissions Office or the ATEP Director for an application. Second, a separate application to the Athletic Training Program is required. Contact Denny Griffin MA, ATC for an application packet or download the application (PDF) from this site. A committee consisting of the Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, Head Athletic Trainer and one Exercise and Health Science Faculty member, will select students to be admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program.

Selection Criteria for the Athletic Training Education Program

Each entering class is admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program in the fall semester. Admission to Alma College is required for, but does not guarantee, acceptance into the Athletic Training Education Program. The program is selective and can accommodate a limited number of students each year. This number may vary depending on the number of approved clinical instructors, available clinical assignments, and Alma College’s Athletic Training facilities. The program can currently handle twenty-four Athletic Training Students. Prospective students must have all application materials completed by the March 1st due date for Provisional Admission to the Athletic Training Education Program. The applicant will be notified of their status by April 1 for fall admission. Preference will be given to those applicants who have:

1. A Completed Athletic Training Application
2. A High Grade Point Average in College
3. A High Grade Point Average in High School
4. Three Letters of Recommendation
5. An Interview by the Athletic Training Staff. These interviews will take place following submission of application materials.

Provisional Acceptance into the Athletic Training Education Program

After being provisionally accepted into the Athletic Training Program, the student must complete the following to achieve full admittance:

1. Pass EHS 221, First Aid and CPR and EHS 222, Principles of Athletic Training with a minimum GPA of 2.50.
2. Achieve a minimum cumulative 2.50 GPA for all completed course work (based on all college-level work computed both at Alma College and at other institutions)
3. Hold the following valid certifications (or their equivalents):
   • a. Standard First Aid and Safety- American Red Cross
   • b. CPR for the Professional Rescuer- American Red Cross
4. Complete a minimum of 50 voluntary observational hours under the direct supervision of an Approved Clinical Instructor within the Athletic Training Education Program at Alma College. These hours need to be recorded on the appropriate form, which will be provided and will not count towards the 1000-hour clinical requirement. Transfer students may complete documented observational clinical hours under the direct supervision of a Certified Athletic Trainer at the institution from which they are transferring. These supervised clinical hours must comply with the guidelines as outlined by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification (NATABOC).
5. Receive a positive observation evaluation from the Program Director and Approved Clinical Instructors of the Athletic Training Education Program. This evaluation will reflect the student’s performance in the clinical setting, potential as a Student Athletic Trainer, and the student’s potential to become a professional in the Athletic Training field.
6. Pass a Pre-admittance Physical Examination.
7. Submit a health insurance/history form.
8. Accept the Technical Standards.
9. Demonstrate a recent Hepatitis B Vaccination or a signed waiver form.
10. Receive a TB Screening.

Students have the right to appeal the committee’s decision or any other aspect of the admission process by following Alma College’s academic appeal process or by contacting the program director.