Admission Requirements
The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited program in athletic training is designed to prepare students for a career in the field of athletic training, or to serve as the pre-professional course of study for other allied health professions. The program leads to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. The athletic training program begins with one year of pre-athletic training courses and clinical observations. The students must then apply for admission to the program, which involves a competitive selection process. Once admitted, the program consists of three years of professional and clinical education. Because of enrollment limitations, students who have completed the pre-athletic training year cannot be assured of admission to the professional and clinical education phase of the program.
Admission to the athletic training program is contingent upon the student satisfactorily completing the following prerequisites:
- Completion of one year of attendance at North Central College with a minimum cumulative gpa of 2.500 or higher (including transfer credits) and a 2.750 gpa or higher in all KIN and athletic training courses.
- Complete 50 hours of supervised observation in the North Central College athletic training facilities.
- Complete KIN 157 , KIN 225 and KIN 325 .
- Complete 100-level Biology course with a grade of “C” or better.
- Completion of all pre-admission skill competencies and proficiencies.
- Complete the North Central College written “Athletic Training Program Application.”
- Write a brief essay discussing the student’s reason for pursuing a career in athletic training and what the student’s professional goals are.
- Submit two letters of recommendation. These letters must come from sources outside the NCC Athletic Training faculty and staff.
- Complete an interview with the Athletic Training Program Committee.
- Complete and submit the “Technical Standards for Admission” form
- Submit record of required immunizations.
During the course of the program, students are required to accumulate a minimum of 950 hours of supervised clinical experience with the North Central College intercollegiate athletic program or an affiliated site. These hours include the clinical experience course sequence and the required internship. Upon completion of the program, or during the Spring term of the senior year, students may apply to take the BOC certification exam.
Detailed information regarding admission and other ATP policies is posted in the North Central College ATP Admission Requirements and Technical Standards (https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/file/4973) and in the “Athletic Training Student Handbook.” There are additional fees associated with the ATP (travel expenses for clinical assignments, uniforms, liability insurance, background check, conferences).
