ATEP Student Selection / Admission Standards

Acceptance into the Heidelberg College Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is competitive and selective. Prospective students must first complete the application standards for the program as listed below. Completion of these standards does not guarantee the student acceptance into the program.

Once the prospective student has completed the application standards, he/she may submit the formal application to the Athletic Training Education Program Director for consideration. All applications are due by April 1 of each academic year. The formal application consists of the personal information form, three recommendation forms to be completed by individuals other than a relative of the prospective student or a member of the Heidelberg College Athletic Training Faculty, and an essay to be written by the prospective student. At this time, the candidate will be asked to sit for an interview with the ATEP Selection Committee and complete the oral and written entrance examinations. Students will be evaluated on intellectual, social, and technical skills relative to the athletic training profession. The interview will involve a scoring scale that will be completed by each member of the ATEP Selection Committee. Candidates will also be required to take both a practical and written examination to assess their clinical skills and knowledge in regard to athletic training.

All components of the application process are individually weighted and scored. The individual scores are incorporated into a cumulative score. The cumulative score determines the candidate's rank. A minimum rank score of 80% is necessary for admittance into the ATEP. Enrollment in the ATEP is limited to twelve per academic year. The ATEP does institute an Ability to Benefit Policy. This policy allows a candidate to be considered for entry into the ATEP despite not meeting all requirements because of unusual and/or extenuating circumstances which may have potentially affected their application process.

Final admission into the program rests with the decision of the ATEP Selection Committee. The candidate will receive in writing the admission decision by May 15th of the calendar year.

Students who were denied admission into the ATEP will have the opportunity to reapply. The reapplication process includes an additional 100 hours of observation and achieving the minimum rank score necessary for admittance.

Students interested in the Heidelberg College Athletic Training Education Program will be required to complete the following application standards:

1. Complete the following course work at Heidelberg College with a grade "B-" or better:
   1. ATR 171 Prevention of Athletic Injury and Illness
   2. BIO 110 Contemporary Biological Problems (Lab optional)
   3. HPE 116 Health and Wellness
2. Complete 100 hours of volunteer experience under the supervision of a NATA Certified Athletic Trainer at Heidelberg College. (Observation hours) These hours do not count toward the required 800 clock-hours for graduation for the Athletic Training Education Program.
3. Successfully complete the Observation Competencies in conjunction with the 100 hours of volunteer service. The competency should be submitted with the formal application
4. A cumulative GPA of 2.75.
5. The prospective student must have proof of current certification as a Professional Rescuer or enrollment in the Professional Rescuer Course.
6. Demonstrate compliance with all Heidelberg College Athletic Education Training Program guidelines, conduct, and procedures. Including agreement to the technical standards for admission. The technical standards form can be obtained from the ATEP Director. Proof of a physical examination completed by a licensed physician must accompany the technical standards form.
7. Complete a formal interview with members of the ATEP Selection Committee to assess the intellectual, social and technical skills of the candidate. Candidates will also be required to complete the practical and written entrance examinations.
8. Enrollment in the ATEP is limited to twelve per academic year. The ATEP does institute an Ability to Benefit Policy.
9. Hepatitis B vaccinations and annual TB vaccinations. These are available through Stoner Health Center. The student is financially responsible for the cost.