Admissions Process

The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) has limited enrollment based on the number of Approved Clinical Instructors (ACI)that can provide quality instruction and supervision to the students. The number of students accepted each year may vary depending on the annual review of students currently accepted and the number of available opportunities. No more than 12 students will be allowed to be active in the first year observation. This decision is based upon the time required to supervise students currently accepted. Students will be accepted into the observation experience based on an open enrollment at the time they wish to declare themselves eligible for the observation year. See First Year Observation requirements.

The ATEP at Luther College is a four year academic and three year clinical program. Admission to the clinical education program is determined by the Athletic Training Review Board, which consists of the Program Director and Athletic Training Staff. Prior to April 1 of the freshman year, students are required to submit an application packet to the Program Director and schedule an interview with the Athletic Training Review Board. Successful completion of the application packet and interview does not guarantee admission into the clinical education program. Students who have not completed all of the criteria in the application packet will not be eligible for admission into the clinical education program. See the contents of the First Year Observation experience and content of the application packet listed below.

Admission or denial from the Athletic Training Education Program is the responsibility of the Athletic Training Review Board. The board will review the application packet, observation evaluations, and interview of each student prior to admission or denial. Following the board review, a formal letter from the Program Director will be sent to each student regarding his/her acceptance or denial. If accepted the student will have 3 calendar days to accept or decline his/her placement in the ATEP. A formal letter of acceptance should be submitted to the Program Director prior to the end of the third calendar day after notification of admission.

Application Procedures

1. Submit a completed application packet to the Program Director prior to April 1st of the freshman year.
   

   Contents:

   • application form (Appendix I)
   • two letters of reference, excluding Athletic Training Staff
   • in good academic standing according to the standards published in the Luther College catalog (p. 31)
   • a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or better
   • no grade below a C in any classes required by the major (a grade of C or better in Bio 116)
   • completed Technical Standards Form (Appendix III)
   • completed Health/Medical Form, including current immunizations (Appendix IV)
   • one page essay on career goals
   • completed observation hour requirement (40 hours) in Luther College Athletic Training Room, demonstrating appropriate clinical performance and conduct:
     • reliability and responsibility
     • communication skills
     • appearance and appropriate dress
     • cooperative work ethic
     • initiative
     • basic skills – taping, opening/closing procedures, documentation
2. Schedule and complete an interview with the Athletic Training Review Board prior to April 10th.

Students who have not completed the application packet (Part 1 – due April 1) and the interview(Part II – by April 10) will not be eligible for admission. The Athletic Training Review Board consists of the Program Director and Athletic Training Staff. Student selection will be based primarily on academic progress (GPA), staff evaluations during observation hours and the committee interview. Students will be ranked first to last based on the GPA criteria and Board ranking following the interview. Each student will receive a numerical rank in the two categories that will combine into a final ranking. Once this is complete the top students will receive a letter extending them formal acceptance into the ATEP. If accepted the student will have 3 calendar days to accept or decline his/her placement in the ATEP. A formal letter of acceptance should be submitted to the Program Director prior to the end of the third calendar day after notification of admission. The number of students receiving acceptance into the ATEP will be based on the number of vacancies. The maximum number of students that can be enrolled in the ATEP is 24. Students will be accepted based on 24 minus the number of returning students. Students wishing to declare formal application for admission, after the completion of the first semester, must complete 40 observation hours and all components of Parts 1 & 2 above