Athletic Training Education Program

Admissions Criteria

The UCONN Athletic Training Education Program utilizes a competitive selection process admitting 12 students each year.  Students seeking admission into the athletic training education program must meet the Department of Kinesiology Admissions criteria and the following criteria specific to the athletic training education program.  Meeting the selection criteria does not guarantee selection into the program. The items are listed in order of importance, but all are important components of a successful application. Applications are due in the Neag School of Education Admissions Office (Gentry building, Room 124, Lisa Rasicot) on October 1st.  Applicants will have completed a minimum of 26 credits of appropriate college coursework at the time of application (with the completion of 40 credits when the student begins the program in the spring Semester following the application semester). Students will be informed of admission status in the first week of January.  The application process occurs during the fall semester each year, therefore students will only be accepted to start in the spring semester of each year.

1) Athletic Training Pre-Requisite courses: 
Students must be enrolled in EKIN 161 Introduction to Athletic Training, EKIN 162 Introduction to Athletic Training, and EKIN 264 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries during the semester they will make application. In addition EKIN 160 First Aid and CPR is strongly recommended. Note: Students must be a full-time UCONN Student. For re-applicants EKIN 161/162 & 264 do not need to be re-taken to make application.

2) Science GPA:
The GPA which combines grades from the following 10 classes will be considered the most important criteria for admission:

Human Physiology & Anatomy I & II (PNB 264, 265)
Physics (PHYS 101Q or 121Q)
Chemistry (CHEM122 or 127)
Statistics (100V or 110V)
Fundamentals of Nutrition (NUSC 165)
Principles of Biology (BIOL 107)
Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (EKIN 264)
Introduction to Athletic Injuries I & II (EKIN 161 & 162).

Note: Students must earn a C or better in PNB 264/265 to meet the Department of Kinesiology Admission Standard. Students must also earn a C or better in EKIN 161/162 and EKIN 264.

3) Observation Hours:
100 documented observation hours under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer are a basic requirement to begin the program. These are done in conjunction with the Introduction to Athletic Injuries classes (EKIN 161&162) in the fall semester application is made.  The quality of experiences is more important than the quantity of hours. Students will be assigned to on-campus training room to gain their hours.

4) Letter of Recommendation from supervising ATC:
Upon completion of EKIN 161/162 and observation hours students will ask an on-campus certified athletic trainer for a letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation must be provided before the interview held in December. The applicant’s performance and personal characteristics will be evaluated by the certified athletic trainer and aid in the decision making process.
Note: This letter is not submitted until the interview; held in December.

5) Personal Interview:
The applicant¹s performance during the personal interview will weigh heavily in the admissions process.  The interview will seek to identify students who are passionate, knowledgeable, and committed to the athletic training profession.  In addition, the interview will assess characteristics that are critical to being a successful athletic trainer, including: adaptability, teamwork, intelligence, perseverance, interpersonal skills, creativity, confidence, and leadership.
Note: The interview is held in December with members of the Athletic Training Program Staff and Faculty

6) Overall GPA:
The Overall GPA from all collegiate coursework will be considered (official transcripts for those courses taken outside of UCONN; unofficial for UCONN coursework).
Note: Students must posses a 2.2 overall grade point average to meet the Department of Kinesiology Admissions Criteria

7) Recommendations:
The three recommendations submitted with the application packet on October 1st. Additionally, a recommendation from a staff ATC will need to be submitted at the time of the interview in December. 
Note: Letter of recommendations should come from an employer, camp supervisor, or a faculty member. Individuals should be chosen on their ability to elaborate on your character and potential success in the profession of athletic training.

8) Statement of Interest:
The statement is submitted as part of the application materials.  The letter that indicates a strong interest and understanding of the athletic training profession would be considered most advantageous to admission.

 

Students seeking admission into the athletic training education program must also meet the following criteria at the time of application (due by October 1st). This information will also be reviewed in the Introduction to Athletic Training Course (EKIN 161/162).

1) Possess current Professional Rescuer and First Aid Certification
2) Completion of Program Health Standards (Physical Examination and Immunization Record) 
3) Submission of signed Technical Standards form

Note: Students will receive a sophomore letter explaining all the requirements and paperwork necessary for admittance into the program during the first week of classes in EKIN 161/162.

Additional information regarding the UCONN Athletic Training Education Program or the Admissions Process may be obtained by contacting Stephanie M. Mazerolle, PhD, ATC, Director, Entry-Level Athletic Training Program, 860-486-4536 (office), Stephanie.mazerolle@uconn.edu