TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITYGRADUATE ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION

PROGRAM INFORMATION

A. INTRODUCTION:The graduate athletic training program at Texas State University, sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Performance, offers the opportunity to combine 31 to 37 semester hours of graduate courses in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Nutrition and Physical Therapy while pursuing a Master of Science degree in Athletic Training. Academic preparation is supplemented with practical experience to prepare students to assume major responsibilities and leadership roles within the athletic training profession.

Opportunities to gain experience with college and university intercollegiate athletic programs, secondary school interscholastic settings, and/or sports medicine physical therapy clinics exist for students matriculating in the Texas State University graduate athletic training program. Area physicians and allied health professionals complement the graduate faculty as they contribute to the educational process by presenting guest lectures, providing clinical instruction, and facilitating opportunities for observation of orthopaedic surgery for the students within our graduate program which is seeking National Athletic Trainers Association accreditation.

B. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:The master's degree is currently recognized as the accredited terminal degree in the professional preparation of athletic trainers. Graduate study in athletic training at Texas State University is scholarly pursuit with emphases on research and professional development. Therefore, a strong preference is placed upon the recruitment of experienced, certified athletic trainers who wish to enhance their academic and clinical backgrounds through graduate study at Texas State University. Texas State University is considered an advanced graduate program, and can therefore only accept those students who are certified or eligible for certification by the NATA.

C. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:Admission to the Graduate School at Texas State University does not guarantee placement in the athletic training curriculum. A separate application must be made to the graduate athletic training program. Applicants to the athletic training program typically exceed the number of students that can be accommodated in the program, and therefore, only a specified number of students are admitted each year due to the competitive nature of the selection process.Admission requirements and selection of students for the graduate athletic training program are based upon the following criteria:

1. Applicants must submit a completed Texas State University application to the Office of Admissions and Records at Texas State University.

2. Applicants must also submit a completed Athletic Training Education Program application to the Department of HHP in care of the graduate athletic training program director.

3. Applicants must possess a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 GPA over the last 60 semester hours or last 90-quarter hours (According to departmental regulations, applicants with GPA ranging from 2.99-2.75 may be accepted on conditional basis).

4. Prospective students are encouraged to submit scores from the general test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), as such scores are used as additional evaluative criteria in the athletic training program admission process.

5. Three letters of recommendation, with at least one letter of recommendation from a faculty member who can address the applicant's academic potential for graduate study, and one letter from the certified athletic trainer under whose supervision you obtained the majority of your clinical experience.

6. Submit documented evidence that you will be eligible for BOC exam by the time of enrollment. This would include documentation of coursework and verification of graduation from a CAATE accredited Athletic Training Education Program. [Note: our program is seeking approval by the NATA as an "advanced" graduate education program and therefore can only accept those students who are certified or eligible for certification by the BOC].

D. SPECIFIC ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:Candidates must have completed specific CAATE required undergraduate course prerequisites either as part of their baccalaureate degree or as deficiencies within the graduate program. The candidate for admission will be evaluated under the requirements listed and compared to university transcripts. At the discretion of the selection committee, applicants who have deficiencies in one or more undergraduate course requirements may be given "conditionally classified" admission status, with full admission ("classified status") contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all course deficiencies.

E. SPECIFIC ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS CHECKLIST:Student accepted into the graduate athletic training education program shall have completed the NATA undergraduate course work requirements listed below. In accordance with NATA policy, students who are deficient in either course work or subject matter may be accepted into graduate athletic training education programs. The student is required to successfully complete appropriate graduate or undergraduate classes at Texas State University in order to satisfy any deficiencies.

NOTE: students who have not completed requirements for BOC certification prior to acceptance into a NATA-approved graduate athletic training education programs must show proof of graduation from a CAATE accredited program.

F. CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS OF THE GRADUATE ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR THE MASTERS OF SCIENCE DEGREE:1. Successful completion of a CAATE accredited athletic training program.

2. Successful completion of the following course work:FallAT 5303 Seminar in Athletic Training 3 3 PE 5346 Literature & Research 3 3PT 5400 Human Structure & Function 4 4SpringAT 5302 Special Topics in Athletic Training 3 3AT 5308 Therapeutic Exercise & Rehabilitation 3 3AT 5312 Evidence Based Practice 3 3SummerAT 5307 Bioenergetics of Exercise & Rehabilitation 3 3FallPT 7326 Functional Neuroanatomy 3 3 OR BIO 5300 NeurobiologyElective or AT 5399A Thesis 3 6Spring

Elective or AT 5399B Thesis 3 6AT 5347 Problems in Athletic Training (Thesis Project) 3

Non-thesis students select a minimum of 12 credit hours from the following:AT 5302 Special Topics in Athletic Training 3PE 5305 Advanced Tests & Measurements 3PE 5306 Advanced Physiology of Exercise 3PE 5309 Biomechanics for Exercise & Sports Science 3PE 5304 Motor Behavior (Fall) 3PT 7231 Anatomy II – Spine (Spring) 2PT 7233 Body Systems II – Diagnostics (Spring) 2PT 7241 Anatomy III – Lower Extremity (Summer) 2PT 7251 Anatomy IV – Upper Extremity (Fall) 2PT 7328 Exam Techniques (Fall) 3PT 7363 Body Systems III – Cardiopulmonary 3BIO 4441 Cellular Physiology (Spring) 3NUTR 5364 Sports Nutrition (Summer) 3Subtotal 12

3. Demonstrate written competency in the English language.

(NOTE: Two options (plans) are available to the graduate student: PLAN A = thesis project plus 6 units of elective; PLAN B = thesis)

G. FINANCIAL AID:1. Regulations Governing Graduate Assistants:a. ALL GRADUATE ASSISTANTS MUST REGISTER AS "FULL TIME" STUDENTS carrying a MINIMUM

OF 9 GRADUATE CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER, to ensure appropriate progress toward the Masters of Science degree.

b. Appointments may be renewed for a second year of graduate study (maximum period = two academic years), to coincide with full-time status within the graduate athletic training program at Texas State University.

2. Athletic Training Graduate Assistantships:a. National Athletic Trainers Association certified athletic trainers and BOC ELIGIBLE athletic

trainers (those having met all NATA requirements to take the certification examination) are encouraged to apply for these graduate assistantship positions. Assignments involve work as an athletic trainer and/or teaching assistant at the following sites:1). a NCAA Division I university2). a NCAA Division III college3). public high schools4). sports medicine physical therapy clinics

b. Stipends ranging from $12,000 to $14,000 for nine and one-half month contracts are available.

3. Dept. of HHP Graduate Teaching Assistantships:a. An average of five graduate teaching assistantships are awarded each year to qualified

students. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate physical education activity classes, and/or athletic training, biomechanics, and exercise physiology laboratory instruction. Stipends for these positions are approximately $12,500 for the academic year.

4. Other sources of Graduate Student Financial Aid:a. Loans, grants, and fellowships, e.g., GSL, NDSL, are available through the Office of Financial

aid at Texas State University (512) 245-2315.b. Financial aid to support graduate student research is available.

H. PROGRAM ADMISSION TIME TABLE AND APPOINTMENTS:1. Admission to the TXSTATE graduate program is contingent upon the submission and receipt

of all required documents. A conditional admission status to the university may be given during the final semester of the senior year. An official transcript with appropriate degree posted is required for final admittance, and should be sent to the OFFICE OF ADMISSION AND RECORDS directly after your graduation.

2. Deadlines for receipt of all materials is MARCH 1, and offers of admission and graduate assistantship appointments will be announced by MARCH 20th.

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO GRADUATE ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM

NOTE: This is not an application for admission to the Graduate School at Texas State University. A separate application for admission to graduate study must be filed with the Admissions and Records Office. No action will be taken on this application until the applicant has been admitted to the Graduate School. Deadline for receipt of application materials is MARCH 1 for Fall semester admission.

PLEASE TYPE:

Name: _________________________________________________________ Date of Birth ___________________

Last First Middle

Current _____________________________________________________ Cell Phone: [ ] ______________Address: Street or P. O. Box

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

City State Zip Code

Permanent : _____________________________________________________ Phone: [ ] ______________Address Street or P. O. Box

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Email*********************************************************************************************

UNDERGRADUATE/PREVIOUS GRADUATE EDUCATION(reverse chronological order)

1. ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Institution Location Dates

2. __________________________________________________________________________________________Institution Location Dates

3. ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Institution Location Dates

Date, or expected date of graduation _____________________________________________

Undergraduate Major(s): ____________________________________________________

Undergraduate Minor(s): ____________________________________________________

Degree(s) Awarded: ___________________________ Date: _________________________

Cumulative Grade Point Average (4.0 scale): __________ __________________ Overall Last 60 semester hrs. or 90 quarter hours

*Please inlcude a copy of your most recent transcripts*UNDERGRADUATE/PREVIOUS GRADUATE EDUCATION--continued:

Awards/Scholarships/Special Collegiate Achievements:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Have you submitted an application to the Graduate School? YES [ ] Date ______ NO [ ] Have you taken the Graduate Record Examination? YES [ ] NO [ ]

Have you requested that official results of GRE scores be sent to TXSTATE? YES [ ] NO [ ]

If known: GRE Verbal ______ GRE Quantitative _____

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ATHLETIC TRAINING EXPERIENCE

Are you a member of the NATA? Yes ____ No ____ Membership #: _______________

Are you a certified athletic trainer? Yes ____ No ____ BOC #: _____________

If not certified, what is the date you plan to take the NATA certification examination? _____________________

Number of years as a student athletic trainer: College _____________ High School _________

Current Position: _____________________________________________________________ Position/Title

_____________________________________________________________Institution

Please provide the following information regarding your supervising NATA-certified athletic trainer(s):

Supervisor:_____________________________________________________ BOC #: _______________

Institution: __________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone#: ______________________________________ Number of Hours Supervised: ____________

Supervisor:_____________________________________________________ BOC #: _______________

Institution: __________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone#: ______________________________________ Number of Hours Supervised: ______________

List Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Workshops, Clinics, Meetings attended during last 3 years:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________SPECIFIC ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS: Candidates must have completed specific undergraduate prerequisites either as part of their baccalaureate degree or as deficiencies within the graduate program. At the discretion of the selection committee, applicants who have deficiencies in one or more of the NATA required areas may be given "conditionally classified" admission status, with full admission ("classified" status) contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all course/formal instruction deficiencies.

LETTERS OF REFERENCE: Please indicate the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals who will be sending letters of recommendation on your behalf. One letter must be from a faculty member and one from your supervising athletic trainer. Completed letters should be sent to: Jack Ransone, Director of Athletic Training, Graduate Athletic Training Education, Department of HHP, Texas State University, San Marcos Texas. The deadline for receipt of letters of recommendation is March 1st.

1. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Academic Faculty Reference: Institution: Telephone:

2. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Supervising Clinical Reference: Institution: Telephone:

3. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Third Reference: Institution: Telephone:

CANDIDATE'S POSITION STATEMENT: On a separate sheet of paper, please explain why you wish to be considered for admission in the graduate athletic training education program at Texas State University. Your four-part response should include:

1. the nature of/the basis for your interest in studying athletic training2. your areas of special interest in relation to graduate research3. your perception of the role the athletic trainer plays on the total sports medicine "team", and

4. a summary of your career aspirations and long-term goals. Your position statement should be edited for clarity and typewritten (word-processed). ______________________________________________________________________________Please return completed application to:

Jack Ransone, PhD, ATCProgram Director, Graduate Athletic Training EducationDepartment of HHPTexas State UniversitySan Marcos Texas 78666

_______________________________________________________________________________

FOR ADMINISTRATIVE USE ONLY:

Admitted to Graduate School: YES [ ] NO [ ] APPLICATION NOT RECEIVED [ ]

Overall GPA on 4.0 scale _________ Last 60 / 90 units GPA: ___________

GRE Scores: V_________ Q __________ A __________

Undergraduate NATA-Approved Curriculum graduate: YES [ ] NO [ ]

Applicant for Graduate Assistantship: YES [ ] NO [ ] Rank: __________________

NATA Certified: ______ NATA Certifiable: _______ Number of Clinical Hours: ________

Selection Committee Recommendation: ______________________________________________________

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Application for Graduate Assistantship in Athletic Training

Note: All applicants should also complete the application for admission to the TXSTATE Graduate Athletic Training Education Program.

Please type:

NAME: DATE:

1. Are you a BOC athletic trainer? Yes ( ) No ( ) If "yes", please answer parts (a) through (c) below; if "no", go on to the next question:

(a) What is your NATA certification number? (b) When were you certified?

(c) Via what route were you certified?( ) CAATE accredited curriculum( ) Internship route( ) Other (please specify):

2. If not BOC athletic trainer, have you met all the requirements for BOC-certification? Yes ( ) No ( ) Not applicable ( )

3. Please rank your preference of clinical assignment as a graduate assistant: (1 = highest rank; 5 = lowest rank).

NCAA Division I university NCAA Division III college Public high schools Athletic Training Research Assistant Athletic Training Laboratory Teach Assistant

(If interested, see enclosed separate application)

4. Please attach a current resume/curriculum vitae which includes the following information:1. Professional experience--detailing major responsibilities2. Certifications and licenses held—include date of expiration and whom granted3. Professional organizations in which you hold membership

4. Awards/Honors received5. Publications and/or research projects (please include on-going projects)6. Invited lectures or other professional presentations

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITYConfidential Graduate Recommendation

To Applicant:This section is to be completed by applicant

Name of Applicant: ________________________________________________Under the terms of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, this candidate has waived the right of inspection of review of this letter of recommendation.

Applicants Signature: _____________________________ Date: _____________

To Evaluator:This form must be completed and returned to the Program Director to insure the candidate's consideration for the program. Send completed form to: Dr. Jack Ransone, Athletic Training Education Program, HHP Department, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666-4616.

Recommendation Submitted By:

________________________________________________________________________ Name Title________________________________________________________________________ Place of Employment______________________________________________________________________ Street________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Phone

________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Reference Date

I have known this applicant for ______ (years or months) as a (check as many as apply:

_____ Student _____ Employee _____ Friend

_____ Other, please indicate __________________________________

Please describe the applicant's abilities in the following areas. Include specific examples where possible.

1. COMMUNICATION SKILLS (both written and verbal)

2. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

page 2 of Recommendation_3. RESPONSIBILITY:

4. LEADERSHIP SKILLS:

5. INITIATIVE TO LEARN:

Please write a statement below indicating your opinion of the applicant's ability to pursue graduate studies and achieve professional success in the athletic training profession. (Include an evaluation of the applicant's strengths and/or weaknesses).

Thank you for participating in this important aspect of our program.

Reference please initial here: _______________________

I. CHECKLIST OF ITEMS REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION TO TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL:

Part A: Send the following documents to: ADMISSIONS AND RECORDS OFFICETEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY601 UNIVERSITY DR.SAN MARCOS TEXAS 78666 www.gradcollege.txstate.edu

___ The Completed TXSTATE Graduate School application form (enclosed).

___ One official transcript from each previous college or university attended. (Applicants currently enrolled in courses at the time of their application for admission to Texas State University are required to complete the "Report of Work-in-Progress" section of the Graduate School admission form by recording the department course number, course title, and credits (units) attempted, and file an official transcript of final undergraduate or other graduate course work when it is completed.)

Part B: Send the following documents by March 1 to Program Director, Graduate Athletic Training Education, Department of HHP, Texas State University, San Marcos Texas 78666.

___ The completed application for admission to the graduate athletic training program.

___ A copy of an official transcript ("unofficial") from each previous college or university attended, including community and/or junior college.

[Note: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study required; those with cumulative GPA of 2.75 to 2.99 may apply for "conditional" admittance to the graduate program. A minimum of 3.0 GPA has to be maintained while in the TXSTATE graduate program.]

___ Three letters of recommendation, with at least one letter from an academic faculty person and one letter from the certified athletic trainer under whose supervision you obtained the majority of your clinical experience. (Use enclosed forms).

___ Graduate Assistantship Application(s), if interested.

___ Optional: GRE scores from General test (Verbal and Quantitative).

Texas State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

PRIMARY FACULTY

Jack Ransone, Ph.D., ATCDirector of Athletic TrainingPh.D. University of New MexicoM.A. Adams State CollegeB.S. Texas State UniversityFellow American College of Sports Medicine

Rod Harter, Ph.D., ATCDirector of Athletic TrainingPh.D. University of OregonM.A. Indiana State UniversityB.S. East Stroudsburg State CollegeFellow American College of Sports Medicine

Luzita Vela, Ph.D., ATCAssistant ProfessorPh.D. Pennsylvania State UniversityM.S. Barry UniversityB.S. Texas Women University

Robert Patton, Ed.D, ATCProfessorEd.D. North Texas UniversityM.S. Texas State UniversityB.S. Texas State University

Britney Webb, M.Ed., AT.CSenior LecturerM.Ed. Tarleton State UniversityB.S. Tarleton State University

CLINICAL STAFFEarl Kilbride, M.D.Team Physician, Division of AthleticsAdjunct Professor, Department of HHPM.D. Louisiana State UniversityB.S. Louisiana State University