Student Handbook: Section II, Curriculum

The Master of Athletic Training program has specific prerequisite coursework, which is typically attained during undergraduate study that culminates in a Master’s degree. Students are not an Athletic Training Major until meeting all pre-requisite requirements and formally admitted into the athletic training program (a restricted enrollment curriculum).

• ATP Lecture Courses (MAT 503, 505, 525, 532, 534, 536, 545 512, 514, 543, 523, 552, 591, 598)
• Clinical Practice courses. (MAT 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550)

Candidates MUST apply online through the BSU graduate college and be accepted for summer matriculation.

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00
• GRE scores are not required but accepted if the applicant feels it supports the application
• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or a non-US institution of higher education that is judged equivalent to a US baccalaureate degree by the International Admissions Office
• Cover Letter & Resume with references
• Writing Sample
• Minimum of two letters of recommendation
• Cleared comprehensive background check
• Technical Standards, Health history, physical exam & immunization records

Students admitted to the MAT with provisional status due to GPA or for other reasons are required to fulfill the expectations of the graduate college in order to attain regular admission status within one semester of entrance to the program.

Candidates not admitted to the program are placed on a committee ranked alternate list. In the event an admitted candidate fails to meet the requirements of the graduate college, the committee may choose to invite candidate(s) based on the ranked alternate list. If a denied candidate feels the admissions committee should reconsider their application they may address, in writing, the reasons for reconsideration. This appeal must be received in the ATP Director’s office no more than seven working days after the date of the denial letter origination. Upon receipt of the appeal request, the ATP admissions committee will review this request and vote again on the admission status of the candidate. The candidate will be informed in writing of the status of their appeal within 7 working days of receipt of the appeal.

•  Up to date immunizations or titers are required for admission into the ATP (see admission application materials).
• Date and name of the provider where vaccination or test was performed.
• You must provide a copy of doctor or healthcare provider record(s) for the required vaccinations or titers in addition to completing the form yourself.
• This form complies with the requirements of affiliated healthcare facilities associated with
  the BSU ATP.

All students accepted into the Athletic Training Program Professional Component are required to undergo a comprehensive criminal background check through CastleBranch. Students are responsible for requesting the check, paying for it, and handling any disputed results directly with the background check company (CastleBranch). Background checks performed for previous employment or licensing may not be used.

Results of the background check are available to the student and to the ATP for purposes of making the ATP application. All background results are kept in the students and are treated as confidential.

The ATP Admissions Committee will not address questions about your individual background and background check results.

Criminal background checks are required for admission into and progression through programs and courses that include the direct and indirect delivery of patient care services at facilities where background checks are required as part of an affiliation agreement with the university or is required for licensure or certification in the field of study.

• Social security number and identity verification
• Criminal search (7 years) national and county for all jurisdictions resided
• Employment verification
• Violent Sexual Offender and Predator Registry search

1. A pattern of behavior deemed to be unprofessional, or that is believed to put patients, faculty and/or students at risk or which will preclude licensure or certification, may result in dismissal from the program or class which has a direct or indirect patient care requirement. Such determinations related to behavior or risks are in the sole discretion of the responsible party.

2. Felony or misdemeanor convictions, plea agreement or withheld judgment as defined in this policy, for any crimes listed in this section will result in notification to the student that his/her admission to the program/class has been withdrawn. If the student wishes to appeal this decision and continue the admission process or retain admission to the program, the student must follow the process outlined in Section II.E.

3. The time period for the following crimes is not limited:

• a) Sexual assault, rape, indecent exposure, lewd and lascivious conduct, or any crime involving nonconsensual sexual conduct committed at any time.
• b) Child abuse, sexual exploitation of children, child abduction, child neglect, contributing to the delinquency or neglect of a child, enticing a child for immoral purposes, exposing a minor to pornography or other harmful materials, incest, or any other crime involving children as victims or participants committed at any time.
• c) Reckless endangerment
• d) Homicide or manslaughter committed at any time.
• e) Abuse, exploitation or neglect of a vulnerable adult (disabled or elderly) committed at any time.

4. Derogatory information of the following nature gathered as the result of a background investigation will be used as the basis to no longer consider a candidate for the program. Pending charges for the following crimes will be considered crimes and will be deemed to be substantially detrimental to the care of patients and will result in termination of candidacy for the Professional Component and/or program dismissal. Period is for the last 7 years unless otherwise noted:

• a) Felony convictions;
• b) Withheld judgments for felonies;
• c) Other pleas agreements to felony convictions;
• d) Any charge related to illegal drugs such as (but not limited to) possession of drugs or paraphernalia, or trafficking;
• e) Assault or Battery;
• f) Misdemeanor theft committed during the last 5 years or grand theft committed during the previous seven years;
• g) Offenses involving substantial misrepresentation of any material fact to the public or an employer including embezzlement, bribery, fraud, racketeering or allowing an establishment to be used for illegal purposes committed during the previous 7 years;
• h) DUI within the last 3 years or more than one DUI in the past five years;
• i) First or second-degree arson;
• j) Kidnapping;
• k) Mayhem, as defined by Section 18-5001, Idaho Code;
• l) Poisoning;
• m) Forgery or fraudulent use of a financial transaction card;
• n) Forgery and counterfeiting;
• o) Insurance fraud;
• p) Pattern of behavior deemed to be unprofessional, or that is felt to put patients, faculty, and/or students at risk.

Failure to pass a background check may prevent the student from participating in the clinical experiences and may delay the student’s completion of the degree program requirements or prevent the student from completing the degree program.

• Guilty plea or verdict (regardless of the form of the plea or disposition of the case)
• Withheld judgment
• Plea agreement

Note: Arrest (pending charges) until the verdict is rendered, dismissals and acquittals are not considered convictions, but may be considered in the assessment of patterns of behavior.

Criminal Background Check Policy is subject to change in accordance with University and College of Health Sciences Student Background Check Policy 313.

The Athletic Training Program (ATP) at Boise State University is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare students to become a clinician that can provide healthcare to a wide spectrum of patients. The technical standards set forth by the ATP establish the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to become an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency (the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). This document lists the knowledge, skills, and competencies students admitted to Athletic Training will need to demonstrate during their enrollment in order to complete the program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student cannot enroll and graduate from the ATP. Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the BOC Certification exam for the Athletic Trainer.

In order to successfully enroll and complete the ATP, students must meet these expectations:

• Assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm;
• Record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately; to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress;
• Perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients;
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, establishing rapport with patients and communicating judgements and treatment information effectively;
• Communicate effectively with English language users at a level consistent with competent professional practice;
• Adjust to changing situations, environments, and uncertainty in clinical situations;
• Demonstrate affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care;
• Conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner with a wide variety of individuals, including but not limited to, faculty, preceptors, colleagues, coaches, athletes and students.

Athletic Training students admitted and enrolled in the professional component of the Athletic Training Program will be provided professional liability insurance coverage under the University’s general liability policy. This policy will provide coverage for students engaged in approved clinical education. This policy is available through the program director.

Athletic training students are strongly encouraged to maintain personal health insurance in accordance with Boise State Policy. In some cases, failure to have health insurance may preclude assignment to specific clinical education experiences (i.e. hospital rotations). The costs associated with personal health insurance policy are the sole responsibility of the student.

• BSU Tuition and Fees
• National Athletic Trainers Association Student Membership: $82
• Background Check (CastleBranch Background): $65
• Students are responsible for expenses related to:
• Professional Program Fees: $320/semester (6 semesters)
• Transportation to and from off-campus clinical education facilities (Approx. $100 / yr.)
• Appropriate clothing (casual slacks/shorts and BSU shirts) for clinical education rotations (Approx. $100 yr.)
• Physical examination, Vaccinations, Titer or other medical expenses for application
• Textbooks: ~ $500
• Athletic Training BOC examination (final semester): $375

Students that complete the application process and are admitted into the ATP begin the program during the Summer, which includes a two year (6 semesters) clinical education component of the program. Typically, 10-12 students (maximum 15) are admitted each year, during the academic year prior to the Summer start date. Each semester in the program will include both a didactic and clinical education component.