Frequently Asked Questions

If you wish to visit campus and meet with someone from the Athletic Training faculty/staff please call (765) 285-5683 which is the Admissions Visitor Desk.  You can set up a time with them for a campus tour and an appointment with one of the athletic training faculty/staff members.

About Athletic Training/Sports Medicine

What is an Athletic Trainer?
Why is athletic training considered sports medicine?
What is the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)?
What is the BOC certification exam?
Where does a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) work?
What are average starting salaries?
What is the employment outlook for ATCs?

About Our Program Admissions

What are points of distinction of the Ball State Athletic Training Program?

What are the requirements for admission into the Athletic Training Education Program?
Is your program accredited?
Do you accept transfer students?
When do I apply to the Athletic Training Education Program?
How many students apply to the Athletic Training Education Program each year?
How many students do you accept into the program each year?
I'm currently a BSU student, how can I improve my chances of being accepted into the Athletic Training Education Program?
I'm currently in high school, how can I improve my chances of being accepted in the AT Program?
Who should I ask to write my recommendation letters?
Can I substitute clinical hours from sites other than BSU (i.e. my high school, local clinic) for the 50 observation hours I need to apply to the program?
What if I don't get into the athletic training program the first time I apply?
Can I take Athletic Training classes without being accepted into the Program?
Do you have any scholarships available for Athletic Training?

About Our Sport/Clinical Assignments

When do I begin my clinical assignments?
What sports will I work with?
What clinical experiences do I complete?
Can I be a student athlete while in the athletic training education program?

About Our Graduates

What is the pass/fail rate of our students taking the BOC certification examination?
What do our students do upon graduation?
What have been the unique successes of students completing our athletic training education program?

We encourage you to visit the other pages in this web site for more information about the athletic training profession and our program.

About Athletic Training/Sports Medicine

What is an Athletic Trainer?           

The certified athletic trainer (AT) is a highly educated and skilled allied health professional specializing in the prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses. 

Why is athletic training considered sports medicine?

Sports medicine is a very broad term.  It involves any profession or field of study that is dedicated to the care of athletes and physically active individuals. Examples include, but not limited to, athletic training, physical therapy, nutrition, medicine, psychology, exercise physiology, and biomechanics. The uniqueness of athletic training is that it combines all of these practices. It is also a sports medicine profession which is trained to work exclusively with sport/physical activity.

What is the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)?

The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) (http://www.nata.org) is a not-for-profit organization with more than 31,500 members nationwide. The mission of the NATA is to enhance the quality of health care provided by certified athletic trainers and to enhance the athletic training profession.

Founded in 1950 with a membership of 200 athletic trainers, the NATA is based in Dallas, Texas, and provides a variety of services to its membership including continuing education, governmental affairs and public relations. The NATA also publishes the Journal of Athletic Training (http://www.journalofathletictraining.org/), a quarterly scientific journal, and NATA News, a monthly membership magazine.

What is the BOC certification exam?

Once you have successfully earned your degree at BSU you will be eligible to sit for the certification exam that will give you the credential of AT.  The Board of Certification [BOC]  in conjunction with CASTLE World-Wide, Inc. developed the exam which is given 5 times a year at ACT Testing Centers throughout the USA. The certification exam is designed to test your knowledge and competence in all the domains of the athletic training profession.  You must pass the certification exam in order to become certified, but you are not limited to how many times you can take the test.

Where does a Certified Athletic Trainer (AT) work?

In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the AT functions as an integral member of the athletic health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, industrial settings and other health care environments.  

What are average starting salaries?

This is a question that is difficult to answer because it really depends on which area of the country and what setting you work in.  According to the latest survey across all settings, of those ATs with 0-1 years it's $29,667 and those with 6-10 years it's $38,570.

What is the employment outlook for ATs?

Currently, many efforts are being made to improve the employment opportunities for ATs.  Great strides have been made in attaining third-party insurance reimbursement for the services provided by  ATs.  If this trend continues it will open the door to many future employment possibilities and most likely an increase in salaries.  In addition, increasing state regulation of the practice of athletic training (e.g., licensure) in most states throughout the country and public awareness of the value of an AT are proving to protect and enhance the athletic training profession.  

About Our Program Admissions          

          What are the "points of distinction" regarding your Program?

                    The following are “points of distinction” of the BSU Athletic Training

                    Education Program:

1. Ball State allows students the opportunity to complete EXSCI 320, Fundamentals of Resistance Training to prepare for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Exam. The CSCS certification provides for the knowledge and skills to design and implement safe and effective strength and conditioning programs, conduct sport-specific testing sessions, and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. Students graduating from the BSU Athletic Training Education Program have the opportunity to become dual-credentialed as a certified athletic trainer and a certified strength and conditioning coach.

2. Ball State prides itself on a strong and well-established alumni network (useful for obtaining employment and/or a graduate assistantship)

3. Ball State boasts a strong and well-established faculty with national reputations  

4. Ball State infuses evidence-based medicine and peer-learning in the classroom and clinical settings.

5. Ball State students benefit from a great working  relationship between the faculty and clinical instructors

6. Ball State makes extensive use of online forms and matrices for clinical education.

7. Ball State provides opportunities for faculty/student research and presentations at professional conferences/meetings.

8. Ball State students score consistently above the national average on the Board of Certification (BOC) Certification Exam.

What are the requirements for admission into the Athletic Training Education Program?

Students must meet the following requirements to be admitted into the Athletic Training Professional Preparation Program:

1.	Formal letter of application
2.	Completion of the Ball State University Curriculum Application.
3.	Interview with Athletic Training Selection Committee.
4.	Completion of AT 196, with no less than a B-
5.	Completion of one year of attendance at Ball State University (1 semester as a transfer student) with a minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
6.	Copy of official transcript.
7.	Minimum of 25 hours of athletic training observation at the time of application, with a minimum of 50 hours at the time of interview (arranged through AT 196).
8.	Two letters of recommendation (must not be from BSU athletic training faculty/staff).

Is your program accredited?

Yes.  The Ball State University Athletic Training Education Program was one of the first educational programs to receive National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Approval as an undergraduate minor in 1971. The University has remained strongly committed to maintaining and improving this program as demonstrated by the implementation of the Athletic Training Major in 1987. The program has been accredited by CAAHEP (http://www.caahep.org) since 1994.

Do you accept transfer students?

Yes, but transfer students must complete one semester of BSU residency during which time you would apply to the program. Depending on your past coursework some classes may count towards fulfilling our requirements.  Please contact the Program Director about your situation.

When do I apply to the Athletic Training Education Program?

As a freshman, you will apply in the beginning of the spring semester. A fall semester application period is also available for transfer students, upperclassmen, and those not admitted in the spring semester. Please contact the Program Director for specific information. In any case, the application will be evaluated for completeness, content, and clarity. Decisions will be made by the athletic training selection committee.

How many students apply to the Athletic Training Education Program each year?

It varies every year, but on the average there are about 20 applicants.

How many students do you accept into the program each year?

        It varies every year, but on the average, we accept about 12-17.

I'm currently a BSU student, how can I improve my chances of being accepted into the Athletic Training Education Program?

There are many things you can do.  First, if you haven't already, enroll in AT 196 (Intro to Athletic Training).  If you are meeting the above requirements, our advice to you is to make sure you talk with as many students and faculty/staff in our program.  During your directed observation experience, try not to be too shy and let us know who you are.  Be professional at all times.  Follow the dress code, speak appropriately, and maintain a good rapport with the athletes.

I'm currently in high school, how can I improve my chances of being accepted in the Athletic Training Education Program?

If possible, volunteer to help a certified athletic trainer at your high school or local physical therapy/sports medicine clinic.  If you can't do that on a regular basis, see if you can at least job shadow for 1-2 days.  Ask as many questions as possible.

Take classes such as anatomy to see if you like learning about the human body.  

Becoming certified in first aid and CPR can also be very beneficial. The following organizations have classes throughout the year: 

 American Red Cross (www.redcross.org)
 American Heart Association (www.proed.net/ecc/)
 National Safety Council (www.nsc.org/traintop.htm)  

Who should I ask to write my recommendation letters?

We recommend that you ask people such as Athletic Trainers (other than the ones at BSU) teachers, coaches, and employers.  Avoid asking neighbors or friends of the family who may less objectively attest to your academic ability or work ethic.

Can I substitute clinical hours from sites other than BSU (i.e. my high school, local clinic) for the 50 observation hours which I need to apply to the program?

No.  Only hours completed at BSU under our supervision can be included.  However, extra hours gained at other sites can enhance your application to the program.

What if I don't get into the athletic training education program the first time I apply?

In most instances, you may reapply.  We will assist you in identifying and correcting your deficiencies.  We will let you know if you should consider pursuing another major/profession.  Most of the time, those that don't get into the program have poor grades, do not seem to display a full awareness of our program or the profession, or have not demonstrated good interpersonal skills or professionalism.

Can I take Athletic Training classes without being accepted into the Program?

There are a few classes that you can take, such as AT 340 (Prevention and Care of athletic injuries), PEP 260 (Emergency Response), and EXSCI 292 (Anatomy).  

Do you have any scholarships available for Athletic Training?

Not at this time, but we have a variety of scholarship/awards for outstanding student performance in the program.

About Our Clinical Experience Assignments

When do I begin my clinical experiences?

If you are accepted into the professional program during the spring semester of your freshman year, you will begin the actual program fall semester of your sophomore year.

What clinical experiences will I receive?

Students will engage in variety of clinical experiences/assignments with BSU teams and off-campus practicum’s during their tenure in the athletic training education program. All clinical experiences are under the supervision of a clinical instructor.  Clinical assignments are categorized and exposed students to medical conditions, upper extremity injuries, lower extremity injuries, and equipment intensive sports. Further, each student will complete a clinical experience with football for at least one semester. Athletic training student clinical assignments will be made by the program director in consultation with the BSU clinical instructors. Student-athletes accepted into the program must complete one BSU sport assignment on a full-time basis each academic year. The majority of the clinical experiences will be completed in the afternoon during 1-6 PM. However, certain sports will practice either earlier or later than this time. Once a student is assigned to an approved clinical instructor/sport, they are to check with the ACI about the practice time for that sport.

What clinical experiences do I complete?

During the first two semesters in the BSU Athletic Training Education Program students will engage in clinical experiences on campus. During the third and fourth semesters (second year) in the BSU Athletic Training Education Program students will engage in clinical experiences off campus at semester practicum (2 8-week rotations) in an area high school and in a comprehensive orthopedic/sports medicine primary care setting.  During the third year in the athletic training education program, students will assume more clinical responsibilities (under the direct supervision/instruction of an ACI). Students will also complete an 8-week practicum with a high school, orthopedic, or physician extender setting or with a BSU team.  Practicum’s are primarily supervised by Approved Clinical Instructors (ACI) in those settings and guided by the program director. Students assigned to complete a practicum rotation in an off-campus clinic setting, should anticipate and expect ahead of time to complete immunizations, orientation, etc., for that setting. This information will be amply available ahead of time. Students who have not completed these requirements so that they begin the practicum rotation on time will be withdrawn from the practicum and will be re-assigned to complete it in the summer or another semester.

Can I be a student athlete while in the athletic training education program?

This has worked out in the past with highly dedicated and motivated students. However, it will be more difficult to be an athlete and an athletic training student because of the time demands required in both roles. To the greatest extent possible, we are willing to work with you in this situation.

About Our Graduates

What is the First-Time Pass/Fail rate of our students taking the BOC Certification Examination?

For the past 2 years, the BSU pass rate for the written and oral/practical sections has been at or slightly above the national average. For the written simulation section, it has been well above the national average. Over the past years, nearly 100% of those students who seek certification become certified athletic trainers.

What do our students do upon graduation?

Ball State University graduates take a variety of paths to success.  Most graduates go on to pursue a Master's degree while working as a graduate assistant in that University's athletic training department.  Many then accept jobs at clinics and high schools and a few have taken jobs at colleges and universities. Still others pursue post-professional training in physical therapy or medicine, as a physician assistant. 

What have been the unique successes of students completing our athletic training education program?

Our program has enjoyed a fair amount of notoriety. In some part this notoriety is due to the success/visibility of some of its alumni and past professional staff. In some part it is also due to the current recognition of its clinical education program and related research. Many athletic trainers who have attended or worked at Ball State have held leadership positions within the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA). Some have also received district/national honors. One past athletic trainer employee, Sayers "Bud" Miller, has a national "Educator of the Year" award named in his honor. Numerous other athletic trainers, with perhaps less prominent profiles, have made a collective good impression in the profession.

We encourage you to visit the other pages in this web site for more information about the athletic training profession and our program.

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