Admission

Admission Requirements and Information

Competitive Admission is required for the Graduate Athletic Training Education Program (GATEP.)  Due to the requirements of the clinical program, only a finite number of students, approximately 10, will be admitted into the program each year.  Candidates must also understand that athletic training is an allied health profession that requires full mental, physical, emotional and intellectual capacities to provide competent care for athletes and the physically active.  Each student will be required to meet and understand the essential functions and specific demands of athletic training education for the purpose of becoming a certified and licensed athletic trainer.  These demands are outlined in the GATEP Technical Standards Form.  Each candidate must sign this form, pass a medical physical examination and submit immunization records to be eligible for consideration.  Once accepted the candidate will enter the program at the "Pre-Professional Level" and must meet post-admission requirements.  The student must understand that to progress into the GATEP's "Professional Level" of the clinical program, the pre-professional level requirements must be met during the July semester of the first year.  If the requirements are not met, such as, failed criminal background check, did not pay of liability insurance, etc,  the student will be placed on probation and will be limited regarding clinical assignments. Students are required to report to campus and enroll for the July semester. If the student does not enroll in the July semester, acceptance will be rescinded and may be required to re-apply for future consideration. (See Plan of Study for details.)

Important:

• Because of competitive admission and specific acceptance requirements, students will Not be admitted to the Jackson College of Graduate Studies until "Admitted Complete" by the GATEP.
• All accepted undergraduate candidates will be "Admitted Incomplete" until official transcripts are received by the GATEP demonstrating completion of undergraduate degree.
• Sealed official transcript(s) must be submitted to the GATEP program director first, as part of the application process.  Official transcript(s) must be submitted to the Graduate College for admittance.  Additional transcript(s) can be submitted directly or the student can coordinate with the program director to forward originals to the Graduate College.

Admission Instructions

Early Admission Deadline - postmarked by December 15th of each year
Regular Application Deadline - postmarked by March 1st of each year

Early Admission Candidate Selection Notification by January 31st of each year
Regular Admission Candidate Selection Notification by March 31st of each year
July Semester Enrollment Required

Application Procedures

All application materials must be sent directly to the GATEP Program Director in one envelope.  All application materials must be received by advertised deadline dates

1. Completed application form
2. Two recommendations submitted on program's recommendation form with attached letters of support.
   1. One letter each from: professor/instructor, and one from an athletic trainer, physician or allied-health provider.
3. Submit a Statement of Goals regarding your athletic training future or philosophy
4. Submit Official Undergraduate transcript(s) in sealed envelope:
   1. Only students that have graduated from a U.S. accredited, degree granting 4-year institution will be accepted. (International students must first meet the University's International Admission Requirements before being considered for the Graduate Athletic Training Education Program acceptance.)
   2. Meet Kinesiology and Health Studies Departmental requirement of 2.75 GPA overall or a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours attempted. Documented on transcript
5. List prerequisites courses on application chart. Must have completed 19-20 hours from the following list of prerequisites or transferable equivalent: HLTH 3493 Treatment of Athletic Injury BIO 2504 Human Anatomy & Lab BIO 2604 Human Physiology & Lab PHED 3503 Physiology of Exercise PHED 3333 Mech Princ/Analysis of Movement HLTH 3412 Nutrition for Sport & Fitness a. Courses must have been taken in the last 10 years and must have earned a grade of "C" or better for course to be accepted. b. A candidate with a deficient prerequisite course may be extended special consideration for conditional admittance if otherwise qualified. Provisional plan will be developed by the program director to correct deficiency within first year of program.
6. Submit a signed Technical Standards document verifying that the student can meet or exceed the minimum mental, physical, emotional, communicative and intellectual abilities necessary for athletic training.
7. Pass a physical examination signed by a licensed medical physician (or designee) accompanied with signed released form so the program director can keep medical information on file. 
   
   1. Physical Exam must be on Graduate Athletic Training Education Program Physical Form. The physician (or designee) must have review the immunization records and Technical Standards as a requirement of the physical examination.
8. Provide Immunization records with HBV This is an admissions requirement for the University
9. Submit Professional Rescuer CPR and First Aid cert. or equivalent (Submit copy of both sides of cards).      

Once all application materials are received and reviewed by the program director and the selection committee, applicant will be notified if an interview will be granted. Selected applicant must complete an on-campus or phone interview with Selection Committee. Only after being accepted and admitted to Graduate Athletic Training Education Program should candidate apply to Jackson College of Graduate Studies. Review the Jackson College of Graduate Studies information and requirements.   Submit paper or online application for admission to the Jackson College of Graduate Studies (NUC 404 or online) with $50.00 application fee.  

Mailing address:
Mr. Jeff McKibbin, M.Ed., ATC, LAT
Program Director
Graduate Athletic Training Education Program
KHS, BOX 189
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK 73034

Phone: 405-974-2959
FAX: 405-974-3805
Email: jmckibbin@uco.edu

**International Students Admission (See Graduate College Catalog for details, International students must first meet the University's International Admission Requirements before being considered for the GATEP acceptance.)   Due to the amount of time needed to process an international application, admission application deadlines are in place and are strictly observed: Fall semester July 1st Spring semester November 1st Summer semester April 1st

All students for whom English is a second language must present evidence of proficiency in the English language as required by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

The applicant must submit score of 550 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper exam, or 213 on the computer exam. UCO will also accept an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 in the place of the TOEFL.

A student not meeting the 550 requirement, may furnish proof of a TOEFL score of 500 or higher, or 6.0 on IELTS, plus proof of subsequent completion of a minimum of 12 weeks of study at an English language school operated by an institution of higher learning, or a private English language school approved by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Applicants with bachelor degrees from an accredited United States college or university may be admitted without meeting the English proficiency requirement. Applicants who have attended an accredited U.S. college or university for a minimum of three full-time academic semesters of graduate level work may be admitted without meeting the English proficiency requirement.

Transferring

Athletic Training Students from other CAATE Entry-Level Graduate accredited institution interested in transferring to UCO Must meet all admission requirements for the Graduate College and GATEP within published deadline dates.  Only a maximum of 9 (nine) semester hours of transfer graduate credits from a U.S. accredited, degree granting institution can be accepted by the Graduate College, but these courses/hours may not be accepted by the GATEP.  Because of the Learning-Over-Time requirement of the CAATE, all courses must be taken in curriculum sequence.  If admitted to the program, transfer students would be required to attend the July semester of the first year at the Pre-Professional Level to complete the post admission requirements of the program.  After careful review of student's transcript, the program director may, on an individual basis, accept an academic course or courses only if the course title, objectives, assigned psychomotor skills and clinical competencies match up with GATEP curriculum. Even though the student may have completed psychomotor and clinical proficiencies, transfer students Must enroll in all of the GATEP clinical courses.  The program director may accept previously signed proficiency forms but the student will be required to demonstrate the skills again during each clinical course enrolled.  All Graduate College and GATEP requirements will be in effect for graduation.  Transferring may delay expected graduation date. 

Selection Procedure

The Selection Committee is chaired by the program director and composed of the members of the GATEP faculty and Athletic Training Education Committee. Approximately 10 students per year will be accepted into the program. This number may vary depending on the availability of the number of approved affiliated sites and the ratio of Approved Clinical Instructors (ACI) to current students enrolled in the GATEP.  As applications are submitted, the program director will review the materials.  Once the candidate's application is complete, the Selection Committee will review and rank each candidate based on the selection requirements and GPA, Letters of Recommendations and Statement of Goals.  50% of applying applicants or the number of available spots open (number may vary - approximately 10) will be notified if an interview will be granted.  The program director (or committee representative) will contact the candidate to schedule an interview.  After the interview the Selection Committee will rank each candidate using the Competitive Admission Ranking Criteria.  Candidates with the highest Competitive Admission Ranking Scale score will be accepted into the program until the available slots are filled.  After the interview, the program director will notify the candidate of program acceptance at the earliest possible date.  Accepted candidates will have until May 1st to accept or decline the appointment.  After that date, the next qualified candidates will be offered a position in the program.  Completed applications received after the regular deadline may still be considered if positions are available.  Late applicants must meet all selection requirements and competitive admission rankings criteria. 

Selection Requirements

1. Completed GATEP Application
2. Tech Standards, Physical, Immunization Records
3. Completed Prerequisite Courses
4. Professional Rescuer CPR & FA Certification

Competitive Admission Ranking Criteria:

1. Overall Undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA), 40%
2. Recommendations, 25%
3. Interview with Selection Committee, 25%
4. Statement of Goals, 10%

Each student denied acceptance will be notified in writing within two weeks of the culmination of the selection process at the end of spring semester (approximately March 31st.)  Annual application deadlines and notification dates are posted in Graduate Catalog, on the GATEP webpage and in other GATEP materials.

Selection Procedure Grievance Policy

Candidate denied acceptance by the GATEP has the right to meet with the program director to discuss the selection committee's findings. The student has the right to re-apply for full acceptance the next year. If the student is not satisfied by the program director's explanation, an appeal may be made to the chair of Kinesiology and Health Studies Department. The department chair may overrule or accept the selection committee's findings. If the chair's decision is to uphold the selection committee's findings the student may appealed to the dean of the Graduate College.  A written letter from the candidate must be received by the department chair requesting the dean's review within two weeks of the ruling.  The department chair will notify the dean via a letter of explanation for this request. The dean has the final decision regarding the student's request. If the student has a grievance other than the selection process, the GATEP Grievance Policy located on the web page, in the GATEP Manual or via the University's Student Code of Conduct Policies to provides instructions. Additional assistance regarding a student's acceptance is provided from the Jackson College of Graduate Studies office.

Recommendation Form and Statement of Goals

Recommendation Form Instructions

1. Two Recommendations Must be provided with GATEP Application:
   1. One from Professor/Instructor
   2. One from Athletic Trainer/Physician/PT/or Allied-Health provider
2. Recommendations Must be on the GATEP Recommendation Form. Provide each reference with the GATEP Form. If more space is needed please have recommender attach additional sheet/letter.
3. Each recommender is to complete the Likert Scale Rating form and additional letter, put both in a sealed envelope with candidates name on the front and signature over the envelope's flap on the back.
4. Recommender is to give the sealed, signed envelope back the candidate to include with application materials. Only sealed and signed envelopes will be accepted!5.  
5. Completed application materials with the two Recommendation Forms enclosed Must be to the program director's office postmarked by the deadline date. 

Statement of Goals and Philosophy Instructions

1. Statement Must be typed, 1 inch margins, 12 point Courier font, double spaced.
2. Goals / philosophy Must pertain to athletic training, sports medicine and health care of physically active patients.
3. Statement Must include information about your mental, physical, communicative and interpersonal skill capabilities and your desire to be an athletic trainer.
4. Also include your goals for the future and what opportunities you see the profession of athletic training providing you.

Paper should be approximately one page in length.

Technical Standards of the Athletic Training Profession

The Graduate Athletic Training Educational Program at University of Central Oklahoma 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 graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Graduate Athletic Training Educational Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program's accrediting agency the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Programs. The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Graduate Athletic Training Educational Program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program.  Also, there is no guarantee that if a student can meet these standards that they will be admitted the GATEP.  Once admitted to the program these technical standards are requirements for progression and retention for each professional level. Compliance with the program's technical standards does not guarantee a student's eligibility for the BOC certification exam. Candidates for selection to the Graduate Athletic Training Educational Program must demonstrate:

1. The mental (cognitive) capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.  Cognitive ability will be measured by undergraduate GPA of 2.75 in last 60 hours, grade of "C" or better in required prerequisite courses and the student's references assessment of intellectual abilities.
2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.  Neuromuscular, sensory, and psychomotor abilities will be measured by the passing of a physical exam by a licensed physician and to answer/demonstrate athletic training skills during the interview. (See Information and Requirements for more information on the ranking criteria.)
3. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.  Communicative and interpersonal skills will be measured by the student's undergraduate grades in English and other communication courses, ability to verbally communicate during the interview, by the Statement of Goals/Philosophy to assess writing ability and by the personal letters of references.
4. The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.  Ability to write will be measured by grades in academic courses requiring writing, Statement of Goals/Philosophy used as a writing sample and application materials.
5. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.  The student's ability to work under stressful situations will be assessed by direct questions related to this area during the interview and by letters of references indicating abilities in this area.
6. The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced. The student's ability to commit to a goal and complete projects will be measured by the undergraduate transcript, GPA and letters of references indicating abilities in this area.
7. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.  Student's ability to adapt to changing situations will be assessed by direct questions in the interview and from letters of references indication of the student's ability in this area.
8. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.  Affective skills will be assessed by direct questions related to health care and caring for patients during the interview, as well as the letters of references indication of student's abilities in this area.

Candidates for selection to the athletic training educational program will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards. The GATEP will assess each student's ability to meet the above standards by using the student's passing of physical examination by a licensed physician, undergraduate transcript(s), GPA, written Statement of Goals/Philosophy and by statements made in the letters of references.  Also the student will be asked specific questions related to the standards requirements during the interview. (See Information and Requirements for more information on the ranking criteria.) Each candidate must certify that they have read and understand the technical standards for selection listed above, and they believe to the best of their knowledge that they meet each of these standards. They must understand that if they are unable to meet these standards they will not be admitted into the program. "The University of Central Oklahoma complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students with disabilities who wish special accommodations must make their request to the Assistant Director of Disability Support Services at (405) 974-2549."