Athletic Training Admission Requirements

The Athletic Training Educational Program ATEP has a competitive admissions process. Entrance into North Park does not guarantee entrance into the ATEP. This is a selective program that must maintain an 8:1 student/Certified Athletic Trainer ratio. This requirement promotes quality education and ensures exceptional opportunities for hands-on learning.

We expect to accept approximately 10 students a year into the program. Application to the ATEP is made during the spring semester of the student's first year. Interested students will receive an application packet during the first week of the 'Introduction to Athletic Training' course (taken in the fall semester of first year). Students will be informed of their status in early April. The formal ATEP program then begins during the first semester of the student's sophomore year.

Transfer students should contact Andrew Lundgren, program director, directly for transfer information. Acceptance of transfer students is dependent upon space availability. Priority will be given to students who matriculate through the North Park ATEP Admissions Process. If space remains, transfer students will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with specific attention paid to those students who have met similar admissions requirements at comparable schools. If accepted into the formal ATEP, she/he will have to successfully complete all 56 credits for the major at North Park.

Specific Requirements

• A completed application form
• Verification by an appropriate health care provider that the student is in good health and has had necessary immunizations
• Verification that student can meet technical standards (forms are available in Program Directors office)
• Two letters of recommendation
• A passing score on the ATEP entrance examination
• The completion of 50 observation hours in the North Park athletic training room
• A completed clinical proficiencies list
• A transcript showing the successful completion of the following courses taken at North Park with a GPA of 2.50 or better:
• EXS 1000 Personal Health
• EXS 1600 First Aid and CPR
• EXS 1610 Introduction to Athletic Training (must have a 2.67/"B-" or better)
• BIOL 1250 Introduction to Human Anatomy
• A transcript from North Park showing an overall GPA of 2.50 or better
• Completion of a formal interview with the selection committee
• Interview of a current student in the ATEP as well as interview of a staff ATC

Students Interested in Participating in Intercollegiate Athletics:

Student athletes who express an interest in the North Park University Athletic Training Education Program are welcome to apply. The Athletic Training Major has a significant clinical component which often requires student commitment during afternoons, evenings, and on weekends. It is possible that time conflicts between sport demands and clinical requirements will occur. All students are required to have experience with upper and lower extremity injuries, general medical conditions, the opposite gender, and equipment intensive exposures. North Park University will provide the opportunity for student athletes to satisfy these exposures. All students must fulfill clinical field experiences requirements for all practicum courses. The following guidelines are designed to help students accomplish the requirements necessary for successful completion and graduation.

Guidelines

1. Students admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program will be permitted to participate on one intercollegiate team per academic year.
2. Athletic training students who are members of an intercollegiate team shall only participate during their team’s traditional season. Students will only be allowed to participate in the non-traditional season if it does not interfere with course requirements.
3. Athletic training students who participate in intercollegiate athletics must, like all students, fulfill all the didactic and clinical program requirements (including required clinical hours) before they may graduate. All such students are strongly encouraged to consult with the program director early in their program since effective planning is crucial to on-time graduation for these students.
4. All students are required to have at least one football clinical experience. Athletic training students who participate in a fall sport will be required to fulfill this experience during one fall season before graduation. Students with questions regarding this policy are encouraged to speak directly with the Athletic Training Education Program Director for clarification of their concerns.
5. Students must supply their own transportation for off-campus rotations.
6. Additional expenses may include purchase of athletic training attire and/or personal equipment as well as student membership to the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA).
7. A criminal background check may be required.
8. Students must adhere to the policy and procedures of the NPU ATEP. All policies and procedures are kept on file in the North Park University Athletic Training Educational Program Policy and Procedures Manual housed in both athletic training facilities.