Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training

On this page:

• Overview
• Academics and Curriculum
• Admission
• Program Costs
• Program Outcomes
• Faculty and Staff Directory
• Program News

Overview

The Wright State College of Education and Health Services is in the process of proposing a new master’s degree program in athletic training (AT). The initial class is scheduled to begin in the Summer of 2019 culminating in a Master’s of Science degree in Athletic Training (MSAT) as specified by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). In 2015, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Strategic Alliance established the professional degree in AT at the master’s level. Institutions wishing to establish an entry-level, graduate AT program (GATP) must do so by 2022. Wright State AT Program was initially accredited in 2002 and has a long history of producing excellent athletic training professionals.  Our current first-attempt Board of Certification exam pass rate is 90%, (three-year aggregate). The placement of our graduates in athletic training positions or continuing their education in an allied health care profession is currently at 100%. 

Athletic Training is defined as:

Athletic Trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first-aid, and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences. — NATA web site, 2015

Wright State University Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), located at 6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78731-3184.  The program will have its next comprehensive review during the 2021-22 academic year. 

Contact Information

Rebekah Bower, M.S., A.T., A.T.C.
Program Director, Athletic Training Program
135 Wright State Physicians Building
(937) 245-7621
rebekah.bower@wright.edu

Related Links

• Program Policy and Procedures Manual (PDF)
• Wright State Exposure Control Plan (PDF)
• National Athletic Trainers’ Association
• Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association
• Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association

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Academics and Curriculum

View Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training program information and degree requirements in the University Catalog.

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Admission

In order to be eligible to apply for the WSU Athletic Training Program, applicants must have earned a cumulative GPA at the most recent academic institution (i.e. high school or college) of 2.75 or better AND a composite score of 21 or better on the ACT or 1000 on the SAT.

The below listed materials are to be turned into Program Director, Rebekah Bower.  These can be either dropped off in the KNH Department Office (316 Nutter Center) or mailed (see mailing address on the bottom of the application form):

• Completed WSU Athletic Training Program (ATP) Application
• Essay of 500 words or less on the subject of “Why do you want to be an athletic trainer?  Why would you be a strong candidate for this program?”
• Three (3) Completed WSU ATP Recommendation Forms* from the following:
  • Someone who can attest to your academic ability (i.e. past/current teacher/instructor, academic advisor, guidance counselor)
  • Someone who can attest to your ability to work independently, work well with others, and problem solve (i.e. past/current employer)
  • Someone who can attest to your interest in the athletic training field (i.e. past/current athletic trainer with whom you have worked, coach, administrator)

*WSU ATP Recommendation Forms must be completed and submitted.  If applicant wants to additionally attach a letter of recommendation, he/she may do so.

• High school AND if applicable, college transcripts.  These can be unofficial copies but must include ACT and/or SAT results
• Copy of all immunizations, including childhood.  These can be faxed (937-245-7940) or emailed directly to PD Bower (rebekah.bower@wright.edu) from the applicant’s family physician
• Completed WSU Technical Standards Form
• Copy of WSU acceptance letter if in-coming student or UID# for verification if current student
• Proof of a current physical (i.e. within the past 12 months)

After receiving these materials, Program Director Bower will review your application packet and the AT Faculty will interview you to determine admission. 

Fall 2017 Application Deadline = in progress, please contact Program Director Rebekah Bower

Fall 2018 Application Deadline = February 1, 2018

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION INTO ATP:

50%	Interview	Used to determine interest in athletic training, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and commitment to become an athletic trainer
10%	Essay	Used to determine what unique strengths the candidate would bring to the WSU program
20%	Previous grades & test scores	Used as a possible predictor of academic success.
10%	Recommended coursework	Algebra, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology
10%	Recommendation forms	Used to determine academic strengths, work ethic, and ability to work with others

 

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Wright State AT Program Costs

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Program Outcomes

Desired Wright State Athletic Training Program Outcome

MISSION

The mission of the Wright State University Athletic Training Program is to educate students in the domains of athletic training, preparing them to assume the role of a healthcare professional in a variety of employment settings and to optimize the quality of healthcare provided to patients of all ages and physical capabilities, thereby maximizing their health-related quality of life.

PROGRAM Goals

GOAL 1:  AT Program faculty will be highly qualified and professionally diverse role models who exemplify excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service in order to provide comprehensive educational experiences for students.

2016-17 Assessment:  Achieved all objectives except a few “neutral” or “somewhat disagree” ratings on course evaluations primarily related to course materials and motivation to learn about a particular subject.  However, faculty members have developed strategies to address these concerns.

GOAL 2: Athletic training graduates will be prepared to pass the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and become entry-level athletic trainers.

2016-17 Assessment:  Achieved all objectives (i.e. preceptor evaluations, exit and alumni survey data) except did not meet benchmark “80% of AT Program graduates will pass the BOC on the first attempt”.  Only 11/15 of the 2016-2017 graduates passed on the first attempt (73%).  AT faculty have developed strategies to meet this objective in the up-coming academic year.

GOAL 3: AT Program preceptors will be highly qualified professional role models who exemplify excellence in clinical practice.

            2016-2017 Assessment:  Achieved all objectives.

GOAL 4:  The AT Program will provide opportunities for high-quality clinical education at diverse, safe, and professional affiliated sites.

            2016-2017 Assessment:  Achieved all objectives.

GOAL 5:  Athletic training students will participate in activities that will contribute to their professional development and the advancement of the field of athletic training.

            2016-2017 Assessment:  Achieved all objectives.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLO) – AT students will be competent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities in the eight (8) Professional Knowledge content areas as specified by the NATA Executive Committee for Education’s 5th Edition of the Athletic Training Education Competencies:

CONTENT AREA 1: Evidence based practice

CONTENT AREA 2: Prevention and Health Promotion

CONTENT AREA 3: Clinical Examination and Diagnosis

CONTENT AREA 4: Acute Care of Injury and Illness

CONTENT AREA 5: Therapeutic Interventions

CONTENT AREA 6: Psychosocial Strategies and Referral

CONTENT AREA 7: Healthcare Administration

CONTENT AREA 8: Professional Development and Responsibility

2016-2017 Assessment:  Achieved all objectives in each of the content areas with minimal concerns.  AT Faculty have developed strategies to address these concerns in the up-coming academic year.

CLINICAL INTEGRATION PROFICIENCIES (CIPs) – ATP students will be able to synthesize and integrate knowledge, skills, and clinical decision-making into actual patient care.

2016-2017 Assessment:  As a result of findings from the November 2016 CAATE Site Visit and the Site Visit Report received January 2017, evaluation of the CIPs has been moved into ATR 4870.  Every AT student signs up for a designated number of ATR 4870 credit hours each semester where the CIPs will be evaluated as appropriate to their level. This new process was explained in detail to the program’s preceptors at the June 2, 2017 Preceptor Training. Preceptors began evaluating these proficiencies in clinical practice August 2017.  The AT faculty will meet in December 2017 to evaluate this process, review current student progress, and make any changes for spring semester 2018.  The program anticipates having complete data to report summer 2018 after completing a full year of utilizing the new process.

To review the full WSU ATP Assessment Plan and 2016-2017 results, email Program Director Rebekah Bower at rebekah.bower@wright.edu

	2014-2015	2015-2016	2016-2017	Three Year Aggregate
# of students graduating from program	18	19	13	50
# of students graduating from program who took exam	18	18	15	51
# of students who passed exam on 1st attempt	17	14	11	42
% of students who passed exam on 1st attempt	94	78	73	82
# of students who passed exam regardless of # of attempts	18	16	13	47
% of students who passed exam regardless of # of attempts	100	89	87	92

 

*This data will be updated August 2017 after the current cohort finishes taking the BOC Examination.

Faculty and Staff Directory

Athletic Training Faculty

Athletic Training Staff

Physicians

Graduate Assistants

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Program News

August 2016 – New Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainers join the staff

Two new Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainers join the Wright State Athletic Training Program.  We welcome Sarah Middlebrooks, (Ohio State University ‘16) and Sally Trout (Ashland ’15).  They join Ashley Kessler (Heidelberg ’15) and Stephanie Haubner (Northern Kentucky ’15) as GAs for the upcoming academic year.  Sarah will be providing athletic training services to the Wright State Swimming and Diving team, while Sally will provide services for the Wright State Cross Country/Track and Field teams

July 2016 – New staff member join Wright State Athletic Training Clinical Staff

Wright State welcomes Brianna Albers as a new assistant athletic trainer.  Brianna replaces Jessica Stanley who left the program to pursue medical school at Osteopathic School of Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (Dublin, OH campus).  Jessica joined the athletic training staff in the spring of 2012.

Brianna comes to Wright State from the University of Toledo, where she earned her master’s degree in the spring of 2016.  In 2014, Brianna graduated from Xavier and their Athletic Training Program.  Brianna will have primary responsibility for the Wright State Women’s Basketball team.

June 2016 – NATA Annual Meeting summary

Wright State University was well represented at the NATA’s 67^th Clinical Symposia and AT Expo in Baltimore, MD.  In addition to athletic training faculty, clinical staff members, and graduate assistant athletic trainers, 10 athletic training students were able to make the trip to Baltimore.  The Annual Alumni Reunion Social at “Pickles Pub” saw 40 Wright State Athletic Training alums gathering for a fun evening with lots of stories and laughter and catching up with former classmates and colleagues.

May 2016 – Dr. Bruce is awarded an internal grant

Dr. Scott Bruce, Wright State AT Program Director of Research along with Dr. Amir Zadeh, an Assistant Professor in Information Systems and Operations Management were earned an internal grant by the Wright State Research Council.  Their project is looking at “Wearable Technology and Data Science for Injury Prevention in Sports.”  The goal is to initiate this research project is during the fall semester.

May 2016 – Sixteen athletic training students graduate

This year’s graduating class included 16 athletic training students.  Of those students three of the students were “4^th year students” and 13 others were traditional students.  All took the BOC exam and 14 have passed as of this writing.  Congratulations to all!

The Wright State ATP Class of 2016.  Front row (L to R): Sarah Stauffer, Heather Hurley, Erin Poston, Mackenzie Cole, Miranda Whip   Middle row:  Marissa McCollister, Tyler Pfahl, Jordan Holzfaster, Jasmin Harvey, Jordan Eshbaugh  Back row: Cody Cummins, Neil Greier, Andrew Chaney, Brian Wheeler, (photo bomb perpetrator), Kevin Swartz.

April 2016 – Wright State Athletic Training Program dominated the campus Celebration of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities

The 7^th Annual Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities

The Athletic Training Program had 9 research posters presented (8 from athletic training students and one from a graduate athletic trainer who presented as part of her degree requirements for Sports Management), during the campus-wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities.  The following posters were presented:

• Cole M, McCollister M, Fagan S, Bruce SL. Assessment  of Functional Movement Screening by Assessor of Three Different Skill Levels. Research Poster presented at: Celebration of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities; April 15, 2016; Wright State University, Dayton, OH.

• Cummins C, Kidd B, Harvey J, Fagan S, Bruce SL. Effect of Kinesio-Tape, Rock Tape and a Sham Tape on Upper Extremity Reaction Time. Research Poster presented at: Celebration of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities; April 15, 2016; Wright State University, Dayton, OH.

• Dorney K, Kessler AJ, Bruce SL. The Fencing Response in Concussions to NFL Football Players. Research Poster presented at: Celebration of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities; April 15, 2016; Wright State University, Dayton, OH.

• Eodice S, Potus E, Hurley H, Bruce SL. Intramural Sport Injury Rates. Research Poster presented at: Celebration of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities; April 15, 2016; Wright State University, Dayton, OH.

• Fahrner K, Wheeler B, Bruce SL. Comparison from Dynavision Training on Concussion Vital Signs Performance. Research Poster presented at: Celebration of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities; April 15, 2016; Wright State University, Dayton, OH.

• Greier N, Davis S, Bruce SL. Effects of a Cardiovascular Challenge on Dynavision Performance. Research Poster presented at: Celebration of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities; April 15, 2016; Wright State University, Dayton, OH.

• Pfahl T, Holzfaster J, Bruce SL. Occurrence Rate of “Athletic Trainer” vs. “Trainer” in the Broadcast Media. Research Poster presented at: Celebration of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities; April 15, 2016; Wright State University, Dayton, OH.

• Phillips C, Stover P, Bower R, Bruce SL. The Effect of Sleep Quality and Stress Levels on Injury Occurrence, Recovery, and Performance. Research Poster presented at: Celebration of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities; April 15, 2016; Wright State University, Dayton, OH.

• Stauffer S, Chaney A, Garrison K, Bruce SL. Reliability of Concussion Vital Signs under Varied Conditions. Research Poster presented at: Celebration of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities; April 15, 2016; Wright State University, Dayton, OH.

March 2016 – GLATA wrap-up

Dr. Scott Bruce presented at 2016 GLATA Annual Meeting and Symposium in Chicago, IL.  His presentation was entitled: “EBP – Alternative Diagnostic Tools for Concussion Assessment”

February 2016 - Dr. Bruce presents once again at Student SEATA Conference

Dr. Bruce presented at the 31st Annual Athletic Training Student Symposium for the Southeast Athletic Trainers' Association (SEATA), in Atlanta, GA.  The presentation was entitled: “Concussion in Sports.”   He presented with Dr. Johna Register-Mihalik, Research Scientist at the Injury Prevention Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

January 2016 - Athletic Training Students Recognized as part of Athletics Academic Recognition Day

Wright State Athletic Training Students were recognized for as part of the Athletics Department's Academic Recognition Day during halftime of the men's basketball game against UIC on Sunday, January 24, 2016.  There were 66 out of the 78 students (84.6%) in the Athletic Training Program who had maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher over the past year.  Great job ladies and gentlemen!!!  We are proud of your accomplishments!

January 2016 - Quiz Bowl Team finishes 2nd in OATA Quiz Bowl

Wright State AT Program was well represented at the 2016 OATA Quiz Bowl held at Ohio University in Athens, OH on Saturday, January 16th, 2016.  Wright State's Quiz Bowl team of Cody Cummins, Marissa McCollister and Sarah Stauffer finished in 2nd place.  (Josh Smithers was the team's alternate member.)  Otterbein University won the event and will represent Ohio at the District 4 - GLATA Meeting in March in Wheeling, IL.  Great job Team!  We are proud of you!

December 2015 - Becky Bower, authors mentoring article for Training and Conditioning

Be sure to check out the December 2015 issue of Training and Conditioning for an article entitled "Lasting Impressions" written by Wright State AT Program Director, Becky Bower.  Pictured in issue with Becky are Wright State AT Alums Ashley Minnick and Katie LaRue-Martin.  View the article.

October 2015 - Kevin Swartz, Athletic Training Student/Cross Country runner featured on the Wright State Newsroom

It is not uncommon in undergraduate athletic training programs like ours here at Wright State that there may be a student or two who happen to also be student-athletes.  Kevin Swartz is one of those students.  There is a feature article on Kevin and his fellow Cross Country running wife, Jessica, from the Wright State Newsroom.  View the article . Best wishes to the newlyweds!

October 2015 - 18th Annual Sports Medicine Conference

An enthusiastic group of young would be athletic training students attended the 18th Annual Sports Medicine Conference  held on campus.  This conference was for high school students who are interested in athletic training and sports medicine.  Many of the students were accompanied by their parents.  The students learned how to evaluate and rehabilitate injuries to help them in their efforts as athletic trainer aides in their high schools.  Parents learned about Wright State and  how to navigate the maze of college selection.

September 2015 - Tony Ortiz Athletic Training Scholarship Award made

Senior athletic training student, Erin Poston, was selected as the winner of the 2015-2016 Tony Ortiz Athletic Training Scholarship.  Congratulations to Erin!  A well-earned, well-desrved honor!

September 2015 - Brian Anderson from the Institute for Collegiate Sports Medicine visit Wright State ATP

Mr. Brian Anderson from the Institute for Collegiate Sports Medicine visited Wright State recently.  Although Brian was only on campus for less than 24  hours a lot was accomplished.  Brian had discussions with the ATP faculty and students about a fund raiser for Athletic Training Student Organization.  Look for more information coming soon, but we will be making EKG and echocardiogram testing available to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the Wright State ATP.  Your insurance will be billed and a portion of the money collected come back to the Athletic Training Student Organization.

The fund raiser ties in quite nicely with an opportunity Brian sponsors a study abroad opportunity.  The trip takes place over Spring Break 2016 and this years trips is the Greek (both ancient and modern) Influences on Sports and Sports Medicine.  Several of our students have expressed a strong desire to go on this trip.  Funds raised from the cardiac testing fund raiser will be applied to the cost of the trip which will help to decrease the overall costs to the students.  Although nothing has been determined yet, AT faculty also have an opportunity to make this trip. (Becky will probably pull rank and keep Siobhan and Scott at home!)

Finally, Brian made a formal presentation to the students entitled, Eating that Frog: Time Management for Students.  He offered them several good nuggets of information and tips to help them manage their time.

September 2015 - Athletic Training Research Projects for the 2015-16 Academic Year

The Athletic Training Program has 11 research projects underway this year.  Three of the projects are examining different aspects of sports-related concussions: 1. Comparison of Concussion Rate and Severity between Football Teams Wearing or not Wearing the Guardian Cap; 2. Comparing Concussion Rates and Severity Based on Virginia Tech Helmet Rating System;  3. Relationship between Football Helmet Fit and Concussion Rates and Severity. 

The new Dynavision unit purchased over the summer will be used in two studies: 4. Effects of a Physical Challenge has upon Dynavision Performance; 5. Comparison of Training on Dynavision with Concussion Vital Signs Performance.  

A second Concussion Vital Signs neurocognitive test battery study will be examining the Reliability of Concussion Vital Signs under Varied Conditions.  

There are two different studies making comparisons:  7. Functional Movement Screening Assessment Comparing Assessor Ratings from Three Different Skill Levels; 8. Comparison of Kinesio Tape, Rock Tape and a Sham Tape for Shoulder Function. 

The final three studies examine: 9. the Rate of Stress and Sleep Quality and its Effect upon Injuries/Illness Incidence and Recovery, use of improper nomenclature regarding 10. "Trainer" vs. "Athletic Trainer" in the Media: Occurrence Rate and Change Agents, and the final study is a continuation of a project done last year entitled 11. Intramural Sport Injury Rates.

Although students must design, conducted and complete a research project as part of their curricular requirements for the Athletic Training Program, they are not doing these project all alone.  The Athletic Training Faculty of Dr. Scott L. Bruce, Ms. Becky Bowers, and Ms. Sioghan Fagan will provide oversight and supervision of these students and their projects.

Summer 2015 - Athletic training program round-up

A lot has happened in a very short period of time, since the calendar turned to 2015.  Here is a brief summary of the events:

• April 2015 - A new program requirement was instituted for the 2014-15 academic year.  Senior level students are now required to conduct a research project that culminates in a research poster for presentation at the OATA, GLATA, or NATA meetings.  Under the direction of Dr. Scott L. Bruce, Assistant Professor/Director of Research in the Wright State Athletic Training Program, eight different research projects were completed.  The student presented their posters are part of the Celebration of Research Day on campus in April.  Below is the bibliography of the studies:
  • Briggerman J, Charles , Hibberd Z, Bruce SL. Injury Rate in Intramural Sports. Research Poster presented at Celebration of Research - 2015; April 10, 2015; Wright State University, Dayton, OH
  • Chambers A, Walker-Gundolff B, Beasley K, Bruce SL. Comparison of Athletic Training Room Facilities and it Relationship to the Percent of Athletes Injured. Research Poster presented at Celebration of Research - 2015; April 10, 2015; Wright State University, Dayton, OH
  • Gustin ML, Schnippel EH, Bruce SL. Association of Biodex Balance of Injury Risk. Research Poster presented at Celebration of Research - 2015; April 10, 2015; Wright State University, Dayton, OH
  • Pontius KS, Bruce SL. Comparison of Post-graduate Placement by Routes to BOC Eligibility. Research Poster presented at Celebration of Research - 2015; April 10, 2015; Wright State University, Dayton, OH
  • Rush JR, Torres MM, Lipscomb KJ, Bruce SL. Reliability of Three Core Muscular Endurance Tests. Research Poster presented at Celebration of Research - 2015; April 10, 2015; Wright State University, Dayton, OH
  • Schroeder KN, Fritz RE, Herbst HA, Bruce SL. Athletic Training Education Program Faculty Scholarship: An Assessment of the Quantity and Quality. Research Poster presented at Celebration of Research - 2015; April 10, 2015; Wright State University, Dayton, OH
  • Swartz KM, Eshbaugh JT, Bruce SL. Comparison of BESS, Biodex Balance System SD, and Sway Balance App Research Poster presented at Celebration of Research - 2015; April 10, 2015; Wright State University, Dayton, OH
  • Whip M, Afsarifard L, Bruce SL. Clinical Prediction Model - ImPACT Scores vs. Incidence of Injury. Research Poster presented at Celebration of Research - 2015; April 10, 2015; Wright State University, Dayton, OH

• May 2015 - Wright State ATP sent 23 athletic training students to Mason, OH and the Great Wolf Lodge for the 2015 OATA State Meeting and Symposium.  We were able to boast once again that we had the largest attendance of any of the 26 AT Programs in Ohio.  As always Becky and Siobhan were busy with a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities.  Scott Bruce spoke on concussions; his presentation was entitled: Alternative Diagnostic Tools for Concussion Assessment
• Spring 2015 - Scholarship winners - Leah Afsarifard won the Tony Ortiz Scholarship this past year.  Jared Rush won an NATA Research and Education Foundation Scholarship.  Congratulations to both of the winners.  We are very proud of you.
• June 2015 - For this years NATA Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposium held in St. Louis, MO, in addition to all of the ATP Faculty and several AT Staff members attending, 8 athletic training students were also able to attend meeting.  Scott Bruce took part in a "Rapid Fire" research presentation.  He use a part of his dissertation to generate the research poster for this presentation.  It was entitled: Prediction Modeling for Board of Certification Exam Success for a Graduate Athletic Training Program.