Undergraduate Catalog

Athletic Training and Exercise Science Degrees

Program Objectives

At the completion of the Athletic Training Program, the students will:

  1. Demonstrate educational competency and clinical proficiency in the following content areas for the practice of Athletic Training:
    1. Evidence Based Practice
    2. Prevention and Health Promotion
    3. Clinical Examination and Diagnosis
    4. Acute Care of Injury and Illness
    5. Therapeutic Interventions
    6. Psychosocial Strategies and Referral
    7. Health Care Administration
    8. Professional Development and Responsibilities
  2. Demonstrate respect for and treat the patient as an individual, without regard to race, color, sexual preference, socioeconomic status, political or religious affiliation, or athletic ability.
  3. Understand the profession of athletic training, the athletic trainer’s role in the healthcare arena, and the professional and ethical responsibilities associated with the athletic trainer as a healthcare professional.
  4. Recognize the need for the support of clinical practice through ongoing education, research, and service.

Program Admissions Criteria

A limited number of applicants will be admitted to the professional phase of the Athletic Training major. A maximum of 16 students will be admitted to the program each year. Application to the Athletic Training Program takes place during the spring semester of the sophomore year. A second round of admissions may occur following the summer term if space is available. Interested students must meet with the Program Director prior to declaring Athletic Training as a major.

The admission of transfer students will include a careful evaluation of the students’ cumulative GPA and prerequisite coursework. The Program Director will make all decisions related to the acceptance of transfer courses. Transfer students are required to complete all Athletic Training specific courses at Marywood University. Transfer students should contact the Program Director regarding program requirements and any questions regarding transfer courses.

Admission to the Professional Phase Athletic Training Program requires:

  1. The following courses need to be in progress or completed at the time application is submitted:
    1. ATES 130 – Emergency Response in AT with a grade of B- or better
    2. ATES 155 – Pre-Clinical Experience in AT with a grade of B- or better
    3. ATES 180 – Introduction to AT with a grade of B- or better
    4. ATES 308 – Concepts in AT with a grade of B- or better
    5. BIOL 121 – Anatomy & Physiology I with a grade of C+ or better
    6. BIOL 122 – Anatomy & Physiology II with a grade of C+ or better
  2. A cumulative QPA of 2.75 or higher
  3. Submission of the following:
    1. Program application form (available in ATES 180)
    2. An unofficial Marywood University transcript
    3. Submission of official transcripts of any college courses taken at another college/university.
    4. Proof of current Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) certification
    5. Proof of current first aid certification
    6. Two letters of recommendation, not from family or personal acquaintances.
      1. One from an individual who can speak to the academic qualities of the applicant and ca be from ATES department faculty (other than the ATP PD) or other university faculty.
      2. One from an AT, MD, DO, PT, OT, NP, PA, or DC that addresses likelihood the applicant will be successful as a healthcare professional.
    7. Copies of physical examination and vaccination verification from Marywood University Health Services.
    8. A signed copy of the program’s technical standards for admission form (available in ATES 180)
    9. A 500-word minimum essay. The application essay should outline the candidate for the professional phase of the ATP, and why they would like to be an athletic trainer.
    10. Supervising ATC evaluation of student observation hours. Forty (40) hours of clinical observation completed under the supervision of a Marywood University pre-approved Certified Athletic Trainer.

Once all required materials are submitted and reviewed, the candidate will be eligible for a formal interview.

A detailed, up-to-date description of the ATP application and admission process is located in the ATP Student Handbook and on the Marywood website.

Tuition and Fees

In addition to tuition, athletic training students will be responsible for the following additional expenses:

  • Professional Membership (NATA) - $65.00--$85.00 per year Personal liability insurance - $40 per year
  • Professional attire – polos, khaki-style pants, all-weather clothing, etc. – variable, but required items will cost $250
  • Professional equipment – sling bag, fanny pack, etc. - $50 - $100
  • Travel – clinical sites, professional conferences, etc. – variable depending on distance and mode of transportation. CPR & AED recertification- variable depending on certifying organization - $25 - $75
  • Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certificate (Act 151) - $13 (one-time cost)
  • Pennsylvania Criminal Records Check (Act 34) - $22 (one-time cost)
  • FBI Federal Criminal History Record (Act 114) - $22.60 (one-time cost)

See the ATP Policy & Procedures Manual and Marywood website for a complete description of program-related fees.

Degree Programs

Students in the Department of Athletic Training and Exercise Science can choose from two degrees: B.S. in Athletic Training, or B.S. in Exercise Science.

  1. The Athletic Training Program is committed to providing students with education, clinical, and professional growth opportunities that will help prepare them for The Board of Certification examination (BOC), and entry into the athletic training profession.
  2. The Exercise Science major will prepare students for careers as personal trainers and health fitness instructors with community, hospital-based, and corporate fitness programs. Students are also prepared for graduate study in exercise physiology and post-graduate training in allied-health fields.

Minors are available in:

  1. Coaching
  2. Fitness Professional
  3. Exercise Science

Degree Requirements

Major Core Electives To Graduate
Athletic Training 83.5 43 0 126.5-129.5
Exercise Science 81 43 0 126-129