The athletic training major and physical therapy department at Wichita State University have developed a special early admittance program available to a limited number of athletic training majors interested in pursuing a doctor of physical therapy.

Rob Manske, chairman of physical therapy in the College of Health Professions, has observed for years that athletic training students continuing their education in physical therapy typically do exceptionally well in the program. A few years ago Manske and Richard Bomgardner, program director of athletic training in the College of Education, sat down and decided to create a partnership designed to admit candidates into the physical therapy program through special considerations.

“There is a greater demand in the health care industry for prospective employees to have a dual-degree background, and this program will provide graduates with more professional opportunities,” Manske said.

In the athletic training program, students develop athletic training skills that are similar to those also used by physical therapists. Learning these skills through clinicals, trainings and evaluations gives them a head start in the field and a natural transition into the physical therapy program.

“There is no other undergraduate program at WSU that will better prepare students for the physical therapy program,” Bomgardner said. “It’s definitely a win-win for both departments and WSU, as well.”

To be eligible for early admittance, athletic training students must complete all program requirements, graduate on time with a GPA of 3.70 or higher and pass their National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification exam on the first attempt. Students are also required to complete all physical therapy admissions requirements before the end of their junior year. If the student fulfills all the requirements and is recommended by the athletic training faculty, they will receive an automatic placement into the physical therapy program.

Admittance into the physical therapy program will be granted to the top five applicants per year. Students not accepted for early admittance are still eligible to apply to the physical therapy program through the traditional admissions process.

Applications for the early admittance program are only available to new athletic training students or current students changing their major to athletic training. Candidates are eligible to apply beginning in the fall semester.

This program is the only one of its kind in the Midwest. If it is successful, both departments will consider additional partnerships with related departments in the future.

More information and application materials can be found at www.wichita.edu/athletictraining.