Female students in athletic training room at Koch Arena

Beyond the Tape

The Athletic Training Program at Wichita State University offers an exciting four-year program of study. The program of study incorporates academic course requirements with real-world clinical experiences to encompass the entry-level professional qualifications of the athletic trainer.

Wichita State Athletic Training is one of the first to offer early admittance into Physical Therapy.

 
 

 

AT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS CLOSED.
At this time, we are no longer accepting applications for Pre-Professional Phase Students.
Wichita State AT Program is transitioning to a Graduate Degree. 
Contact Dr. Rich Bomgardner, AT Program Director

Athletic Training Transition to Graduate Degree

Thank you for your interest in the Wichita State Athletic Training Program. At this time, the Athletic Training major in the Department of Human Performance Studies has begun the transition to a graduate degree.  This transition is required by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) for all Athletic Training programs in every state across the country.  The CAATE has implemented a Fall 2022 deadline for the last undergraduate cohort class of students to enter the professional phase (sophomore year) and must complete the program by Spring 2025.  The graduate degree must be fully approved and implemented by Summer 2025.  If a student cannot complete the undergraduate program by Spring 2025, the new graduate program will not be allowed to start, as per CAATE requirements.

Therefore, the Athletic Training major at WSU will begin to phase out the undergraduate program in Fall 2020.  This means we will no longer accept applications, review application or admit students into the current undergraduate Athletic Training program.  The last group of freshman students were admitted to the pre-professional phase this semester (Fall 2020) and are in the process of completing their requirements for the professional phase of the program to ensure completion by Spring 2025

Also, the final group of transfer students who meet those specific requirements (listed on the WSU AT website) will enter the professional phase in Fall 2021.  Future students (students enrolling at WSU after Fall 2020) wanting to pursue athletic training as a major are encouraged to enter the undergraduate exercise science program. These students will be able to transition into the new graduate Athletic Training program in Summer 2025.   In addition, student cohorts currently enrolled in the Early AT to PT program will be required to complete the current AT program by Spring 2024.  The final Early AT to PT graduating class will be Spring 2024.  A new, revised AT to PT track will resume after the new graduate AT program is implemented.

If you have questions, please contact the AT Program Director, Dr. Rich Bomgardner.


Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training

The Athletic Training Education Program at Wichita State University offers an exciting four-year program of study. The program of study incorporates academic course requirements with real-world clinical experiences to encompass the entry-level professional qualifications of the athletic trainer.

  • Accredited through the Commission on Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
  • Hands-on experience starting freshman year
  • Clinical opportunities with local high school athletic programs, both NCAA & NAIA collegiate teams, minor league sports, physical therapy clinics, orthopedic surgery practices and family practitioners

About the Program

Program Description

The Athletic Training Program (ATP) consists of a one-semester preprofessional phase and a three-and-a-half-year professional phase. Students begin their sequenced program in the fall of their first year enrolled at WSU. The program of study incorporates academic course requirements with clinical experiences to encompass the entry-level professional qualifications of the athletic trainer. The academic structure involves 80 hours of courses, laboratories and practicums to fulfill the NATA Athletic Training Educational Competencies. Students engage in areas of concentration for upper body and lower body injuries, sports that use protective equipment, and general medical conditions. The final year of the program incorporates a clinical internship through local affiliated sites. 

Degree Plan

Please know that these are sample degree plans. If you would like an academic advisor to create a degree plan for you, please contact the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2. 

Cost

View the tuition and fees breakdown at Wichita State University. 

Tuition Discount Programs
WSU offers tuition discounts for out-of-state students paying nonresident tuition. Find out more about tuition discounts at WSU. 

Scholarships

WSU Merit Scholarships
Students admitted to WSU are automatically considered for merit scholarships. Merit scholarships are awarded to both incoming freshman and transfer students. Learn more about merit scholarships at WSU. 

College of Applied Studies Scholarships
Both prospective and current athletic training majors are eligible for scholarships through the College of Applied Studies. Only one application is necessary to apply for all scholarships available to students in the College of Applied Studies. Complete the College of Applied Studies Scholarship Application

Outside Scholarships
There are a number of outside scholarships student can apply for. Learn more about outside scholarships.

Admission Requirements

I am a prospective WSU student

Pre-Professional Phase Admission Requirements

A prospective student interested in pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training needs to complete the Pre-Professional Phase admission requirements outlined below. 

The Pre-Professional Phase admission requirements are located below and must be on file with the Program Director by March 1st to assure full consideration into the ATP for the next fall semester. Applications received after March 1st until May 1st will be reviewed only if the next beginning class is not full. Applications will not be accepted after May 1st for the upcoming academic year. Please contact the Program Director or Clinical Education Coordinator for additional information regarding the number of available openings in the ATP for the next beginning class. After all admission materials are received, prospective students are sent an admittance letter verifying acceptance into the Pre-Professional Phase.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Please click here to print a copy of the application instructions and procedures for the Pre-Professional Phase. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the ATP Education Coordinator if they have any questions.

  1. ADMISSION TO WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY: Please click here to complete the online admission application. 
  2. ATHLETIC TRAINING PROGRAM APPLICATION: The ATP application can be located here. The application must be sent with the letter of interest.
  3. LETTER OF INTEREST: This must be a formal letter, submitted by the applicant, detailing their interest in the ATP and career goals in athletic training. This letter must be sent with the completed application.
  4. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Three letters of recommendation must be acquired by the applicants. These letters should by submitted by professionals who are familiar with the applicant's personality, background, and work ethic. They can include letters from former teachers, employers, coaches, etc. Letters from family members are not recommended. Please complete a recommendation cover sheet and give it to each person writing letters of recommendation to include with their letter. Please click here to obtain the recommendation cover sheet.

Admission to the Athletic Training Program will only be considered after all of the above steps are completed. 

I am a current WSU AT freshman

Professional Phase Admission Requirements

Please complete this application if you are a current WSU freshmen AT major enrolled in HPS 114, HPS 130, & HPS 317. 

The Professional Phase admission requirements are located below. All materials, excluding course grades, personal interview, and observation hours must be on file with the Program Director or Clinical Education Coordinator by November 15th of the Pre-Professional Phase fall semester. Letters are sent to students regarding formal admittance into the Professional Phase after the personal interview and final grades are issued by approximately December 20th.

  1. PROFESSIONAL PHASE INSTRUCTION AND CHECKLIST: To print a copy of the instructions and checklist for the Professional Phase click here. Please follow these instructions carefully as they pertain to each requirement listed below. Students are encouraged to contact the ATP Education Coordinator if they have any questions.
  2. TECHNICAL STANDARDS: The technical standards form can be located by clicking here. This form must be thoroughly read and signed.
  3. HEALTH EXAMINATION RECORD: The health examination record can be located by clicking here. The health examination record must be printed and completed by a licensed physician (MD or DO), physician assistant (PA), or nurse practitioner (NP). Only the Verification Form needs to be returned.
  4. IMMUNIZATION RECORD: Students MUST take a current copy of up-to-date immunizations to the health examination and have their immunization record reviewed by the attending licensed MD, DO, PA, or NP. A list of required immunizations are located in the instructions.
  5. CPR CERTIFICATION: Proof of current adult, child, and infant CPR, First Aid, and and AED certification must be submitted. This can be earned through HPS 317 - CPR, First Aid and AED for the Professional Rescuer. Certification is available through the local chapters of the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
  6. OBSERVATION HOURS: A completed record of 100 observation hours per semester is earned during the Pre-Professional Phase. It is the student's responsibility to record the hours. The observation hours log must be signed by the supervising Preceptor.
  7. STUDENT LIABILITY INSURANCE: Students are required to have their own personal liability insurance which covers a minimum of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 aggregate. Student liability insurance can be purchased online through http://www.hpso.com for approximately $30 per year.
  8. BACKGROUND SECURITY CHECK: Students are required to have a personal background security check. Please contact the ATP Education Coordinator for access codes to this website. Personal background security checks can be done online through www.validityacademics.com for approximately $50.
  9. PROOF OF HEALTH INSURANCE: Photocopy of health insurance card either through the parents/guardians or the student can purchase health insurance through Student Health Services.
  10. PERSONAL INTERVIEW WITH ATEP ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND FACULTY MEMBERS: A personal interview is required before formal admittance into the Professional Phase. The interview is considered formal and professional by the ATP and appropriate dress is required.
  11. COMPLETION OF THE FOLLOWING COURSES WITH A "B" AVERAGE:
    • HPS 114 - Introduction to Athletic Training
    • HPS 317 - CPR, First Aid, and AED for the Professional Rescuer
    • HPS 130 - Taping and Bandaging in Athletic Training
    • HP 203 - Medical Terminology

 Helpful Links

Athletic Training Program Application  Advising  Meet the faculty & staff  Schedule a visit  Apply now