About the Athletic
Training Major

The Department of Exercise Science and Sport at Millikin University offers a curriculum that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. The mission of the Athletic Training Program is to provide quality education for students wishing to become certified athletic trainers. Through a combination of both didactic and practical learning experiences, the program guides students through acquisition of the knowledge and skills necessary for success on the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and for success in the field of Athletic Training.

Students in the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) complete four years of intensive study, which includes coursework in Exercise Science and Sport, Biology, Chemistry, Nursing and Psychology. Under the guidance and supervision of three full-time certified athletic trainers, and two part-time athletic trainers, athletic training students build and enhance their knowledge and skills regarding the prevention, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of injuries that may occur to the 500+ Millikin University athletes of 18 coed sports.

During their senior year, students also take part in off-campus learning experiences while completing rotations in the offices of the team physicians and in local sports medicine clinics.

Our Team of Physicians:
Dr. Tyler Jones
Dr. Edmund Raycraft
Dr. Marshall Brustein

Clinical Sites:
St. Mary's Hospital
Decatur Memorial Hospital

More detailed information regarding the Athletic Training Education Program can be found in the Athletic Training Student Handbook (708K) .

Athletic Training Profession

An Athletic Trainer is a qualified allied health care professional educated and experienced in the prevention, evaluation, rehabilitation, protection, and management of health care problems associated with sports participation. Athletic trainers may be employed in a variety of settings including clinics, high schools, colleges/universities, and/or businesses. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health care personnel, the athletic trainer functions as a vital link between the sports program and the medical community.

To become a certified athletic trainer (ATC), one must satisfy all requirements set by the Board of Certification.

Accreditation

The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) at Millikin University has been nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) since the Fall of 2002.  Students graduating from the ATEP are immediately eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination.

Admission Information

Admission into the athletic training education program is highly competitive. The following are the minimum requirements for admission:

• Submission of the written application and technical standards for admission form (104k pdf).  
• Hold sophomore standing upon admission.
• Completion of ES 130, Prevention & Treatment of Athletic Injuries and ES 140, Standard First Aid with no less than a "B" letter grade earned for either class.
• Earn a cumulative grade point average no less than 2.5 at the completion of no less than two semesters of college coursework.
• Completion of 100 hours of satisfactory clinical observation under the supervision of the university's athletic training staff.
• Complete an admission interview.

The number of vacancies limits the number of students admitted into the program each year. Currently, the program can provide instruction for 24-30 students. The top students are chosen based on academic performance and performance in the interview and clinical observation portions. The selection standards are listed in the Student Selection Summary (see below). Students are informed of their status early during the summer following the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play a sport and be an athletic training major?
Yes.  We feel that being a part of an athletic team is a vital experience in your personal and professional growth.  Many of our students are currently one-sport athletes and are also successful students in the classroom.  You must be dedicated, organized, and have time management skills to be successful in both domains.

Is this an accredited program?
Yes. The program applied for and obtain full accreditation in the Fall 2002.  This accreditation verifies that are program meets national standards of academic and clinical rigors put forth by our governing body.

What is the importance of being an accredited program?
Students who graduate from our program are qualified to sit for the Board of Certification examination directly after graduation.  With a non-accredited AT program, a student could not sit for the exam unless he/she received a Master’s degree from an accredited athletic training program. It’s our professional obligation to tell you that when you’re looking at other schools besides MU, it’s important to ask them if they’re accredited.  If they are not, but are going through the process, ask them at what stage they are at in the process and how they feel about their chances of obtaining full accreditation.

Is there an application process for admittance into the program?
Yes. Your freshmen/1st year you must go through the following steps.  Each step has a point system attached to it.  At the end of the academic year, points will be tallied and the top 10-15 students are welcomed into the program.

• Submit a written application to the Athletic Training office. Completion of ES 130 (Prevention & Treatment of Athletic Injuries) and ES 140 (Standard First Aid) with no less than a "B" letter grade earned for either class.
• A cumulative grade point average of 2.5/4.0.
• Completion of a personal interview.
• Completion of 100 hours of satisfactory clinical observation in the Millikin University Athletic training room and at various campus based athletic events under the supervision of the athletic training staff.
• You will be notified of your status of acceptance or rejection the 1st week of June before your 2nd year.

What happens if I’m not accepted into the program?
You can choose to re-apply the next academic year or you can choose another major that will best suit your particular strengths.  We work very closely with the student to ensure that they have a new academic advisor and a quality class schedule for the upcoming semester.  We do not leave you stranded wondering what your next step is. Academically, the first year classes are virtually all university requirements; therefore, you will not be academically behind if you do not get accepted into the program.

Do you offer any services for students who may need special accommodations?
Yes.  Millikin University has an excellent Learning Enhancement Center who primarily focuses upon these accommodations.  Such services (extended time in taking tests, distraction free environment, tutoring, and other specific accommodations) are all available for those who show a need for it.