Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

In May 2015, the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and the Commission on Athletic Training Education (CAATE) agreed to establish the professional degree in athletic training at the master's level. Baccalaureate programs will not be allowed to admit, enroll, or matriculate students after the fall 2022. In light of this decision, CMU is committed to remaining a leader in athletic training education and is transitioning its current Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training program to a 5-year entry level Master of Science in Athletic Training program. The program will include a 3-2 option and will lead to a completion of an Exercise Science bachelor's degree as well as master's degree in Athletic Training.

The undergraduate program is still accredited by the CAATE and in good standing. The program is currently in the process of applying to the CAATE to allow for a transfer of accreditation to the MSAT program. Effective fall 2017, the university will no longer be accepting freshman cohorts for the Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training program. For questions and details, please contact Wade Welton, Athletic Training Program Director, at 660-248-6217 or by email at wwelton@centralmethodist.edu

Prospective students must first be accepted for admission to Central Methodist University, indicate athletic training as a potential degree, and schedule a campus visit and interview with the athletic training program director and staff. Admission to the athletic training program is competitive and requires that each applicant complete a pre-professional program in order to be eligible for formal admission to the athletic training program (professional program). Meeting the pre-professional requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. Review the Athletic Training Program's technical standards for admission.

Transfer Policy

Students wishing to transfer to CMU and the athletic training program must apply for the program and follow the same selection process as other candidates. Transfer students must have their transcript evaluated by the Registrar's Office and the Athletic Training Program Director. Courses required in Level I may transfer from the student's original college or university as long as they are substantially the same in scope and content as similar courses offered at CMU. Levels II, III, and IV must be completed at CMU unless approved by AT program director.

Program Admission Requirements

Students who desire a degree in Athletic Training but who have an ACT of < 22 will be admitted to the Pre-Health Professions track instead of pre-AT. Students who are admitted to CMU via the Academic Standards and Admissions Committee are required to be categorized initially as "undecided." Any student who is academically successful in meeting the admission requirements to AT (at the completion of the freshman year for pre-AT) will be eligible for admission to pre-AT. Students unsuccessful in achieving or maintaining the academic level required to participate in the pre-AT program have this additional exit option of an Associate of Science degree that can be built from courses already taken.

Pre-Professional Program

Before a student can be considered for formal admission to the athletic training education program, the following pre-professional (level 1) requirements must be met:

  1. Completion of the following coursework with a grade of "C" or above: BI101, BI102, BI107 and a grade of B or above in AT 212, AT213, AT103, AT123.
  2. Completion of 100-300 hours of clinical observation under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer (clinical evaluation is 30% of weight in selection formula). Note*: The pre-professional observation hours will not count toward the clinical hours required for graduation.
  3. Maintain a residential GPA of 3.0 (40% of weight in selection formula).
  4. Complete program application materials (essay is 5% of weight in selection formula).
  5. Submit current college transcripts.
  6. Submit 3 letters of recommendation (5% of weight in selection formula).
  7. Formal interview by selection committee (20% of weight in selection formula).

Application Deadline

The application deadline is March 1 for fall semester consideration into professional program (second year). Candidates will be notified of their status by April 1. Only those students who have been formally admitted to the program will be allowed to take advanced course work and clinical experience. Students denied may reapply in the following spring semester.

Health Requirements

Immunization Policy of CMU requires students enrolled at CMU for the first time to have documented proof of measles immunity, a recent tetanus/diphtheria booster, and complete a questionnaire screening for tuberculosis. This documentation is required prior to class attendance.
Student's applying to the Athletic Training program must provide vaccination records for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), Tetanus, and submit proof of or waiver of Hepatitis B vaccination. Students failing to show proof of MMR, Tetanus, and Hepatitis B vaccinations may be admitted to the ATP but will not be allowed to start clinical rotations until proof is confirmed. Immunizations for Hepatitis A, Meningococcal, and an annual flu vaccine is highly recommended for all ATP students. It is possible that a particular facility may require additional screening requirements before being allowed to begin a clinical observation/rotation. Students must be aware that exemptions for any reason may affect clinical rotation placement. The situation could occur where the student would be unable to complete the clinical course and thus be unable to complete the requirements of the AT program. Students must provide proof of a physical examination to ensure that they are physically capable of handling the duties required to complete the competencies for athletic training knowledge and skill acquisition.

Additional Fees

In addition to tuition, housing, books / supplies, and transportation costs, students in the Athletic Training Education Program will incur additional expenses. Fees are subject to change. The following is a breakdown of the most common costs:

  1. Portfolio fee - $120 (Second Semester Freshman Year)
  2. Sports Medicine/Athletic Training Fee - $75 per semester: This covers the program physical and AT 302 Clinical costs for ACES workshop.
  3. Travel to and from clinical sites - varies (Senior Year)
  4. Liability Insurance for clinical rotations - $38 (Senior Year)
  5. Professional Memberships /CMU AT Student Organization (ATSO) Fee - $30/$90.

It is the Athletic Training program policy that all decisions regarding recruitment and admissions shall be made without discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, disability, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation or other individual characteristics other than qualifications for the program, quality of performance, and conduct related to the program in accord with the university's policies, rules and applicable law.