Athletic Training

Application Procedures

All students seeking to complete the Clinical Stage of the WU-ATP must meet all admission requirements and be formally admitted before they are allowed to enroll in the advanced clinical experience courses.

Transfer students must request a review of their transcripts. Appropriate transfer courses will be accepted if deemed equivalent by Winthrop University admissions and academic personnel. Transfer students who are admitted into the WU-ATP will be required to complete all of the clinical education components at Winthrop University.

Admission into the Clinical Stage of the WU-ATP is a competitive process. Completing the application requirements does not guarantee admission into the WU-ATP. The WU-ATP is bound by accreditation standards to maintain strict ratios between athletic training students and clinical instructors and to assure that all athletic training students can meet rigorous technical standards; it is possible that a student might fulfill the application requirements and be denied admission into the WU-ATP.

All applicants for admission into the Clinical Stage of the WU-ATP must meet the following requirements:

  1. Complete a minimum of 30 semester hours.
  2. Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 for all coursework and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 for all coursework in the Athletic Training core.
  3. Complete the following Athletic Training core courses with a grade of "C" or better in each course: ATRN 151, ATRN 152, PESH 201.
  4. Enroll in BIOL 213 or BIOL 214 (or equivalent). --Students who do not earn a grade of "C-"or better may be given probationary status in the ATP.
  5. Complete a minimum of 75 hours of directed observation with certified athletic trainers. At least 25 of the hours must be done in an athletic training setting outside of Winthrop University.
  6. Submit an Application for Admission to the WU-ATP to the Program Director that includes:
    • official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended.
    • WU-ATP application form.
    • an admission essay that documents the student's growth toward becoming an allied health professional.
    • two letters of recommendation, one should be from a certified athletic trainer.
    • log which documents 75 observation hours.
  7. Undergo a standardized interview with the Admission Selection Committee comprised of the Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, Winthrop University Head Athletic Trainer, Winthrop University Assistant Athletic Trainer(s), one off-campus preceptor, and two current athletic training students.

Only students who meet requirements 1-3 are allowed to submit applications for admission into the WU-ATP.

Students denied admission to the WU-ATP and/or dismissed from the WU-ATP may appeal the decision in the following steps:

  1. Submit a letter of appeal to the PD and the Chair of PE, Sport and Human Performance. The letter should detail how the student believes he/she has met the appropriate criteria. 
  2. Each appeal will be reviewed by an Appeals Committee comprised of the Chair of PESH and two faculty members of the Chair's choice.
  3. Upon review of the appeal, the Appeals Committee may request input from the selection committee and the student may request an open discussion with the Appeals Committee to explain his/her position. 
  4. The Appeals Committee will submit a written document to the student and to the PD regarding the decision on the student's status. 
  5. All Appeals Committee decisions remain confidential and final.

If you need further information, please contact:
Alice J. McLaine, PhD, SCAT, ATC
Director, Athletic Training Program
Department of Physical Education, Sport, and Human Performance
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC 29733

E-mail: mclainea@winthrop.edu
Primary Office: 25 Winthrop Coliseum
Telephone: 803/323-2177
Secondary Office: 118 West Center
Telephone: 803/323-4696