LEVELS OF ATHLETIC TRAINING STUDENTS WITHIN THE PROGRAM
Observational

Before a student is admitted to ATHT 247, they must undergo a period of observation in the training rooms at the University of Nebraska. This period serves two purposes. First, it allows the student to make an informed decision about whether they wish to pursue athletic training as a career. The three years internship is quite a commitment to make, and a student should know what exactly it is they are going to be doing. Second, it allows the staff athletic trainers to observe the students work habits and social skills. The ability to work long, sometimes-tedious hours and the ability to work well with people is absolutely necessary to be a successful trainer.

Observation lasts for one year, and is tied to completion of ATHT 145 and ATHT 146. Hours may not be accumulated towards minimum number of hours required for certification or licensure. During the first two weeks of the fall semester, the student will be assigned to a rotation between the various sports and athletic training rooms at the University of Nebraska. The student will be asked to observe approximately five hours per week with the various athletic trainers at the University. During these rotations the student is expected to finish weekly assignments that reflect the knowledge and abilities that are expected of an introductory student in athletic training. If a student does not complete the course of study or does not complete ATHT 145 or ATHT 146 with a "B" or better, they will be asked to repeat the observational period.

During the spring semester, the students interested in continuing in the athletic training curriculum will apply to the director of athletic training education for admittance to ATHT 247. Applications will be considered based on the following criteria:

1. Completion of ATHT 145 and ATHT 146 with a grade of "B" or better.
2. A cumulative average of 2.5 or better.
3. Evaluations provided by the staff athletic trainers supervising the students during their observational experiences.
4. Completion of an application provided by the director of athletic training education.
5. Completion of an interview with a selection committee which will include the Director of Athletic Training Education, the Head Athletic Trainer, a selected staff athletic trainer, and the College of Education and Human Sciences advisor for Nutrition and Health Sciences. A copy of the score sheet used to evaluate students by the interview committee can be found in the appendices.

In order to maintain ratios of athletic training students to staff that allow for appropriate instruction and supervision, the number of athletic training students that are admitted to the program is limited. Therefore, this application process is competitive. Candidates will be evaluated by the entire athletic training staff, and will be selected based on the work and academic criteria outlined above.

Regular Status

Observational students who are admitted to ATHT 247 will be assigned to a staff athletic trainer who will supervise the athletic training student for the academic year. This will be done by agreement of the director of athletic training education and head athletic trainer. These assignments will be varied from year to year to ensure the athletic training student exposure to a wide variety of sports, athletes, and injuries. Athletic training students are evaluated each semester by their supervising athletic trainer; these evaluations are meant to point out an athletic training student's weak points so that the athletic training student can make improvement in their skills. They are not meant to be punitive in nature.

In addition, the athletic training student is expected to document the attainment of skills that are reflective of their standing in the educational program. These skills are outlined in the course syllabi for the clinical education courses, and will be provided to the athletic training student and the supervising athletic trainer at the beginning of each semester.

Athletic training students are retained in the program based on the following criteria:

1. A cumulative average of over 2.5.
2. A grade point average in the athletic training course work of at least 3.0.
3. Documentation of successful completion of each semester's clinical skills
4. Completion of required courses with a grade of C+ or better
5. Evaluation by the staff athletic trainers, which indicate the appropriate development of work habits and social skills needed by athletic trainers.

Athletic training students who do not successfully complete the requirements for retention in the program will be put on probation for one semester. The athletic training student will be assigned to half time assignment in the athletic training room, and will not be allowed to work any game or travel coverage with their assigned team. If the deficiency is not corrected after one semester, the athletic training student is considered dropped from the program and must reapply for admission on a competitive basis. The athletic training student may resume their course of study at the level at which they were suspended.