Mission

The mission of the Athletic Training Program (AT Program) is to prepare students for the Board of Certification (BOC) Certification Examination and careers in athletic training by providing quality coursework that emphasizes evidence-based practice and patient centered care and offering exposure to a variety of directed clinical education experiences and healthcare professionals.

Vision

The University of Alabama (UA) AT Program will be known as a top AT program in the country for all students who seek exceptional educational opportunities. The UA AT program will be a student-centered program committed to providing supreme learning experiences and superior healthcare that emphasizes the growth of students as athletic trainers and members of society.

Accreditation

Candidates sitting for the BOC Examination must graduate from a CAATE-accredited professional AT program. CAATE-accredited professional AT programs provide the student with the appropriate formal classroom instruction and clinical experience necessary to succeed as an entry-level allied health professional. For a detailed list of AT Programs accredited by CAATE, visit the CAATE website, www.caate.net.

BOC Examination Outcomes

For the 2013-2016 cohort, 51 program graduates sat for the Board of Certification (BOC) Certification Examination for Athletic Trainers. All of these graduates passed the exam on the first attempt, resulting in a 3-year first time BOC pass rate of 100%. Please visit the CAATE website for additional information on national BOC pass rates.

Expenses

In addition to the expenses common to all UA students, there are other costs which are specific to the AT Professional Program. These expenses are described here with estimates to help with planning. They are subject to change from year-to-year.

• Background Checks – Professional program students are required to undergo a series of annual background checks through CastleBranch.com. 
• Clinical Clothing – Students should be prepared to purchase clothing, including khaki pants, appropriate length khaki shorts, collared shirts and inclement weather gear for use in their clinical experiences.  All students must have a watch with a second hand.  Professional program students are required to abide by the AT Program dress code. 
• Drug Test – A 10 panel urinalysis drug test is required annually.  This is facilitated through CastleBranch.com.
• Health Insurance – Affiliation Agreements with clinical sites may require students to provide evidence of adequate health insurance to cover long-term and emergency treatment or to be prepared to pay for such services. The Office of Student Affairs sponsors a health insurance policy for eligible students.
• Immunizations – Professional program students must provide evidence of 2 doses of vaccine for Measles, Mumps and Rubella or laboratory evidence of immunity for all 3 components; 2 doses of vaccine or positive history and lab evidence of immunity for Varicella; a documented dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria & Acellular Pertussis within the last 10 years; 3 doses of vaccine (or initiation of the vaccination process) or laboratory evidence of immunity or signed declination waiver of Hepatitis B before beginning their first clinical placement.  An influenza vaccination for the current flu season or a signed declination waiver are also required before October of each year.   
• Incidental Costs – Students are responsible for the cost of fees incurred throughout the professional program courses, including establishing an account with CastleBranch.com.
• NATA Student Membership– Professional program
• Physical Examination – A physical examination from a Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is required annually.  
• Physical Examination & Intervention Equipment & Supplies – Students are required to purchase equipment & supplies for patient examination & intervention as they progress throughout the professional program.  The first purchase is associated with ATR 258 – Clinical Fundamentals in AT.  
• Professional Liability Insurance – Students are encouraged to purchase their own personal, professional liability insurance.  Affiliate partners with the NATA offer discounted policy premiums to NATA members.
• TB Skin Test – Students must undergo 1-step TB skin testing annually.
• Travel Expenses – Athletic Training Students assume individual responsibility for their transportation to clinical sites.  The amount of travel varies with each clinical course and each clinical site.  Students are encouraged to form carpools whenever possible.  Students should not transport patients in their cars.  Most automobile insurance policies deem transporting patients as a service and, therefore, will not provide coverage in the event of a crash. 

ITEM	COST	FREQUENCY
Background Checks	$40.00	annual
Clinical Clothing	$100.00	annual
Drug Test	$50.00	annual
Health Insurance	variable	annual
Immunizations	$150.00; $50.00	one time; annually
NATA Student Membership	$80.00	annual
Physical Exam	variable	annual
Physical Examination & Intervention Equipment & Supplies	$200.00	over the course of the program
Professional Liability Insurance	$50.00	annual
TB Skin Test	$20.00	annual
Travel Expenses	variable	annual

History

In 1987, funding for the preliminary development of an AT Program at The University of Alabama was obtained through grants from The University of Alabama, AMI West Alabama Hospital, and DCH Regional Medical Center. Athletic Training is currently recognized as a major leading to the Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training degree within the College of Human Environmental Sciences, Department of Health Science. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association Professional Education Committee approved the AT Program in July 1991 and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs accredited the program in 1996 and 2001. In March 2008, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) awarded the AT Program continuing accreditation through 2018.