Pre-Professional Phase Requirements

Students are admitted directly into the Athletic Training major when admitted as freshmen.  During the first two years of the academic program, the students receive:

• Comprehensive liberal arts education
• Strong foundation in the basic sciences
• Introduction to the Athletic Training profession (two courses offered during the sophomore year).

If all academic and programmatic requirements are satisfied by the end of the sophomore year, students are permitted to continue on into the Professional Phase of the program.

• 2.75 overall QPA
• "B" grade or better in the two introductory Athletic Training courses and passing grades in the associated laboratory courses
• No failing grade, below a "C" grade, in any required course
• Completion of a physical examination and review of immunizations by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner
• Completion of the Technical Standards/Performance Indicators
• Completed OSHA and HIPAA training
• Child Abuse, Criminal Record Check, and FBI Clearance
• Availability of transportation for at least four of the five clinical experiences and purchase of the required uniform

Professional Phase Requirements

At the  end of the sophomore year, students who have met all requirements move into the  Professional Phase of the program. To remain in the professional program they must:

• Maintain a 3.0 QPA each semester to remain in good academic standing
• Have a professional overall QPA of 3.0 at the time of graduation to graduate with a BS in Athletic Training
• Not achieve lower than a "C" grade in any required professional course
• Continue to maintain the Standards of Professional Practice and RSHS Student Code of Conduct

During the professional program, students are enrolled in multi-disciplinary courses including:

• Anatomy (cadaver)
• Kinesiology/Biomechanics
• Therapeutic Modalities
• Pharmacology

Students also will be enrolled in specialized Athletic Training courses such as:

• Therapeutic Exercise
• Applied Therapeutic Exercise
• Nutrition and Weight Management
• Organization and Administration of Athletic Training

In addition to the classroom learning, students are required to participate in six clinical experience courses:

• Two clinical experiences during the pre-professional phase sophomore year
• Five clinical experiences (clinical rotations) during the professional phase of the academic program.

These courses allow students to apply the learning and skills evaluated in the classroom and laboratory settings to the actual practice with athletic trainers and other appropriately credentialed clinical instructors in:

• Athletic Training settings at Duquesne, other local colleges and universities, and high schools
• Local professional and amateur sport settings: Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theater
• Physician offices and sports medicine clinics