Undergraduate Catalog 2012-13

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Kinesiology and Health Majors

Exercise Science

Bachelor of Science with a major in Exercise Science

Students who major in exercise science focus on the study of human movement within a biophysical context, including aspects of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, biology, and nutrition. The major prepares them for an exercise science internship (KIN 496), or a research-directed senior synthesis (KIN 497).

If a particular course has a prerequisite that is not listed as part of the major requirements, then the prerequisite is given in italics below the course for which it is a prerequisite, and it is marked with an asterisk (*). These prerequisites must be completed IN ADDITION TO other program requirements.

Click here for a 4-year plan showing one way a student can complete the program below in 4 years if the student requires no remedial courses.

Degree Requirements: B.S. – Exercise Science

Athletic Training

Thinking about the discipline: Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. The mission of the athletic training education program (ATEP) is to offer a program of excellence that will produce well rounded and competent entry-level athletic trainers. The program is designed to provide highly qualified Board Certified Athletic Trainers for positions in orthopedic rehabilitation centers, wellness/fitness centers, high schools, college programs, and professional teams.

Since 2006, NKU’s athletic training education program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). CAATE accreditation recognizes that NKU’s ATEP meets the required standards for the preparation of entry-level certified athletic trainers.

Special Admission Requirements: To meet minimum admission standards, a student must:

• Choose pre-athletic training as a major (XATH).
• Have at least sophomore standing (30 hours).
• Have completed pre-professional coursework with a minimum grade of C-.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above.
• Have completed clinical observation as part of ATP 280 pre-athletic training.
• Meet technical standards for minimum mental and physical function.
• Complete CPR and AED for the Professional Rescuer.
• Have Safety and First Aid Certification.
• Return a negative TB test (annually).
• Complete a physical examination (completed with ATEP form).
• Submit Immunization records (must have current HBV).
• Successfully complete a background check through NKU Public Safety. (Allow a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks to process.)
• Have primary health insurance coverage.
• Produce college-level transcripts.

Any student wishing to apply for admission into ATEP must complete a two-part process.

Step 1: Pre-professional

Students must choose pre-athletic training (XATH) as their major and successfully complete selected coursework and directed observation. The coursework consists of seven classes for a total of 20 hours. Students must receive a minimum grade of C- for each pre-professional course and attain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 to be eligible for admission. The pre-professional courses are:

• ATP 200 Medical History and Documentation (1 credit)
• ATP 201 Goniometry, Range of Motion, and Manual Muscle Testing (1 credit)
• ATP 280 Pre-Athletic Training (2 credits)
• PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
• BIO 126 Human Nutrition (3 credits)
• HEA 135 Safety and First Aid (3 credits)
• KIN 280 Introduction to Athletic Training (3 credits)
• BIO 208/208L Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Laboratory (4 credits)

As part of "ATP 280 Pre-Athletic Training," students will complete 30 clock hours of directed observation at sites selected by ATEP faculty. Clinical supervisors assess students on a general performance evaluation, and the results are used as part of the admission process. For more information or to obtain the evaluation forms, contact the ATEP director at 859-572-1399.

Step 2: Formal application

Formal program application and admission occur during the fall semester as part of "ATP 280 Pre-Athletic Training." To be eligible for formal application, the student must attain at least sophomore standing (30 credit hours) and satisfactorily complete the pre-professional stage. The ATEP application deadline is October 31.

The application must include a typed (one page, double spaced, font size 10) written sample addressing the following: "What do you believe is the most important attribute of an athletic trainer as an allied health care provider, and what attributes do you possess that will allow you to fulfill the role of an athletic trainer?" The student is required to provide transcripts or proof of satisfactory completion of the pre-professional stage.

The ATEP has limited and selective enrollment. The program has a set maximum for total student enrollment. Annual available positions will be determined according to the set maximum for program positions and the positions that became available through graduation and attrition. Students who fulfill the minimum requirements for formal application are chosen by objective selection criteria based on four parts: cumulative GPA, pre-professional coursework grades, evaluations by supervising ATCs during directed observation, and quality of application. Each portion of the criteria has been weighted according to its importance as determined by the NKU faculty and staff.

The weightings are as follows:

• 25 percent cumulative GPA.
• 25 percent pre-professional coursework grades.
• 35 percent observation evaluations.
• 15 percent application quality.

Each section is given a numerical score to provide the student with an overall score used to objectively rank the students. Available positions will be filled from the highest ranked applicant down until all positions are filled. Rejected students will be afforded the opportunity to reapply during the next application period. Accepted students will have the option to begin clinical rotations the spring semester following admission to the ATEP.

The NKU technical standards represent the mental and physical requirements necessary for a student to successfully participate in and complete the NKU ATEP program. The guidelines are designed to reflect the necessary skills identified for the entry-level athletic trainer as detailed in the National Association of Training's Board of Certification (BOC) Role Delineation Study. A student must meet the requirements for admission, retention, and graduation.

Transfer students should contact the ATEP director at 859-572-1399 for details regarding course transfer and program admission eligibility.

You should also know:

• Students are required to purchase uniforms and name tags as designated by the ATEP faculty. This uniform is required for all clinical assignments.
• NKU ATEP students are required to have a primary health insurance policy throughout their enrollment in the NKU ATEP program. Students must provide proof of the policy annually.
• Program fees include the following:
  • Professional liability insurance: $14 assessed for ATP 296, ATP 394, and ATP 494.
  • Laboratory fee: $40 assessed for ATP 280 and ATP 296.
  • National Athletic Trainers’ Association professional membership: $80 assessed for ATP 296, ATP 394, and ATP 494.
• ATEP students are required to complete an annual physical examination to ensure their health and physical fitness will allow them to complete the duties required of an athletic trainer.
• Hepatitis B vaccination is required for ATEP admission. The student is responsible for the cost. For information about where to receive the vaccination, students should call 859-572-5118.
• Students are encouraged to complete the BOC examination, but it is not a requirement for graduation.

Bachelor of Science with a major in Athletic Training (Clinical Education Program)

The Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training is a 74 credit hour professional degree program with an integrated clinical education component. The coursework provides formal instruction aligned with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association educational competencies and clinical proficiencies. The program has an embedded concentration in exercise science. Athletic training students do not need to complete a separate minor or concentration for graduation.

The clinical practicum courses (ATP 366, 367, 466, 467) provide students with an application of knowledge and skill in a real-world patient care setting. Students are placed with an approved clinical instructor at a clinical site (on and off campus) that reflects the educational content specified in the clinical practicum course. Each practicum has required clinical hours as specified in the course description.

Each of the four practicum experiences has different educational goals and only certain clinical sites offer the equipment and personal to meet specific needs. NKU ATEP has a total number of approved clinical instructors and clinical sites that determines the number of students who can be placed in any given semester. Students with complete documentation will be placed first.

Students must inform the clinical coordinator no later than March 1 for the fall placement and no later than October 1 for a spring/winter placement.

All documentation listed under the admissions requirements is required for clinical placement. Several documents have expiration dates (i.e. CPR certification, first-aid certification, primary insurance, TB test). These documents or certifications are the responsibility of the student and must be provided prior to clinical placement.

A complete description of admission and clinical placement procedures provided in the ATEP Policies and Procedures Manual which is available on the Athletic Training program web page.

Click here for a 4-year plan showing one way a student can complete the program below in 4 years if the student requires no remedial courses.

Degree Requirements: B.S. – Athletic Training (clinical education program)

Physical Education

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Physical Education (Leading to P-12 Teaching Certification)

The physical education major prepares students to be effective physical education teachers at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels through a strong content and pedagogy curriculum. Students are well prepared to pass state certification exams and to apply for and achieve multi-state teaching certification. During each semester of the junior year and the first semester of the senior year, teacher candidates spend a minimum of 50 hours observing and teaching under the supervision of a certified physical education teacher and a university faculty member. During the final semester of the senior year, candidates complete a full semester of student teaching at both the elementary and secondary levels.

Those who enjoy sports and physical activity and would like to impact the lives of children and adolescents may find teaching physical education to be the ideal major. There continues to be a need for dedicated and effective physical education teachers in the schools, especially at a time when the percentage of children and adolescents who are obese in the United States is at an all-time high level. Within the next several years, the "baby boomers" who are currently teaching will be retiring, and the need for new teachers will increase dramatically. Students who graduate with a degree in physical education are also prepared to work with youth in community recreation, family fitness and sports centers, and to coach school and youth sports.

Students interested majoring in physical education should first declare pre-physical education as a major and sign up to meet with an advisor in the College of Education and Human Services Advising Center or talk with a faculty member in the physical education program located in HC 104. To apply for admission to the teacher education program, students must: (1) earn 60 hours of course credit, with an overall GPA of a 2.50 or higher, (2) receive a composite score of 21 or higher on the ACT, or 990 or higher on the SAT, (3) complete "CMST 101: Public Speaking" with a grade of B or better; (4) pass "EDU 104: Orientation: Education Profession/Program"; and (5) complete "PSY 100: Introduction to Psychology" with a C or better (see requirements for admission to the teacher education program).

To continue into the next professional semester, students must: (1) successfully complete each of the professional semester course requirements with a C or better and (2) complete a portfolio with an "approved" rating. To be eligible to student teach, students must: (1) successfully complete professional semesters I, II, and III; (2) maintain a 2.50 or higher overall GPA, and (3) maintain a GPA of 2.50 or higher in the major core content courses and the professional education courses.

If a particular course has a prerequisite that is not listed as part of the major requirements, then the prerequisite is given in italics below the course for which it is a prerequisite, and it is marked with an asterisk (*). These prerequisites must be completed IN ADDITION TO other program requirements.

Click here for a 4-year plan showing one way a student can complete the program below in 4 years if the student requires no remedial courses.

Degree Requirements: B.A. - Physical Education leading to P-12 Teaching Certification

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