Admissions Information

The Athletic Training Program at MCLA is a competitive program that admits both freshman and transfer students. The Athletic Training Program consists of two parts; a pre-clinical (observation) portion and a clinical education portion. Entering freshman wishing to enter the pre-clinical portion of the Athletic Training Program must be admitted to the college and be enrolled in ATTR 101 and ATTR 221.

Any student wishing to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training at MCLA must enter the clinical education portion of the Athletic Training Program. The clinical education portion of the program must be completed over a minimum of two academic years (four semesters). Students must be in good academic standing and complete a formal application into the clinical education portion of the program.

Requirements for Admission to Clinical Education Portion

Students interested in applying for entrance into the clinical education portion of the Athletic Training Program must meet the following pre-requisites:

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
  • Successful completion of ATTR 220-Introduction to Athletic Training I, ATTR 100- Observation in Athletic Training I, BIOL 150- Introduction to Biology, and PHED 120- Emergency Medical Response with a minimum combined GPA of 2.5
  • Completion of 50 observation hours under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer
  • Completed technical standards form
  • Documentation of a physical examination, including a medical history and immunizations consistent with the requirements from MCLA's Health Services Office
  • Completed clinical education application packet (provided by the Director of Athletic Training Education)

Clinical Education Application Process

The application process for admission into the clinical education portion is a competitive process for a limited number of clinical education assignments. Students who intend to apply for the clinical education portion of the Athletic Training Program must complete and submit a formal application and associated materials to the Athletic Training Program Admissions Committee at the end of February (check with the Director of Athletic Training Education for the specific date). The Athletic Training Program Admissions Committee will evaluate each application and make an admissions decision based on a weighted assessment of the required application materials.

Clinical education application essa 0-20 points
Admission Committee interview 0-80 points
Applicatoin, letters of recommendation and GPA 0-100 points
Observation experience assessment 0-100 points
  _______/300 total points


Subsequent to the evaluation by the Athletic Training Program Admission Committee, students will be given one of three decisions.

  • Accepted
  • Accepted on probation
  • Denied admittance

Students will be notified of their status prior to the advising period for the following semester, so necessary classes and actions can be taken.

Clinical Education Application Packet Materials

Students applying for admissions to the clinical education portion of the Athletic Training Program must submit the following materials in late February (check with the Director of Athletic Training Education for the specific date).

  • Completed clinical education application form
  • 2 completed recommendation forms- recommendations from relatives will not be accepted
  • Documentation of at least 50 hours of athletic training observation
  • Completed observation evaluation forms
  • Copy of CPR/AED and First Aid certification card
  • Completed technical standards form
  • Completed release of information waiver
  • Completed physical examination and immunizations
  • Clinical education application essay- answering the following questions:
    • Why did you choose the athletic training major at MCLA?
    • What are your primary career goals?
    • What attributes do you possess that will make you successful in achieving your career goals?

Clinical Education Retention

Students that gain acceptance into the clinical education portion of the Athletic Training Program must meet specific criteria to maintain satisfactory progress toward their Bachelor degree in Athletic Training at MCLA including:

  • Demonstrate minimal competency in required psychomotor skills during each clinical assignment
  • Demonstrate minimal clinical proficiency in required module assignments during each clinical assignments
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA
  • Maintain a minimum combined 2.5 GPA in required Athletic Training major classes
  • Participate in annual OSHA/Bloodborne pathogen training
  • Maintain current CPR/AED certification

Students' progress in the clinical education portion of the Athletic Training Program will be evaluated at the conclusion of each academic semester by the Athletic Training faculty. Students that do not meet the minimum standards will be further evaluated by the Athletic Training Program Admissions Committee and may be placed on probation or dismissed from the clinical education portion of the program. 

For probation, the Athletic Training Program Admission Committee will determine the length of probation and specific criteria deemed necessary to remediate in a contract form. The length of probation and specific criteria will be determined on an individual basis. Students that are dismissed from the clinical education portion are allowed to re-apply for the program at a later date and according to the Athletic Training Program Clinical Education Application Process.