The increasing growth of fitness, sport, and wellness programs continues to create a need for well-trained professionals able to assume and handle multiple roles in organizations. To meet these challenging roles individuals must be trained to think critically, communicate effectively, work well as a team member, utilize the latest technologies, and be competent in their field of study.

The Department of Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences was developed to accentuate and provide collaboration opportunities for students and faculty in three well-established programs. These distinct programs produce graduates well prepared to be successful in a highly competitive workplace. The programs include majors in athletic training and exercise science and a minor in adapted physical activity. All three programs provide extensive opportunities for hands-on experiences in actual worksites through internships/practica.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science
Major: Exercise Science (60 credits)

“My educational experience in the Exercise Science Department has been one of positive influences and excellent mentoring. This positive environment motivated me to pursue my master’s degree here at SRU.”

Dennis Bowers
Slippery Rock University Graduate Student

The Exercise Science program is the first to be nationally accredited by the American Society of Exercise Physiologists. This major is designed to prepare students to serve as fitness/exercise specialists in a variety of physical fitness/health promotion programs. The theoretical coursework is concentrated in the areas of exercise physiology, physical fitness assessment and fitness/wellness programming. These specialized courses are supplemented by foundation courses selected from the natural and behavioral sciences. Practical application and experience is provided through fieldwork at the Russell Wright Fitness Center, located on the campus of Slippery Rock University. The culminating experience is a full-time internship in one of approximately 75 quality programs, which have cooperative agreements with the university. The internship sites are selected through careful advisement to provide the best possible experiences for students in either corporate, hospital, commercial or community settings. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to attend regional and national professional meetings, be active participants in the Exercise Science Society, and assist faculty in research projects and activities.
Employment opportunities are available in YMCA’s, corporate fitness and health promotion programs, wellness centers, health spas and fitness clubs and various clinical and rehabilitative centers.

Required Courses

Exercise Science Core Courses (21 credits): ERS 100, 264, 273, 351, 375, 376, 377
Specialization Area Courses (30 credits): AHEA 424, ERS 450, 474, 475, 484, 493, 561
Liberal Studies Courses (9 credits): PHYS 201, BIOL 216, 217

Policy for Admission into the Exercise Science Major
University acceptance to pursue the Exercise Science major does not guarantee admission into the exercise science program. Formal application to the Exercise Science major must be completed by the student according to the following procedures:

1. It is the student’s responsibility to submit an Application to the Major form to the Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences Department Chair’s Office (115 West Gym) during the semester in which he/she is enrolled and would earn a total of 48 credit hours.
   
2. The application must be submitted by December 1st in the fall and May 1st in the spring.
   
3. Entering transfers from other universities with earned credits beyond 48 hours have a one-semester grace period.
   
4. On or before the beginning of the following semester students will receive notification of acceptance or denial to the major according to the following:
   
   1. Acceptance
      The student has fulfilled all major requirements listed on the Degree Audit Report (DARS) in the section “Prerequisites For Admission to Exercise Science Program” and has an overall and major QPA of 2.5 or higher. Once the student has been accepted into the Exercise Science major, it will take the student at least three semesters to complete the curriculum plus a 12-credit internship.
      
   2. First Denial
      Not fulfilling the requirements as stated above will result in a first denial. Failure to submit an application will also result in a first denial. Students who are denied for the first time are not permitted to take upper level Exercise Science coded courses. Students must reapply for a second time the following semester.
      
   3. Second Denial
      If students do not meet the requirements again, they are denied the second time. Failure to submit an application will also result in a second denial. In the case of a second denial, students are not retained in the major and their major is changed to Exploratory. Students are not permitted to reapply to the Exercise Science major for one year following a second denial. If after one year the student has an overall QPA of 2.5, he/she may reapply and repeat the application process as stated previously.

Policy for Retention in the Exercise Science Major
Students who are admitted into the program must maintain a major and overall QPA of 2.5 or higher. Students are not permitted to do their internships unless they have met QPA standards. Failure to maintain academic standards will result in a one-semester probation in which the student must remedy QPA deficiencies. If the necessary QPA requirements are not attained after one semester of probation, the student will be removed from the program.

Policy for Changing to the Exercise Science Major
Any student changing their major to Exercise Science must have an overall QPA of 2.5 or higher.

Degree Completion in 4 Years
Exercise Science (BS)

Freshman Year	Hours		Sophomore Year	Hours
ERS 100, 264	6		ERS 273, 375	6
ENGL 101, 103	6		COMM 200	3
PESM 141	1		PHYS 201	3
PESM ACTIVITY	1		BIOL 216 or 217	3
Liberal Studies/Electives	18		Liberal Studies/Electives	15
Total Hours	32		Total Hours	30
Junior Year	Hours		Senior Year	Hours
ERS 351	3		ERS 287 (4)	3
ERS 376	3		ERS 427	3
ERS 377	3		ERS 375	3
ERS 474	3		Liberal/Free Electives	6
BIOL 216 or 217	3		ERS 450	12
AHEA 424	3		Liberal Studies/Electives	4
Liberal Studies/Electives	12
Total Hours	30		Total Hours	28
			Completion Hours	120

Program in Athletic Training

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training
Major: Athletic Training (63 credits)

“My educational experiences at SRU have enabled me to not just succeed in my professional career, but to excel in all aspects of my profession. Slippery Rock has laid the solid foundation on what I build upon daily. Without that foundation I would not be where I am today.”

Kevin Kotsko ’95
Clinical Instructor/Assistant Athletic Trainer
West Virginia University

The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) prepares selected under-graduate students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide care to athletes and the physically active within the six domains of athletic training practice. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits the athletic training education program upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Athletic Training (JRC-AT). Students fulfilling the total 120 credit hours of academic program requirements will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training.

Athletic training students are active, dues-paying members of the SRU Athletic Training Association, National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association (EATA), and Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS). They frequently attend the annual conferences of those professional organizations and participate in various field trips, professional medical affiliations, surgical observations, and physicians’ clinics. SRU sponsors a unique accelerated ATEP that graduates athletic training students in December of their senior (fourth) year. This is accomplished with a highly structured curriculum that is sequenced over three and a half (3.5) years or seven (7) semesters including six (6) required credits of therapeutic exercise in the summer between the student’s sophomore (second) and junior (third) years. This “accelerated” program allows our athletic training students to graduate a semester early, sit for the NATABOC examination before their counterparts at other universities and be more competitive for graduate assistantships, jobs and seats in other medical preparation programs.

Students enrolled in the ATEP take Practicum in Athletic Training (ERS 387) four times over four consecutive semesters to total 12 credits. This is the equivalent of a 12-credit internship. Instead of doing all coursework and then completing an internship, the athletic training student participates in his or her clinical experience under the direct supervision of an approved certified athletic trainer or other medical professional while taking the relevant coursework. Thus, there is immediate opportunity for application of theory to practice. Although most of the clinical experience takes place on-campus with SRU’s certified athletic trainers and varsity athletic teams, all athletic training students will be required to spend at least one rotation off-campus with one of our approved certified athletic trainers at an affiliate site. Athletic training students are required to provide their own transportation to and from the affiliate site. Students are responsible for the cost of required uniforms and student liability insurance during the clinical experience. Many athletic training students have pursued external internships with the support of the faculty and staff. Some of these include internships with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World in Orlando, FL. Rock athletic training students are some of the most successful students in being awarded NATA and EATA sponsored scholarships.

Policy for Application to the Athletic Training Program
University acceptance to pursue the athletic training emphasis does NOT guarantee admission into the ATEP program.

Technical Standards for the SRU Athletic Training Education Program
The ATEP at Slippery Rock University is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the ATEP establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency (CAAHEP). All students must meet the following abilities and expectations. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards the student will not be admitted to the program.

Compliance with the programs technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the NATABOC certification examination.

Candidates for selection to the ATEP must demonstrate:

1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
   
2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examination using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during assessments and the treatment of patients.
   
3. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes but is not limited to the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak with English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
   
4. The ability to record the physical examination results and treatment plan clearly and accurately.
   
5. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
   
6. The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the Athletic Training Education Program as outlined and sequenced.
   
7. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
   
8. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the ATEP will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards.

The Office of Social Equity will evaluate a student who states he/she could meet the program’s technical standards as outlined in the Office of Social Equity policies.

The number of seats in the program is limited because of the faculty-to-student ratio recommended by the NATA. Formal application for the athletic training education program must be completed by March of the student’s freshman (first) year on campus. Students who have been selected in the ATEP officially begin the program during the sophomore (second) year. Formal application for admission consideration requires the following evidence:

1. Completion of ERS 107 (Introduction to Athletic Training) at Slippery Rock University with a minimum grade of “B.”
   
2. A cumulative QPA of 2.750 or above in athletic training emphasis courses and overall.
   
3. Completion of 50 hours of athletic training observation under a NATABOC athletic trainer (these 50 hours may be accumulated with the start of the fall semester of the students first year on campus). The 50 hours must also be verified by the supervising ATC being observed. Licensed physical therapists who also hold the ATC credential may be observed as well.
   
4. Active membership in the Slippery Rock University Athletic Trainers’ Association.
   
5. Letter of application/intent, resume, and SRU transcript.
   
6. Letter of recommendation from the NATABOC athletic trainer who supervised the athletic training observation.
   
7. 500-word essay explaining “Why I want to become an athletic trainer.”

Applicants will be ranked on the basis of QPA. Top ranked applicants will be scheduled for a personal interview. Final admission decisions will be made on the basis of academic, personal, and professional qualifications as evidenced by the student application materials and interview responses. Students will be notified of admission decisions by the end of the freshman (first) year. Because the number of applicants may exceed the available seats, meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program

Policy for Retention in the Athletic Training Program
Students who are admitted into the program are required to maintain or exceed a cumulative QPA and a final emphasis QPA of 2.750 throughout the remaining three years of the ATEP. Satisfactory clinical performance is also required. Additionally, students may not accumulate more than two grades of C or less in athletic training professional courses taught within the Department of Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences. Failure to maintain academic and clinical requirements will result in program probation and possible removal from the program as outlined in the SRU athletic training education program Policy and Procedure Manual.

Upon the recommendation of the faculty, the student on probation will be granted one semester to correct academic and/or clinical deficiencies. Students will not be permitted to pursue additional athletic training clinical experiences while on probation. If the academic and/or clinical deficiencies are not corrected to the satisfaction of the faculty and staff after the one semester of probation, the student will be formally suspended from the program.

Requirements for Athletic Training
ERS 107, 217, 264, 277 (taken two times), 317, 327, 337, 347, 351, 357, 375, 387 (taken 4 times), 407, 427, AHEA 101, 424, PSYC 105, 321, PHYS 201, MATH 114, BIOL 216, 217, CEDP 248, PESM 270.

Students who meet all of the program requirements are eligible to take the NATABOC certification examination administered by the NATABOC. Slippery Rock University graduates obtaining NATABOC certification are eligible for certification by the Pennsylvania State Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine.

Transfer Students and Upperclassmen
Because this program requires 3.5 full years (seven semesters and one summer) of coursework and clinical experience in a structured and sequenced curriculum, transfer students and upperclassmen declaring a major in athletic training are placed at the freshman level in the program. As for all other students, transfer students and upperclassmen must complete the above application process and coursework.

Degree Completion in 3.5 Years
Athletic Training (BS)

Freshman Year	Hours		Sophomore Year	Hours
ERS 107	6		ERS 217	3
ERS 264	6		ERS 277 (1)	3
AHEA 101	6		BIOL 216	3
PSYC 105	3		ERS 337	3
CEDP 248	3		ERS 277 (2)	3
MATH 114	3		ERS 387 (1)	3
Liberal Studies/Electives	16		BIOL 217	3
			Liberal Studies/Electives	9
Total Hours	34		Total Hours	30
Summer	Hours
ERS 347	3
ERS 357	3
Total Hours	6
Junior Year	Hours		Senior Year	Hours
ERS 317	3		ERS 387 (4)	3
ERS 327	3		ERS 427	3
ERS 387 (2)	3		ERS 375	3
PHYS 201	3		AHEA 424	3
ERS 387 (3)	3		Liberal Studies/Electives	3
ERS 407	3
ERS 351	3
PSYCH 321	3
PESM 270	3
Liberal Studies/Electives	8
Total Hours	35		Total Hours	15
			Completion Hours	120

Minor in Adapted Physical Activity

“I cannot imagine the last four years of my life without the incredible experiences
of this minor. Not only was it an incredible learning experience; but it was an unforgettable experience of what it means to touch peoples’ lives and be touched back in the best possible way and that is through the heart.”

Marla Aron ‘02

The Adapted Physical Activity program is a minor designed to prepare students in exercise science, teacher education, therapeutic recreation, and athletic training programs to assess, develop, implement, and evaluate programs of physical education and fitness exercise for individuals with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are two federal laws that provide access and education to all walks of life for people with disabilities. This will result in an increase of participation and subsequent knowledge for planning appropriate programs for individuals with disabilities.

Employers in school districts, fitness agencies, and sport organizations are actively recruiting individuals with experience working with people with disabilities. Graduates of the program have been extremely successful securing jobs in their chosen fields or receiving acceptance into graduate programs in adapted physical activity, physical therapy, or other related professions.

Students will acquire knowledge and skills through a comprehensive program of class and practical experiences in this 24-credit program. Students can also take advantage of participating in state and national conferences, developing grant writing skills and supervisory roles in one or more of the community service-learning practical programs.

Requirements for the Minor in Adapted Physical Activity and Rehabilitation (24 credits)

Theory Core Courses: ERS 165, 235, 261, 265, 267, 275, 358, 368, 465, 466