Departmnet of Kinesiology
Athletic Training Education Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What will I do my freshman year?
A: During the freshman year, you will take the prerequisite course work that will lay the foundation of your classroom experiences. This didactic learning will concentrate on areas such as basic first aid, basic injury identification, assessment and management, anatomy, physiology, and basic physical science principles in chemistry and physics. During this time, you will be required to observe and document a minimum of twenty (20) clock hours, preferably in the ECU athletic treatment center. This observational experience will allow you to see how your classroom experiences will be implemented daily through the clinical education components that will occur over the next three years.
Q: Do athletic training students get paid?
A: No. Students enrolled in clinical education will not be paid for those hours. However, students who work as first responders outside of their clinical experience will be paid for those hours, depending upon qualifications.
Q: Can I have a job while in ECU-ATEP?
A: It is highly discouraged, unless the student is able to effectively coordinate work schedules that do not interfere with clinicals. ECU-ATEP is very demanding, both of time and effort.
Q: How many hours each week am I expected to work in ECU-ATEP?
A: It depends upon the demands of the clinical site and supervisor. Ideally, athletic training students will work approximately 25 hours per week under the direction of their supervisor.
Q: Can I be an athlete and an athletic training student simultaneously?
A: Yes, but the time demands of both athletics and athletic training are extreme and often conflicting making it very difficult to do both.
Q: Do I need prior athletic training experience in order to apply?
A: No. Only the required twenty hours of observation are required. Previous experience working in athletic training is not essential. ECU-ATEP is designed to introduce you to athletic training and lead you through a learning process that will lead to mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to become an entry level ATC.