WV Wesleyan College
Physical Education, Health, and Athletic Training Department
Buckhannon, WV 26201
Dr. Jeremy Sibold
(304) 473 - 8022
sibold@wvwc.edu

Department of Exercise Science

The exercise science department at WVWC serves to prepare students for a wide range of graduate study and/or careers in the fields of athletic training, health and wellness, fitness, exercise physiology, sports medicine and other allied health fields. In the department of exercise science, students may choose between degrees in Athletic Training or Exercise Science.

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science:
PHED PHED 110, 130, 140, 240, 320, 325, 338 with lab, 340, 403, PSYC 101, BIOL 151, 152; CHEM 105, 106, 107L, 108L; Clinical Internship in Exercise Science.

Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health
General Major: 38-39 semester hours, including PHED 101 (swimming) or proficiency test, PHED 130, 140, 150, 201, 219, 220, 230, 251, 252, 320, 325, 345, 349.

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training:

CAAHEP ACCREDITED ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM (ATEP)

Admission/Continuation in Athletic Training Program:
Technical Standards for Admission
The athletic training program at West Virginia Wesleyan College 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 Athletic Training Educational Program 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 (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Educational Program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted to the program.

Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the BOC exam.
Candidates for selection to the WVWC Athletic Training Educational Program must demonstrate:

1. the mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgements and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
2. sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely, and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and 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 judgements and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
4. the ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
5. the capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
6. the perseverence, diligence and commitment to complete the ATEP as outlined and sequenced.
7. flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
8. effective skills and appropriate demeanor/rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the athletic training educational program will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.
The Office of Student Development will evaluate a student who states he/she could meet the program’s technical standards with accommodation and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws.

If a student states he/she can meet the technical standards with accommodation, then the College will determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable accomodation this includes a review as to whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account whether accommodation would jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical experiences and internships deemed essential to graduation.

Although students are accepted into the College as athletic training majors, continuation in the major depends upon successful completion of specific program requirements, including in-service training sessions, observation hours, academic prerequisites, written application and interview. Admission into the program is selected and limited. The eligibility requirements below are listed in order of importance. Freshmen apply for admission to the program during the fall semester. Transfer applicants may apply during their first semester on campus. Students are accepted into the program in the spring semester and formally begin the major the following semester. Transfer students may apply by completing all materials and turning them in to the Program Director by October 1st of the fall semester and must meet all criteria listed above. Application materials must be completed and turned in to program director by February 15th of the Spring semester. Acceptance for all candidates will be provisional until grades are released for the spring semester and all criteria remain met. Candidates will be notified of their acceptance status by June 1st of each year.

Students must meet all of the following criteria for entrance into the ATEP:

1. A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
2. Completion of the following prerequisites with no grade below C (2.0): BIOL 151, 152; PHED 130, 140, 155, 160; PSYC 101.
3. Submission of a written application, including two letters of recommendation.
4. Successful completion of an interview with the athletic training faculty and clinical instructors.
5. Completion of 60 observation hours.
6. Attendance at a Universal Precautions in-service program, AHA-CPR/AED Certification in-service program (w/required certification) and proof of HBV vaccination (or initiation of the series).

If a student is not accepted into the ATEP, he/she will receive with the letter of denial, explicit explanation of any criteria that are not met and what must be met to allow re-application via petition. Those students who wish to petition for reconsideration must do so by submitting a formal letter of petition with a specific plan(s) to address any and all criteria that are lacking to the Program Director by August 1st. The petition will be reconsidered by the Program Director, Department Chair, and ATEP faculty and the student will be notified prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

Following initial acceptance into the program, the student must meet the following criteria to remain in good standing :

1. Earn no grade below a C (2.0) in the required coursework within the major and maintain a minimum of a 2.75 cumulative grade point average during the remainder of the program.
2. Demonstrate continual progress in attainment of the required clinical competencies (each semester) and minimum of 800 hours clinical fieldwork.