Limestone Enters Into Transfer Agreement Promise With Southern Wesleyan University For Master Of Science In Athletic Training Degree Program

A direct pathway into Limestone University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training degree program was recently established for qualifying students from Southern Wesleyan University.

The Transfer Admission Promise between the two institutions was signed on September 26 at the SWU campus in Central, SC. It provides early acceptance into Limestone’s Master of Science in Athletic Training degree program for those Southern Wesleyan students who meet the pre-admissions criteria.

The partnership was signed by Limestone President Dr. Darrell Parker and SWU President Dr. William Barker. Limestone was also represented by Provost Dr. Monica Baloga and Associate Provost For Online & Graduate Programs Dr. Pamela Wash. Additional representatives from Southern Wesleyan included Assistant Professor of Exercise Science Dr. John Krzyszkowski, Life Science Coordinator Dr. Michele Eller, and Professor of Biology Dr. Staci Johnson.

As part of the Transfer Admission Promise, Limestone agrees to accept annually up to two suitably qualified and duly enrolled, full-time students from Southern Wesleyan who satisfy all the required criteria.

“We are thrilled to enter into this new partnership with Southern Wesleyan University,” said Director of Athletic Training Vanessa Fulbright, who is an Assistant Professor of Athletic Training and Physical Education, and Department Chair of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University. “We are also looking forward to welcoming new Saints from Southern Wesleyan – and other institutions as well – who will be joining our master’s program.”

Limestone’s Master of Science in Athletic Training degree program received full Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) approval in 2021, paving the way for the program to launch a cohort in the summer of 2023 (Term 4).

The Master of Science in Athletic Training at Limestone will be a vigorous 60 credit-hour graduate program that takes place over 24 months in face-to-face and hybrid formats to prepare students to earn the certified athletic trainer credential.

As of this fall, becoming a certified athletic trainer requires students to graduate with a master’s from an accredited professional athletic training education program and pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification. Limestone’s undergraduate athletic training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Limestone’s undergraduate program applied to CAATE for a change in level of degree and has now been approved.

The mission of Limestone’s Master of Science in Athletic Training degree program, according to Fulbright, is to develop and foster the professional preparation of future athletic trainers. The program aims to produce competent clinicians with the ability to operate in an inter-professional environment that is founded on evidence-based principles. It encourages personal and professional growth through ethical decision making, and critical thinking underpinned by the ideals of the University.

Athletic trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians. The services provided comprise of prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Athletic Trainers work under the direction of physicians, as prescribed by state licensure statutes.

Students are provided with academic instruction and hands-on clinical experiences as well as learning alongside other healthcare professionals.

Outside of an athletic setting, a certified athletic trainer may work in a clinic, hospital, or business and provide wellness services, manual therapy, and illness prevention coaching, and teaching.

Accompany photo: Southern Wesley President Dr. William Barker (front row, left) and Limestone President Dr. Darrell Parker sign the Transfer Admission Promise. Others who were a part of the signing ceremony included (back row, left to right) SWU’s Dr. John Krzyszkowski, Dr. Michele Eller, and Dr. Staci Johnson, along with Limestone’s Dr. Monica Baloga and Dr. Pamela Wash. (Limestone University photo)