Graduating athletic training majors earn 100% pass rate on exit exam

May 11, 2019

Nine graduating athletic training majors at Georgia Southern University have earned a 100% pass rate on their Board of Certification (BOC) exam. The comprehensive test covers a student’s entire education and clinical experience and must be passed in order to become a certified athletic trainer.

“I’m so proud of all of us,” said athletic training major Carli Vining. “These three years have definitely been hard, so we all feel really blessed to have succeeded. My time at Georgia Southern has been so amazing. I really do love it here and will cherish it always.”

Steve Patterson, Ed.D., director of the Athletic Training Program at Georgia Southern, said this is the first time in 10 years that a graduating class at the university has earned a 100% pass rate. The national average, he said, is around 82%.

The multiple choice, simulated question exam is a capstone test on the classroom instruction and clinical work the students go through. Those who wish to become certified athletic trainers must take the exam through an accredited program. Georgia Southern is one of five accredited programs in Georgia.  

“Watching these nine young ladies and their determination to achieve this goal has been very impressive,” said Patterson. “They have worked really hard, and it has been a great opportunity to work with them. I also believe a big component of how well they performed is the faculty here who taught them, Dr. Erin Jordan and Dr. Jessica Mutchler, as well as the clinical preceptors that play a huge role in preparing the students for this.”

Students must complete 300 hours of clinical rotations throughout each semester in addition to their normal coursework. Faculty administer mock exams throughout their studies, and students essentially begin preparing for this exam as soon as they are admitted to the program.

“Passing the BOC was an amazing feeling,” said Stephany Tourtillott. “We have worked three years for this certification and have gained numerous skills and expanded our knowledge. Georgia Southern has given me an amazing experience.”

In addition to passing the BOC exam, Patterson said graduates from the athletic training program go on to earn advanced degrees or begin work upon graduation.

“Our students have had great success following graduation furthering their education and obtaining employment in the field, and this class will be no exception to that,” he said.