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What Is Athletic Training?

Athletic training is a health-care profession specializing in the clinical diagnosis, immediate management, treatment and rehabilitation of acute, chronic, or congenital musculoskeletal conditions. 

Athletic trainers (ATs) are best known for providing health care services to high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. ATs also work in performing arts, orthopedic clinics, industrial settings, the military, and hospitals. If you are considering a career in health care and enjoy working with a physically active population, athletic training could be the career for you.

How Do You Become an Athletic Trainer?

To become an athletic trainer, students must complete a bachelor’s degree and apply to the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program. To practice as an AT, you must pass a national certification examination and obtain licensure in the state you want to practice.

You should apply to the program during the last year of your undergraduate degree: Graduate Athletic Training Program Prerequisites

What Bachelor’s Degree Should You Take?

We recommend students complete the Exercise Physiology: Pre-Athletic Training Track (BS8178). This major will set you up for the best success in the MSAT program. However, other undergraduate majors may be acceptable. Contact the Professional Program Director for individualized advising.

See a sample four-year curriculum: B.S. in Exercise Physiology Pre-Athletic Training Curriculum

Students interested in pursuing a MSAT are encouraged to register for the pre-AT learning community when signing up for learning communities. This provides you with an opportunity to interact with athletic training faculty and learn about pursuing athletic training at the master's level while also developing skills on how to be successful in college.

Early Assurance Program for High School Seniors

91̽»¨ Athletic Training selects outstanding high school seniors to participate in the 91̽»¨ Athletic Training Early Assurance Program (EAP). High school seniors who are admitted to 91̽»¨ will be invited to apply to the program.

Additional programmatic information: Professional Master of Science in Athletic Training Early Assurance Program (EAP)

Please visit our How to Apply for the Athletic Training Early Assurance Program for more information on applying to the EAP Program.

Accelerated Graduate Program (3+2)

91̽»¨ students in the exercise physiology – pre-athletic training major can complete the bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.

Student will complete the plan of study and will be eligible to apply for the athletic training program during their third year to begin during the fourth year.

Students will apply directly with the submitting the following:

• Official Transcripts
• Observation hours
• Personal Statement
• Two letters of recommendation