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What is Athletic Training?

Athletic training is performed by a trained, qualified athletic trainer.  An athletic trainer is a professional that specializes in the analysis, diagnosis, prevention, rehabilitation, and treatment of muscles, tendons, bones, and illness.  Athletic training degree holders learn that this discipline blends sports medicine and exercise science into a unique domain as a certified athletic trainer.

Athletic trainers have a unique set of curricula to help them prepare to help individuals and patients in the field.  Classes involved in becoming an athletic trainer may include: nutrition, biostatistics, CPR, anatomy, physiology of exercise, kinesiology, athletic training, orthopedic training, applied medicine, therapeutic modalities, rehabilitation, and reconditioning.

Students earning an undergraduate degree in athletic training are uniquely equipped to continue their education in the following arenas: athletic training, exercise science, physician assistants, nutrition, occupational therapy, wellness professions, health promotion, and physical therapy.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$47,880

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

22.59%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

24,130

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Athletic Training Degree

Boston University's Athletic Training Department allows students to combine their interests including a passion for helping people with a variety of roles and work settings. Offering a great employment outlook. The program is a rigorous, two-year, full-time program. Promoting wellness and building relationships with patients who are rehabilitating from injuries, whether acute or after surgery. Students have the chance to learn extensively from physicians, preparing for a career where collaboration with medical professionals is critical.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of Virginia's top rated Athletic Training degree prepares students to work as athletic trainers and provides a continuum of care. The program provides instruction, clinical, and research experiences to prepare students to become certified athletic trainers. It is an extensive and practical-based program. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty, who consistently produce cutting-edge contributions that continue to evolve the athletic training profession. Their curriculum is evidence-based, and clinical techniques are based on scientific research conducted by the School of Education and Human Development faculty and are field-tested.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's degree in Athletic Training provides students a focus on building expertise in the prevention and treatment of injuries, both in athletes and other populations. Through on-the-field clinical experience, challenging coursework, and access to the nation's top researchers and medical practitioners. Students are prepared for the Board of Certification Examination and a fulfilling allied health career. After completing the program, graduates will receive an Athletic Training degree and meet the requirements to sit for the Board of Certification Examination.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of Texas at Austin's Athletic Training major prepares students for a career as an athletic trainer. The program is fitted for individuals who are interested in continuing their education in general medicine, sports, medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other healthcare professions. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The institution is a flagship university within the University of Texas System.

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The University of Florida's major in Athletic Training helps students develop outstanding entry-level professionals who will be contributing members to the profession of athletic training. Through their integration of balanced course work, intensive hands-on laboratory sessions, and excellent clinical experiences students will become proficient in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses for the physically active. The program prepares students for professional work in secondary schools, colleges, and universities. Their clinical education and academic opportunities allow students to engage in scholarship and professional development.

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Miami's Athletic Training major is a graduate professional program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program is designed to provide a structured classroom and clinical experience to prepare students to become eligible to sit for the Board of Certification exam. The institution has an instructor to student ratio of 1:3, providing clinical immersion experiences, it is a recognized research university, and it has a beautiful campus. The institution provides a variety of program options for students to aid them in their growth and development.          

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Baptist Bible College and Seminary's Athletics graduates are equipped with biblical knowledge and scholarship, faith and commitment, community and global awareness. The institution provides rigorous learning of biblical truth to real-life challenges. Nurturing their relationship with God above all else and responding unequivocally to God's call on their lives. Students engage a diverse global society, evangelizing and ministering both in and through the local church.

Acceptance Rate

40.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Florida State University's Athletic Training degree prepares students for graduate study in athletic training, physical therapy, physician assistant, and medicine. The program is ideal for students interested in gaining clinical experience with injury prevention, recognition, and immediate care, rehabilitation, health care management, and professional development in a sports medicine environment. Students have opportunities to complete clinical rotations in a variety of settings and work with diverse patient populations. Clinical experience is gained on and off-campus and includes the institution's athletic department, local high schools, and medical clinics.

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The University of Georgia's master’s degree in Athletic Training transforms students to become athletic trainers who prevent, evaluate, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate emergent, acute, and chronic injuries and illnesses in direct collaboration with a physician. They are employed in a variety of settings that benefit other people in need. The program prepares students to become highly skilled and confident healthcare practitioners in the profession of athletic training capable of practice in a variety of clinical settings. Students who complete the program in the Athletic training program will be eligible to take the Board of Certification Examination.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

George Washington University's BS in Athletic Training provides prospective students with athletic training-related courses that are useful for a career in the field. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. Students who complete the program are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. The institution is a highly diversified research university and encourages economic and social development as well as community involvement through its experiment stations and programs in public service and technology transfer.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Texas Christian University's Athletic Training degree has both a didactic and clinical component. Students are educated to provide comprehensive patient care in five domains of clinical practice. Upon completing the program, graduates become eligible for national certification by completing the Board of Certification. The institution allows students to choose which major is right for them and it offers an urban setting for students to study in college

Acceptance Rate

47.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Marist College's degree in Athletic Training provides students with a strong scientific foundation and extensive practical experience they need to become Certified Athletic Trainers. The program offers students the knowledge of health care concerned with prevention, recognition, care, management, and rehabilitation of injury and illness in physically active populations. Athletic trainers work as part of a comprehensive sports medicine team that includes physicians, physical therapists, and other health-care professionals. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the certification examination administered by the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC).         

Acceptance Rate

49.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Connecticut's major in Athletic Training is committed to providing students with a well-rounded educational experience. The program offers them the chance to learn and interact with faculty in the areas of exercise science, athletic training, and physical therapy. Their faculty includes nationally renowned experts in exertional heat illnesses, hydration, sports nutrition, injury prevention/biomechanics, neuromuscular control, exercise physiology, physical therapy, and work/life balance. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Baylor University's Athletic Training program (ATP) leads to a Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree. The MAT program is a professional athletic program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Students enrolled in the ATP will gain first-hand learning experiences with university-sponsored athletic teams as well as other off-campus clinical sites. The institution offers an assortment of program options allowing students to choose which major is right for their respective career.   

Acceptance Rate

45.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Stony Brook University's Athletic Training major is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program is a full-time, two-year, entry-level professional graduate program leading to a Master's of Science degree. Students receive comprehensive professional preparation to direct them to the development of specified competencies. The curriculum prepares them for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination.

Acceptance Rate

44.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Ohio State University's Athletic Training degree program transforms students to become healthcare professionals who render service or treatment. The program has competitive and comprehensive training complete with extensive clinical fieldwork. With an athletic training degree, students can look forward to a great, flexible career along with plenty of advancement and further educational opportunities. Students put their knowledge into practice with daily hands-on, real-world experiences. The institution is known for preparing graduates for the career demands of the real world.

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

California State University-Long Beach's Master of Science in Athletic Training prepares students for a career as a certified athletic trainer. Athletic Trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize the activity and participation of patients and clients. The program is recognized by the American Medical Association as a healthcare profession. The institution offers an entry-level athletic training program that after completion, students would be eligible to take the Board of Certification exam to become certified athletic trainers.

Acceptance Rate

39.27

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

San Diego State University's Athletic Training Department transforms students to become certified athletic trainers. They are an integral part of an athletic program at the high school, university, professional, or club level. They also work in clinical settings such as sports medicine clinics, military based clinics, and industrial sports medicine centers. The institution is a highly-regarded research university in the United States.

Acceptance Rate

34.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

The University of South Florida's Athletic Training is one of only a few, in the United States, to be anchored within a medical college and the first program of its kind in the country to be housed in a department of orthopedics. The program aims to prepare students for personal and professional success while setting the standard for excellence in Athletic training and Sports Medicine nationwide. The Athletic Training degree at USF is designed for students to have a successful career s an athletic trainer, educated, and experienced in the management of healthcare problems associated with the physically active. Graduates establish successful careers as athletic trainers in secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports programs, sports medicine, and other athletic health care settings.

Acceptance Rate

47.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

The University of Tulsa's Athletic Training major is designed so that students can complete a standalone master's degree or an accelerated Bachelor of Science in EXSS and the Master of Athletic Training degree in a total of five years. The program is an allied health field recognized by the American Medical Association. Certified Athletic trainers specialized in the prevention, recognition/evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning of injuries due to physical activity. The institution is a nonprofit private university and provides a large number of degree programs for students.

Acceptance Rate

35.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Chapman University's major in Athletic Training aims to provide student-athletes with personalized attention and quality medical care that promotes a healthy lifestyle as well as safe and effective athletic participation. Stimulating intellectual growth and develop practical skills that will lead to the maturation of the athletic training student into a quality health care professional. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute and chronic medical conditions. Athletic trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize the activity and participation of patients and client's age and care continuums.

Acceptance Rate

55.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of Central Florida's Master of Athletic Training combines face-to-face learning with hands-on lab experiences, active research, and a diverse clinical component. Combining excellence in evidence-based, patient-focused education, the latest technologies available, and outstanding clinical affiliations. The program fully prepares graduates to take and pass the comprehensive Board of Certification (BOC) exam and start their careers as athletic trainers. It incorporates the Curricular Content Standards set forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Acceptance Rate

44.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

30:1

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides academic resources on campus that are among the finest in the world. Their faculty is comprised of talented and highly respected instructors. Students have access to thousands of computer terminals in classrooms, residence halls, and campus libraries for use in classroom instruction, study, and research. The institution is the largest and oldest campus in the University of Illinois system.  Learn more about the robust academic programs at UI today by requesting admissions information.

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Texas A&M University's Master of Science in Athletic Training is a competitive entry CAATE accredited professional-level program. The program is for students who wish to pursue athletic training credentials by the Board of Certification (BOC) and pursue a career as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). Their faculty is highly committed to their student's success. Offering hands-on clinical experiences at a variety of clinical education sites with diverse patient populations.

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

SUNY College at Cortland's Athletic Training major is one of the first universities in New York state to offer a graduate program in athletic training. Students discover extensive hands-on clinical experience in a variety of settings. Their athletic training courses are taught by practicing athletic trainers. The Kinesiology Department prides itself on the personal approach faculty members take with graduate students. The institution places a special emphasis on preparing athletic trainers to be the best at their profession.

Acceptance Rate

46.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Difference Between an Athletic Trainer and Personal Trainer

The primary differences between an athletic trainer and personal trainer come down to areas of specialty and education requirements. A personal trainer is focused on the development of exercise regiments and fitness programs of physically able clients in a customer-facing environment. Typical requirements for a personal trainer is a recommended 4-year degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or similar field.

An athletic trainer, on the other hand, must have a bachelors degree or graduate degree in athletic training or similar plus an active license in their state of residence. Athletic trainers are equipped to assess, evaluate, diagnose, and treat sports-related injuries and reconditioning plans for athletes and clients.

How to Become an Athletic Trainer?

Athletic training students must follow a series of steps that are built upon one another that are detailed below. The process is critical to follow as variations can exist from state to state which makes research and detail orientation critical to the process. The steps to become an athletic trainer generally include the following:

Step 1 – Research Accredited Colleges

The initial phase to starting a career start with an accredited athletic training college. The best university for you is a personal choice as it must align with your professional goals and objectives. To help determine what is best for you, start by reading our guide to help reduce college costs and other highly acclaimed eBooks.

Researching accredited colleges, utilize the key data on this portal and our advanced search tools. Our exclusive matching portal and undergraduate degree finder tools can help automate the process to expedite the process.

Step 2 – Apply to College

After collecting admissions information from colleges, you will need to apply to colleges or universities offering athletic trainer programs. Invest time to fully understand the schools curricular approach, undergraduate degrees, program requirements, financial aid package, and student services.

During your college application process, illuminate all training and sports related work experience and applicable extracurricular activities in detail. The extra effort will help best encapsulate you in an effort to stand out from other applicants.

Step 3 – Attend School

After deciding on your top college, you will need to complete the schools orientation process and get registered for classes in athletic training. Bachelor degree programs in university athletic training are generally 4-year programs while masters degrees are 2-3 years in addition to an approved undergraduate degree.

Step 4 – Graduate, Exams, Licensure, Certification, & Work

Upon graduating from an accredited college or university with your athletic training degree, you will want to begin gaining valuable work experience in the field. Many states require athletic training graduates to be licensed and/or certified. General requirements are to earn an undergraduate bachelors degree or masters degree from an accredited college or university and pass all applicable state-mandated examinations. By meeting both requirements, professional athletic training candidates will be eligible for state licensing.

Step 5 – Continuing Education

Most states require athletic trainers to complete a series of continuing education credits or continuing education hours perpetually. Adopting a mentality of being a lifelong learner will help prepare you for continual learning and upskill opportunities in the athletic training clinical field.

Step 6 – Earn a Graduate Degree

To maximize your career opportunities in athletic training within private entities or colleges, many students elect to earn a masters degree in athletic training online or in class. Specific training in athletic training, exercise physiology, and sports medicine will help practitioners go deeper and wider in an ever-expanding field of study.

Best Athletic Training Education

A degree in athletic training prepares an individual with the skills and knowledge necessary to deal with physical injury from broken bones to muscle sprains. Athletic trainers are usually the first to deal with injuries and work with children, soldiers, professionals, and amateur athletes.

Trainer athletic training must include at least an undergraduate bachelor's degree and typically require some form of state license in order to work within the state. Athletic trainers are also responsible for injury prevention, either by educating individuals or by recognizing risks and assisting in minimization. A typical curriculum in athletic training may include:

Athletic trainers work under the auspices of a physician, and often consult with physicians for treatment recommendations. Within a sports environment, athletic trainers will treat individuals as directed by a physician. Additionally, trainers are typically the first on the field to treat the injured. The role of the athletic trainer extends beyond sports, having uses on the battle field for the military, on-site at schools, and gyms of all sizes.

Top Courses for Athletic Trainers

A list of top colleges offering athletic training can quickly be found below. The best colleges in athletic training is direct correlation to your priorities and educational goals more so than any media outlet pushing magazine subscriptions or website promoting timeshare investments.

In other words, finding a college that is best for you can only be determined by you. Our goal at MatchCollege is to help you find the program that is best for you by providing quality information. Take the time to read our college admissions guide and how to get into your top college today. Additionally, you can request information from top colleges found on this page or by utilizing our proprietary matching system for traditional programs or online athletic training degree.

Employment for Athletic Trainers

The minimum education necessary to become an athletic trainer is an undergraduate degree and preferably an bachelor's degree. However an athletic training master degree will open up more opportunities and increase the likelihood of promotion. State licensure is necessary to operate as an athletic trainer and the requirements are different for each state. Interested individuals should research their state requirements when preparing for a career as an athletic trainer. The Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainers (BOC ATC) is a great place to start. This organization helps you quickly visualize the states that require athletic training licensing, certification, and registration.

How Much Do Athletic Trainers Make?

Athletic trainers make an above average income based on the most recent data gathered from the BLS. In fact, the median annual income of an athletic trainer is currently $46,630 with the top 10% earning $69,180 a year and the bottom ten percent earning just over thirty thousand dollars a year.

As a reminder, experience, location, and employment arrangement can play a large role in one's salary. Job growth for athletic trainers is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade to the tune of 23%. Given the average growth for all jobs of 6%, athletic trainers should have ample vocations to pursue. The rapid growth can be attributed to population growth, access to quality health care, the growing role of athletic trainers, and the increased interest in preventative health care.

Top Paying States for Athletic Trainers

  1. District of Columbia $67,550
  2. New Jersey $58,180
  3. Connecticut $57,140
  4. Nevada $57,110
  5. Texas $53,620

States with the Highest Employment of Athletic Trainers

  1. Texas
  2. Pennsylvania
  3. California
  4. New York
  5. Ohio

Top Employers of Athletic Trainers

  1. Colleges and Universities
  2. Health Practitioners
  3. Medical and Surgical Hospitals
  4. Training Facilities
  5. Public Schools

Resources for Athletic Trainers

Individuals interested in athletic training may also be interested in occupational therapy, physical therapy, kinesiology, exercise physiology, or music therapy. As the largest national association in the training industry, NATA may be a organization worth researching. Students and seasoned professionals have the opportunity to network, learn about the industry, and share vocational insights via a common organization.

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