Athletic Training/Trainer

Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals—despite the somewhat misleading title, they don’t actually train athletes. The curriculum will focus on recognizing internal and external injuries to assess, treat, and teach prevention of athletic injuries. Available primarily at the baccalaureate and master levels, there are also options at the doctoral level. 

Previously, all that was required to become certified by the Board of Certifications (BOC) was a baccalaureates degree. Recently, the AT Strategic Alliance decided that a master’s degree will be the minimum professional degree level, which will be implemented in 2022. Programs must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, or CAATE, to sit for the certification exam, which is required to become an Athletic Trainer. 

Baccalaureate

Most programs will include an even mix of academic courses and hands-on clinical experience under supervision. The curriculum will begin with human anatomy and recognition of an injury and lead into medical ethics, bandaging and strapping, acute care of injury and illness, and emergency response. Athletic Trainer programs often include classes on coaching in an effort to understand where injuries may stem from and why coaches have athletes do certain exercises or drills. 

Master Level 

A Master in Athletic Training will likely delve deeper into the above-listed topics but will also cover psychosocial strategies and referrals, therapeutic interventions, and prevention and health promotion. On top of the academic and hands-on clinical experience, many master’s level programs will include a research component. Again, certification by CAATE is crucial to become certified. 

Certification

The BOC licensure is accepted by all Athletic Trainer state regulatory agencies. Currently, 49 states and the District of Columbia require licensure. Only California does not regulate licenses for Athletic Trainers. 

While the standard career path for graduates with a degree or degrees in athletic trainer is Athletic Trainer, there are a number of different environments that ATs can work in, including: intercollegiate athletics, hospital emergency room departments, law enforcement and military, occupational and industrial settings, performing arts centers, physician offices, professional sports, secondary schools, and sports medicine clinics. 

The average salary for an Athletic Trainer falls between $40,869 and $50,371. 

 Doctorate

Doctoral degrees in Athletic Training are offered at a few institutions, though not many. They are primarily research based and are indicative of remaining in academia. 

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Colleges

University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

The University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez is a state institution also known as Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez. Classes at UPRM are primarily taught in Spanish, and students are required to have a moderate understanding of English as well in order...

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This university has great professors, beautiful agricultural research stations and amazing architecture. It is in the west side of the island where the best beaches are. People are friendly and helpful, this campus is the best.

” – Laura from Puerto Rico
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Originally founded as a teacher’s college in 1890, Valley City State University is an institution specializing in training future educators along with 80 other undergraduate programs. US News & World Report named VCSU the number one public regional...

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Students are encouraged to be diligent. The teachers are sensitive to cultural differences, know their subjects well, and communicate effectively. Each class teaches valuable life skills related to the subject of study.

” – Amy from Orlando, FL
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Independence Community College is a 2-year institution with two campuses in southeast Kansas offering 35 associate degrees and 11 certificates. ICC’s theater arts program provides more classroom interaction with guest artists than any other Kansas...

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Central Wyoming College is a 2-year community college with a main campus and three distance learning sites. Among CWC’s 36 academic degree and certificate programs, the Expedition Science department utilizes the college’s location by organizing field...

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This past year I was very impressed with the professors and how they were teaching their classes. They each had their own way of explaining and doing different things, but each got their point across very effectively. This small class atmosphere and...

” – Challis from Kinnear, WY
Long Island University

Named for breakfast cereal magnate C.W. Post, LIU Post is a private school on Long Island’s north shore and the largest campus of Long Island University. LIU Post grants bachelor’s degrees in over 50 academic majors. In addition, LIU Post is home to...

“…

LIU Post is an exquisite school equipped with a full recreational center, gourmet food, and a club for everybody. Like all schools the work is diifficult but there are upperclass tutors and teachers available to assist in any problems you may have. I...

” – Khadija from Brooklyn, NY
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The Dominican College of Blauvelt is a private, 4-year institution established in Orangeburg, New York. Dominican College is situated in a suburb just 17 miles outside of New York City, giving students the opportunity to access everything the city...

Linfield University

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“…

The quality of education at Linfield is rich and diverse. The student body has very unique and open ways of thinking, making learning limitless and creative. The programs are somewhat limited, but not by much, and if Linfield does have a liberal arts...

” – Rachel from McMinnville, OR
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Southern Arkansas University is a 4-year institution with a main campus in Magnolia. SAU offers a variety of majors, including the only computer game and animation design program in the state, and also features an Honors College for enhanced academic...

“…

This is the most helpful place I have ever been. Wether I am getting good news, or bad news SAU is always there to answer any question I may have. There are no waiting lists and no phone wait tone. I love being a student at Southern Arkansas...

” – No name woman
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Clarks Summit University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in South Abington Township, Pennsylvania. All full-time undergraduate students are required to attend chapel in a punctual manner. CSU’s campus features a number of scenic...

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BBC is a great school for academic, social, and biblical learning. The classes are all challenging, but are definitely worth all of the time and energy invested into them. Professors are all passionate about their subject matter and learning is...

” – Hannah from Clarks Summit, PA
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Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences is a public, medical education institution established on an urban campus in Tulsa. OSU-CHS offers nearly 20 academic programs throughout its five schools of learning, awarding certificates and...

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The University of Western States is the second oldest chiropractic institution in the United States and a school of integrated healthcare. In addition to its College of Chiropractic program, the UWS College of Graduate Studies offers degrees in six...

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Western Nebraska Community College is a 2-year institution with three campuses in the Nebraska panhandle. WNCC offers degrees and certificates in over 50 fields of study and its Agriculture Science and Applied Agriculture Technologies programs...

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There is easy accessibility to technology and professors. You will learn plenty; the best thing is whenever you don't understand something there will be someone available.

” – Edgar from Yuma, CO
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Northampton Community College is a 2-year community college in eastern Pennsylvania. NCC features 107 programs of study and offers nearly 100 degrees and certificates as well as an Honors Program. Graduates have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s...

“…

The teachers here are great. The work is challenging but I do not feel overworked. I feel that the work really relates to my major as well.

” – Ty from Chambersburg, PA
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Originally founded to serve the educational needs of a large group of returning World War II veterans, Ohio University Eastern is a regional campus in the OU system. OUE grants 13 bachelor’s and two associate degree programs entirely on campus as...

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Ohio University-Chillicothe is the original regional campus in the OU system and the first regional campus in the state. Ohio Chillicothe is home to more than 20 academic programs and foundational courses for degrees offered at other OU campuses. For...

Cumberland University

Cumberland University is a private university in Lebanon, Tennessee. The university was founded by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1842, and five years later a law school was added, followed by the school of theology in 1854. The Cumberland...

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If you plan on attending all four years, you will make friendships and relationships with your professors who all know you by name and really do want you to be the best you can be. Every professor is looking out for your best interest. One of our...

” – Kristen from Franklin, OH
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Founded in 1897, Trinity International University is a Christian liberal arts institution in the Chicagoland area operated by the Evangelical Free Church of America. Trinity confers undergraduate degrees in over 30 academic majors focused on core...

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tiu is a place that encourages the development of each student holistically. the university's aim is to create a community in which every student can maximize their impact in the world.

” – Paul from Eagle River, AK
Diablo Valley College

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Diablo Valley College has a variety of great professors that know what they are teaching. If you are focusing on a certain subject, DVC has the professors that you are looking for.

” – Shawn Steven from Antioch, CA
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Established in 1972, University of Akron Wayne College is a public, 2-year institution located in Orrville, Ohio. Wayne College offers over 100 major and minor programs of study, awarding certificates and associate’s degrees with the opportunity for...

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Just a few blocks from the Ohio River, Ohio University-Southern Campus is a regional campus in the OU system. OU Southern offers 30 degree and certificate programs available entirely on campus as well as the opportunity to begin classes in other OU...

“…

I am learning a lot in all of my classes so far, but I would have to say that the classes that I've learned the most in were General Psychology 101 and Math 102. The instructors made sure that EVERY student understood a topic before they progressed...

” – Brittany from Ironton, OH
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Ohio University Lancaster is a regional campus in the OU system located southeast of Columbus. OUL offers 12 bachelor’s degree programs on campus including Sport and Lifestyle Studies and Middle Childhood Education as well as the option to begin...

“…

I think the small class size is a great learning environment. I believe student will succeed in a room where they can speak one on one with their professor. The academic, as well as, athletic programs are very strong and are a great place for...

” – Mason from Pickerington, OH
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A&T Still University of Health Sciences is a graduate school of health sciences and the world’s first school of osteopathic medicine. ATSU integrates the founding tenets of osteopathic medicine into all courses at its six colleges split between two...

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Northwest College is a public, 2-year institution established in Powell, Wyoming, with four satellite facilities in Cody, Worland, and Shoshone National Forest. NWC offers over 30 CTE degree and certificate programs, as well as 48 transfer degree...

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it is very easy to learn a lot here because of the tiny class sizes and good professors.

” – Adeline from Shell, WY
Bethel College-North Newton

Bethel College is a private, liberal arts institution located in North Newton, Kansas, and is the only college in the state classified as a National Liberal Arts College. The first Mennonite institution founded in North America, Bethel has been...

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The teachers at Bethel are interested in teaching making it easier to learn. There are many majors with highly qualified teachers. There is a challenge to learn new things and people will sit down and help you reach your goal.

” – Orrie from Flagstaff, AZ
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Established in 1946, Ohio University in Zanesville is a public, 4-year institution located in Muskingum County and is one of seven Ohio University campuses and centers. OU Zanesville offers five associate degree programs, 13 bachelor’s degree...

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The University of Puerto Rico in Ponce is the only campus in the UPR system in the southern region of Puerto Rico. UPR Ponce is home to 12 academic departments and an honors program. To provide an opportunity for students to earn money while taking...

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Its a perfectly competing university of the state of Puerto Rico and excels giving its students top notch education with well known professors recognized by their research.

” – Juan from Ponce, PR
Hope College

Hope College is a 4-year liberal arts institute located in downtown Holland. Hope partners with the Reformed Church in America but welcomes students of all faiths, as well as those of no faith. The liberal arts curriculum at Hope is threaded through...

“…

The academics at Hope are outstanding. Yes, that means the classes can be difficult and a lot of work, but the professors are all excellent; supportive, encouraging, and willing to help you out at virtually any time. They genuinely want you to...

” – Dale from Grandville, MI