Athletic Training (AT) Major
The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
What is an Athletic Trainer?
Athletic Training is recognized by the American Medical Association as an allied health care profession. The Certified Athletic Trainer is a highly educated and skilled professional specializing in athletic health care. As part of a complete health care team, the athletic trainer works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other allied health care workers, athletic administrators, coaches and parents. The athletic trainer functions as an integral member of the athletic health care team in secondary schools, colleges, universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs and other athletic health care settings. Specifically, the athletic trainer specializes in 12 practice areas or domains: risk management and injury prevention, pathology of injuries and illnesses, acute care of injury and illness, pharmacology, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise, general medical conditions and disabilities, nutritional aspects of injury and illness, psychosocial intervention and referral, health care administration, and professional development and responsibilities.
Career Opportunities:
The Athletic Training (AT) major will prepare a student for many career opportunities which include the following: 1) colleges and universities, 2) professional sports, 3) high schools, 4) sports medicine clinics, 5) corporate health programs, 6) health clubs, 7) clinical and industrial health care programs, and 8) athletic training curriculum programs.
Professional Certification:
Certifying athletic trainers ensures high standards of professional practice. Certification by the Board of Certification (BOC) is considered the entry-level credential and is required by most employers. In addition to certification, athletic trainers may have to meet individual state licensing and regulation requirements. To determine if these added requirements apply, athletic trainers must check with the states in which they practice.
National Organization:
The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing, encouraging and improving the athletic training profession, and is open to students within the Athletic Training Education Program. Benefits of becoming a member of NATA include a comprehensive athletic trainers job referral service and a subscription to NATA News, which highlights national, region, and local news, and includes articles on the latest issues and trends affecting athletic trainers and other sports medicine professionals. For more information visit: www.nata.org .