An online master's degree program is more flexible than a traditional campus setting, but is not a realistic way to further your education as an athletic trainer. Certified athletic trainers must hold a bachelor's degree in athletic training, kinesiology, or a related field and often times hold an advanced degree as well. According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association, more than 70% of certified athletic trainers hold at least a master's degree.
Requirements
Along with a bachelor's degree in athletic training or a related field, admission to a graduate program requires you must be a board of certification certified athletic trainer, or be eligible to take the exam. The purpose of the exam is to assess your knowledge in six categories of athletic training. Eligibility to take the certification exam requires your completed course work be approved by the Commission of Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Currently there are 344 CAATE schools in the United States.
Disadvantages
One of the main advantages of online classes is convenience. However, some graduate degree programs, such as athletic training, require hands-on instruction, and as a result, limit your school choices considerably. While some schools such as Lenoir-Rhyne University and Manchester College offer some of the course work online, it is necessary to complete a majority of the course work on campus.
Options
Fresno Pacific University is one school that does offer an online master's degree in kinesiology with an emphasis on athletic training, but it is not a CAATE-approved program. It is a 14-month program, completely online, available to students who have passed the board of certification exam or are eligible to take the exam. It provides study in athletic training, administration and organizational issues in athletic training and advanced therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation.
Considerations
If you want to further your education specifically as a certified athletic trainer, it is necessary to enroll in an on-campus school that is CATTE accredited. When you do obtain your master's degree, you will be prepared to apply for athletic training positions at the high school, college, professional and private agent level.
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