The Bureau of Labor Statistics warns against confusing fitness and personal trainers with athletic trainers, and notes that athletic training degrees must be issued by an accredited institution to attract employment. Specialized athletic trainers work with health-care professionals and also with licensed physicians. Most athletic trainers have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, but many also hold a master's and doctorate in the field. A number of colleges offer degrees in this field.
East Coast Schools
Sargent College, the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Boston University, offers a bachelor's of science degree in athletic training. Students have clinical experience at Boston University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology as part of the regular training program. The department focuses on real-life learning experiences and features a six-year study degree that combines a doctorate of physical therapy with a bachelor's in athletic training.
The Department of Kinesiology at the University of North Carolina requires students to enroll as pre-kinesiology majors with additional formal enrollment in the athletic training major. Degree candidates must complete a minimum of 800 hours in clinical experience and 120-course hours with satisfactory grades and classroom participation.
West Coast Schools
California State University at Fresno, Fullerton and San Diego offer students an athletic training undergraduate degree. Students must take 54 units in classes directly related to athletic training and 14 units of study in general programs. Admission to these competitive programs requires good grades and test scores and excellent recommendations.
San Diego State University also has an education program in athletic training. The course of study received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education in 2000.
Southern Schools
Texas State University, San Marcos, located southwest of Austin, has an undergraduate program in exercise and sports science certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The degree prepares students to take the Texas State exam for certification to work as athletic trainer.
The University of New Mexico's College of Education offers a bachelor's degree in athletic training. The Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences Department mandates training in both classroom and clinical settings. Clinical experiences include training at high schools, colleges, clinics and professional offices. All on-site experiences feature direct supervision by an clinical Instructor.
Midwestern Schools
Indiana University, Bloomington's School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation offers an undergraduate program with a bachelor's of science in athletic training and a master's degree in kinesiology. The programs have passed accreditation by both the National Athletic Trainers' Association and the Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education. IU also offers a bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a major in the sub-specialty of athletic training.
Missouri State University also grants undergraduate degrees in athletic training. Students must take a full calendar of courses and a preseason clinical experience, work with the campus football team, service at a sports medical clinic, volunteer work at a high school and a year of experience working in a combination medical and sports medicine clinic or hospital.
References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition; Athletic Trainers
- Indiana University, Bloomington: School of Health,
- Texas State University, San Marcos: Undergraduate Degree Programs
- Missouri State University: Department of Sports Medicine & Athletic Training
- University of New Mexico: College of Education: Athletic Training Education Program
- California State University, Fresno: Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements: Kinesiology Major
