There are several steps to become an athletic trainer. Knowing what degree options are available to you, along with insider recommendations will help you accomplish your goal of becoming an certified athletic trainer. In addition, you will find out why a career in athletic training is so rewarding!
What are my athletic training degree options?
- Masters of Athletic Training (MAT): This is the degree you’ll need to earn to be an athletic trainer. Most programs require you to have bachelor’s degree and complete prerequisites to apply. The degree typically takes two years to finish and includes in-person classes and labs, online coursework and assignments, and clinical rotations. Often the clinical rotations involve working with high school and college athletes under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer. In addition, rotations likely include working in a physical therapy or sport medicine office.
- Bachelors of Athletic Training: This was the entry-level degree to become an athletic trainer but in the last 5 years, most programs transitioned to a master’s degree. However, a bachelor’s degree in athletic training is still valuable because it completes all prerequisites and prepares you for graduate-level coursework and clinical experiences.
Be sure you choose a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training.
How do I prepare for a degree in athletic training?
- Request information from athletic training programs. This is the road map that will help you navigate athletic training school. You’ll find out what prerequisites are required for each program, when applications are due, and any additional program requirements. By requesting information from several programs you will be able to find the right school for you.
- Hands-on experience is highly recommended. There’s nothing that beats experience! Spend some time doing a job shadow with an athletic trainer. You’ll really learn the ins and outs of the profession and gain valuable insight into how to work with athletes. This step can be accomplished by contacting a local athletic trainer or sports team and asking to volunteer. Most athletic training programs require a minimum of 50 hours of job shadow experience to be admitted.
- Interview an athletic trainer. Most athletic trainers would be more than happy to talk to you about what they do. This is also a great way to open doors for future job shadow or volunteer opportunities.
- Keep in contract with professors and athletic trainers you met. Most athletic training schools require you to have 2-3 letters of recommendation when you apply. Staying connected ensures they write a strong letter of recommendation for you. This boosts your likelihood of getting accepted into a program.
- Begin completing prerequisite courses. Coursework can vary from program to program but generally includes classes like: human anatomy, exercise physiology, sports science, psychology, statistics, nutrition, chemistry, and physics. Typically, athletic training schools like to see that you’ve taken these courses in the last 5 years and gotten a “C” grade or better.
- Choose a major that meets prerequisites. Whether the schools you are interested in require a completed bachelor’s degree or not, choosing a major that aligns with the prerequisite coursework is a time-saver. Some degree options include: exercise science, sports science, physical education, or a bachelor’s in athletic training.
After completing my athletic training degree, what’s next?
The final step to becoming an athletic trainer is passing the national exam offered by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC). The exam verifies your competency. Passing the exam “Certifies” you as an athletic trainer and allows you to use the abbreviations “ATC”.
Where will an athletic training degree take me?
A degree in athletic training will open the door for you to do what you love. You’ll work with athletes and individuals of all ages to help them excel at their sport or activities, and you’ll play a key role in their recovery from injury. In addition, you will find a stable work environment where your contribution to the well-being of your athletes and patients is greatly valued. Finally, you can expect to see 16% job growth over the next 10 years, as well as an salary of $48,500 a year or more.