Athletic trainers work as part of a healthcare team under direct supervision of a physician. Athletic trainers complete an accredited master’s level program and hold “Athletic Trainer Certification” (ATC) as offered by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer.

The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) provides more info about the role of athletic trainers and the career path. You can learn more about the profession by reading their So You Want to Become an Athletic Trainer? and Who is Taking Care of Your Athletes? infographics.

Program Admission Prerequisites

Most athletic training masters degree programs require:

• One Introductory Biology course: Introductory Biology (BIOL 110, BIOL 111, or 172)
• Two advanced Biology courses: Anatomy (BIOL 256) and Human Physiology (BIOL 257)
• Introductory Chemistry (CHEM 117)
• Introductory Physics (PHYS 101)
• Introductory Psychology (PSYC 100)
• One Statistics course: Introduction to Statistical Concepts (MATH 106), Research Methods in Political Science (HEAL 201) or Biometrics (BIOL 247, recommended)

Athletic training masters degree programs, including the Beloit College - UW-Milwaukee dual-degree program, may require:

• Nutrition (BIOL/CHEM 260)
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics (HEAL 301)

Additional Requirements

• Individual schools may have specific course requirements. Check the website of schools to which you are particularly interested in applying.
• GRE exam is optional or not required for most programs.
• Many programs require documented observation of Certified Athletic Trainers in clinical practice settings.

Opportunities at Beloit

A great way to gain some experience in this field is to work as a student assistant to athletic trainers during your time at Beloit.

Additional Resources

• National Association of Athletic Trainers
• AT4Me - resource for prospective students
• Search for Accredited AT Programs