Achieving Excellence in Athletic Training: Education and Career Pathways

Athletic training is a dynamic and rewarding career that combines a passion for sports with a commitment to health and wellness. Athletic trainers (ATs) are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventive services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. They’re often the first healthcare provider on the scene when an injury occurs and the last to ensure a full recovery. In other words, athletic trainers are the behind-the-scenes healthcare professionals making sure athletes stay healthy, recover well, and return to doing what they love. This article explores the educational requirements for athletic trainers, from earning a bachelor's degree to obtaining certifications and licensure.

The Role of an Athletic Trainer

Athletic trainers specialize in the management, prevention, and recovery of injured athletes. Many times, athletic trainers are the first medical professionals on the scene after an injury. Athletic trainers work in a variety of settings, from high schools and universities to clinics, hospitals, and professional sports teams. In addition to sports teams, companies hire athletic trainers as a medical service to employers and their employees. Athletic trainers may even assist offices with ergonomics or preventing workplace injuries. Many athletic trainers work outdoors in all types of weather. When hiring athletic trainers, employers often look for candidates who are compassionate and detail-oriented and have strong decision-making and interpersonal skills.

Educational Foundations: Bachelor's Degree

Your first stop is earning a bachelor's degree. Typically, students opt for fields such as exercise science or sports medicine. While most students complete a bachelor's degree before moving on to a master's, some universities offer fast track programs. These majors cover essential subjects like biology, anatomy, nutrition, sports medicine and kinesiology. At Cedarville University, the MAT program is built upon a foundation of biblical worldview integration. Students are equipped with not only advanced clinical knowledge and skills but also a commitment to serving patients with compassion, integrity, and Christ-centered care. Faculty model faith-informed professionalism and challenge students to see athletic training as both a vocation and ministry.

Master's Degree: A Prerequisite for the Profession

A minimum of a master's degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) is required. Since 2022, a master’s degree has been required for entry into the field - most commonly a Master of Athletic Training (MAT) or Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT). Today, about 70% of athletic trainers hold at least a master’s degree, showing how the profession continues to grow in both education and expertise.

Program Structure and Curriculum

MAT and MSAT programs prepare students for both the exam and for their transition to professional practice, emphasizing clinical reasoning, communication, and patient-centered care. A quality program combines rigorous academic coursework with a variety of clinical experiences. Students can expect:

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Foundational courses in injury evaluation, therapeutic modalities, emergency care, and rehabilitation.
Skills courses teach and refine necessary hands-on skills.
Clinical education experiences with diverse patient populations - ranging from high school and collegiate athletics to professional teams and emerging healthcare settings.
Evidence-based practice and research components that prepare students to make data-informed clinical decisions.
Interprofessional learning, where you’ll collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Programs typically take two years to complete, blending classroom learning with hands-on application in real-world environments. Yes, it’s challenging - but you’ll be learning side-by-side with professionals, treating real patients, and building confidence every step of the way.

Preparing for Your MAT or MSAT

Take prerequisite courses including anatomy and physiology (two semesters with a lab), biology, chemistry, physics (all with labs), exercise physiology, and emergency care (including first aid/CPR). Gain relevant experience through shadowing athletic trainers. Maintain a strong GPA and build relationships with mentors who can provide recommendations.

Admission Requirements and Timeline

Prospective students apply using the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS). A separate application may also be required by the institution. Applicants provide transcripts and letters of recommendation and complete an interview. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Example Curriculum: Xavier University's MSAT Program

Xavier University’s MSAT program empowers you to serve others through competent and compassionate healthcare. With rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical experiences, you strengthen your professional skills and expertise to provide exceptional care to athletes of all ages. Xavier’s admission committee begins reviewing applications for the master’s in athletic training in November. If you have deficiencies, the admission committee may still consider you for conditional admission; however, all requirements must be met before the start of the program. Prospective students majoring in exercise science at Xavier may apply to the 5-Year M.S.

Here are some of the courses offered in the program:

ATTR 500: Care and Prevention
ATTR 501: Athletic Training Skills
ATTR 510: Anatomical Kinesiology
ATTR 521: Lower Extremity Injuries
ATTR 531: Therapeutic Intervention I
ATTR 540: Evidence-Based Practice
ATTR 561: Clinical Experience I
ATTR 522: Upper Extremity Injuries
ATTR 523: Head, Spine & Thorax Injuries
ATTR 532: Therapeutic Intervention II
ATTR 541: Research I
ATTR 550: Interprofessional Collaboration
ATTR 562: Clinical Experience II
ATTR 600: Medical Issues in AT
ATTR 610: Administrative Concepts in AT
ATTR 633: Therapeutic Intervention III
ATTR 642: Research II
ATTR 663: Clinical Experience III
ATTR 650: Contemporary Issues in AT
ATTR 664: Clinical Experience IV

Certification and Licensure

After completing your educational requirements, the next step is certification and licensure.

Board of Certification (BOC) Exam

Upon completion of a CAATE-accredited MAT or MSAT program, graduates become eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam - the national credential required to practice as an athletic trainer. To become a certified athletic trainer, you must pass a certification exam administered by the Board of Certification (BOC). The BOC Candidate Handbook outlines current eligibility requirements. The requirements include information about completing the continuing education (CE) requirements, meeting the emergency cardiac care (ECC) requirements, submitting the BOC certification maintenance fee and adhering to the BOC Standards of Professional Practice. To be certified, an individual must demonstrate that they are an athletic trainer capable of performing the required duties without threat of harm to the public. The BOC traditionally conducts annual examination development meetings during which athletic trainers and recognized experts in the science of athletic training develop, review and validate examination items and problems.

BOC-certified athletic trainers are educated, trained and evaluated in five major practice domains:

Domain 1: Risk reduction, wellness and health literacy
Domain II: Assessment, evaluation and diagnosis
Domain III: Critical incident management
Domain IV: Therapeutic intervention
Domain V: Health care administration and professional responsibility

State Licensure

Once certified, you'll need to apply for state licensure, as nearly all states require athletic trainers to be licensed. After certification, ATs must also meet state licensure requirements which vary by location. State requirements can include various other things from being a certain age to filling out forms and paying fees. The ATC® credential and the BOC requirements are currently recognized by 49 states plus the District of Columbia for eligibility and/or regulation of the practice of athletic trainers.

Continuing Education and Specialization

The learning doesn't stop once you're certified and licensed. Athletic training techniques and practices are frequently expanding to include new research on everything from how the body functions to experiments in new ways to rehabilitate an injured athlete. Athletic trainers often pursue specialization certifications where the athletic trainer demonstrates defined standards beyond those normally required for certification. Athletic trainers must keep their skills up-to-date and meet licensure requirements with continuing education classes. A professional organization like the NATA can be a great resource for finding continuing education programs you can attend, both online and in person. They can also help you look for positions and give you tips on the best way to get them.

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Career Outlook and Opportunities

As the athletics field continues to grow, certified athletic trainers can expect a stable and secure career outlook. The career outlook for athletic trainers is promising, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 14 percent growth in employment through 2031. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects athletic trainers’ employment to grow 14 percent annually - four times faster than the rate of employment growth for all occupations. One reason is due to an increased awareness of the effects of sports-related injuries. Additionally, athletic trainers earn a median annual wage of $53,840; however, their earnings can range up to $78,000 based on their place of employment, level of experience and the state in which they live.

Diverse Work Environments

Athletic trainers work in various settings, including high schools, colleges, universities, sports medicine clinics and professional sports teams. They also find opportunities in hospitals, armed forces, public safety, occupational health and even performing arts companies. Athletic trainers work in a variety of settings, from high schools and universities to clinics, hospitals, and professional sports teams. Xavier’s athletic training graduate program equips students with the expertise and versatile skills required to work in employment settings, such as universities, high schools, hospitals, sports medicine clinics, and collegiate and professional sports.

Resources for Aspiring Athletic Trainers

If you're serious about becoming an athletic trainer, numerous resources are available to support your educational and career pursuits. AT4Me.org provides valuable information on program prerequisites, study guides and mentorship opportunities. Teachers and advisors can also benefit from tools and resources designed to support students interested in athletic training by visiting AT4Me.org. The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) offers numerous resources for continuing education, including courses and certifications in specialized areas.

Choosing the Right Program

When choosing a master's program, ensure it's accredited by the CAATE. Find an accredited athletic training education program near you along with other valuable resources for students. For questions about admission to a specific accredited program, contact the program director at the individual college or university.

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