Athletic Training (B.S.)

What is an Athletic Trainer?

Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients.  Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities.

Typical patients and clients served by athletic trainers include:

• Recreational, amateur, and professional athletes
• Individuals who have suffered musculoskeletal injuries
• Those seeking strength, conditioning, fitness, and performance enhancement
• Others delegated by the physician

Some places athletic training services are provided include:

• Athletic training facilities
• Schools (K-12, colleges, universities)
• Amateur, professional and olympic sports venues
• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Physician offices
• Community facilities
• Workplaces (commercial and government)

Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum.  Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition.  Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences.

To become certified athletic trainers, students must pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification.  Once certified, they must meet ongoing continuing education requirements to remain certified. 

Washburn's Athletic Training Program is CAATE Accredited, meaning upon graduation you will be eligible to sit for the national examination. 

For more information on Athletic Training visit the National Athletic Trainers’ Association website at http://www.nata.org/