General

What is an athletic trainer?
Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who provide prevention services, emergency care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses. Athletic trainers work in collaboration with and under the direction of a physician.

What can I expect to do as an athletic trainer?

  • Prevent injuries
  • Examine and clinically diagnosis injuries and illnesses
  • Care for injuries from ankle sprains to concussions
  • Rehabilitate injuries such as muscle strains to ACL tears
  • Save lives

What is the average salary for athletic trainers?
See current salary information on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. 

What is the job outlook for athletic trainers?
See the Job Outlook for Athletic Trainers on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. 

What is the Board of Certification (BOC)?
The BOC establishes both the standards for the practice of athletic training and the continuing education requirements for BOC Certified Athletic Trainers (ATs). The BOC is the only accredited certification program for ATs in the United State. The BOC writes the national certification examination, recognized by all Athletic Trainer state regulatory agencies to meet their exam requirement, and oversees public protections.

What is the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)?
The NATA is the professional membership association for certified athletic trainers and others who support the athletic training profession. NATA members can accomplish more for the athletic trainer profession together than they can individually. NATA focuses on professional development and advocacy.

The NATA Research and Education Foundation awards Undergraduate, Master's and Doctoral scholarships. Learn more. 

What is the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)?
CAATE accredits Athletic Training Education programs and focuses on quality education.

What is Emergency Cardiac Care Certification (ECCC)?
Emergency Cardiac Care must include the following: Adult & pediatric CPR, airway obstruction, 2nd rescuer CPR, AED and barrier devices (e.g., pocket mask, bag valve mask). Examples of courses that provide the above certifications are: Professional Rescuer + AED by the American Red Cross or BLS Healthcare Provider CPR + AED by the American Heart Association. Providers are those adhering to the standards of the International Guidelines 2000 for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiac Care.

 

Program

What will I learn in the Athletic Training program?

You will learn:

  • Structure and function of the human body
  • How to prevent, care for, and rehabilitate injuries and illnesses
  • Examination and clinical diagnosis through patient history, observation, palpation and special tests
  • Clinical practice through four semesters of clinical experience working with athletes and patients under the supervision of an athletic trainer
  • How to prepare for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination
  • Professional development and responsibility

What are the special features of your AT program?

  • Extensive hand-on clinical experience in a variety of settings
  • AT courses taught by practicing athletic trainers
  • Close contact with faculty in the classroom and clinical settings
  • Attend Athletic Training conferences
  • Annual Athletic Training Students' Award Banquet

What is the typical schedule during a given semester?
Typically, students attend classes in the morning and spend the afternoons at their assigned Clinical Experiences. The time commitment and schedule for clinical experiences will vary depending on the site and clinical instructor assigned to the student in a given semester.

Where can I expect to gain clinical experience?
Current clinical sites include University of the Pacific's Athletic Training facility, Delta College and local high schools. We are working on developing additional clinical sites in the high school, community college, and industrial settings.

How many hours per week can I gain clinical experience?
You can expect to gain 20 hours of clinical experience per week while being supervised by a certified athletic trainer for four semesters. We are working on developing a 3-4 week full-time preseason experience, as well as an 8-week full-time clinical experience. These experiences are in the process of receiving academic approval.

 

Admission

How many students are accepted each year?
Currently we accept 20 students each year.

What should I get my bachelor's degree in if I want to apply to the Master of Athletic Training Program?
As long as you meet the prerequisite coursework, your degree can be in anything. We strongly suggest you consider obtaining your teaching credential as most of the high school athletic training positions require a teaching credential. Other common choices are kinesiology, biology, exercise science, and exercise physiology.

Can I apply as an international student?
Yes, please see our Requirements for Graduate International Applicants page for more information on additional admission requirements.