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How to Become an Athletic Trainer

I graduated from Aquinas College back in 2019, which feels like forever ago! Since I began practicing 4 years ago, there have been some changes to athletic training education. The biggest change over the last few years is that the entry-level for the profession is now a master’s degree. Overall, the material that is covered throughout the program largely remained the same. Some programs require a bachelors degree, then the masters. However, some schools, like Grand Valley State University (GVSU) have a 5 year master athletic training program that students go right into without a bachelors degree. 

  • You must attend a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
  • You must meet all the program requirements and be accepted into the program.
    • Most, if not all, programs require a grade of a C or higher for pre-requisite courses.
    • Programs will require observation hours under a licensed athletic trainer.
    • Prerequisite course samples from GVSU: Modern Principles of Athletic Training, General Biology, Basic Nutrition, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, kinesiology, Introductory Psychology, Intro Applied Statistics
  • You must maintain a CPR certification throughout the program (and the rest of your career!)
  • Course Work during the program
    • Samples from GVSU: Prehospital care, General medical conditions, injury assessment, therapeutic interventions, pharmacology, psychosocial intervention, statistics, evidence-based practice
  • You will have different rotations throughout the program. These rotations can be working with different sports teams on campus, or in surrounding school districts.
  • There will also be a lot of time spent in the athletic training room (It will almost feel like a second home to you by the end!). It will mainly consist of some observation, practicing skills, taping athletes, performing injury evaluations, and treating athletes.
  • There will be a chance to attend student summits or other educational extra-curricular opportunities. These are a GREAT way to create connections with other students and licensed athletic trainers.
  • At the end of the program, students become eligible for national certification by passing the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. (YAY! This is a moment you worked so hard for)
  • To maintain your BOC certification and enhance your knowledge set, you must participate in continuing educational units (CEUs). We need a total of 50 CEUs every two years to maintain certification. These CEUs can be completed in any area of interest!

I strongly encourage anyone interested in knowing more to call Hulst Jepsen Physical Therapy at 616.256.8679 or reach out to any one of our clinics!

Learn More About
the Author

Lisa Metzger, ATC

Date

3.21.2023