Colleges With Athletic Training Major
Athletic training programs are widely available from a number of professionally-ranked schools. Let's gain further insight into what these schools have to offer and what makes them special.
Formal education programs for athletic trainers can be found at nationally and regionally ranked universities, including Ithaca College, the University of Texas in Austin, California State University - Long Beach, and Ohio State University. The first three of these schools offer both bachelor's and master's degree programs in athletic training.
Although certificate in athletic training program can be found online, these institutions all have been recognized for their programs or educational activities based on rankings from U.S. News & World Report or the National Science Foundation.
Best Colleges for Athletic Training
Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY
Ithaca College tied for the #8 spot among the best universities of the North for 2018, according to U.S. News & World Report. The college offers a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training as well as a Master of Science in Exercise and Sports Science through the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance. The master's-level program offers three separate concentrations. Students in the athletic training program are required to have completed 60 clinical hours by the end of their sophomore year, and 400 by the end of their junior year. College facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness center with a climbing wall, aerobics rooms, and wood-floor gym. The athletic training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) through 2028.
University of Texas at Austin
One of the oldest institutions in the state and one of the largest universities in the country, the University of Texas at Austin offers a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, and a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology. The Athletic Training Program at UT requires students to complete clinical rotations for hands-on experience, in addition to coursework. For 2018, the university tied for 12th place among the most innovative schools by U.S. News & World Report.
California State University - Long Beach
U.S. News & World Report ranked California State University - Long Beach as #5 among the country's top public colleges in 2018. Through its Kinesiology Department, the university offers a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in addition to a Master of Science in Exercise Science. Master's degrees are also available in the fields of exercise physiology and nutrition, sport and exercise psychology, and sports medicine and injury studies. The kinesiology department at California State offers several scholarships for undergraduate students.
Ohio State University in Columbus
Ohio State University has consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities for research expenditures by the National Science Foundation. The institution offers a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, which incorporates a lengthy amount of clinical work. Seven athletic training facilities are available for students to use on campus. The program is fully accredited, and nearly all of its students pass the National Boards on the first try. Most students gain employment within a month of graduating.
Top Athletic Training Programs
Here are just a few other quality schools that offer athletic training degrees:
| School Name | Location | Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Offers a Master of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | Offers a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training along with a Master of Science in Kinesiology that can include an athletic training concentration |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | Has a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training program that includes courses in exercise physiology and exercise as well as nutrition and weight control |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Offers a Master of Science in Athletic Training and a Master of Science in Medical Sciences that includes an athletic training concentration |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | Offers students the chance to earn a Master of Athletic Training |
If you're looking for a top-rate athletic program, consider the schools discussed here. Many offer undergraduate and graduate degrees, good facilities, and the chance to gain work experience.
