What Are the Best Schools for Athletic Trainers?

<p>To become an athletic trainer, it will be best for you to pursue a master's degree program aimed at either exercise physiology, or physical therapy. When considering a school, you should aim at finding schools with an abundance of programs and excellent facilities. These schools should have strengths in kinesiology, health, and recreation or physical therapy. Also, schools that give hands-on training are a plus, for example, gaining practical experience by working with the university's athletic teams or military personnel. Graduates of bachelor's degree programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, including those below, are eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become Certified Athletic Trainers (<i>www.caate.net</i>) </p> <h2 id="section---ThreeTopSchoolsForAthleticTrainers">Three Top Schools for Athletic Trainers</h2> <h3 id="section---BaylorUniversityInWacoTX">Baylor University in Waco, TX</h3> <p>Baylor tied for 78th on <i>U.S. News &amp; World Report</i>'s national universities list in 2019 and ranked eighth in physical therapy in 2016. The School of Education's Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation offers a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in athletic training. The department also offers a Ph.D. with an athletic training emphasis. While earning your bachelor's degree in education with an athletic training major, you'll work 12-20 hours per week with Baylor's Big 12 Division I student athletes or at off-campus sites. The Marrs McClean Gymnasium contains laboratories for exercise science and technology, biochemical nutrition, athletic training and human anatomy. </p> <p>You could also earn degrees in exercise physiology, physical education, recreation and leisure or health sciences for pre-physical therapy, pre-med or other health professions. Baylor collaborates with the U.S. Army to produce master's- and doctoral-level uniformed physical therapists. These degrees are available: </p> <ul><li>B.S. in Exercise Physiology </li><li>B.S. in Education - Physical Education and Coaching with teacher certification </li><li>B.S. in Education - General Studies in Health, Human Performance and Recreation </li><li>B.S. in Health Science Studies </li><li>B.S. in Recreation and Leisure Services </li><li>M.S. in Athletic Training </li><li>M.S. in Exercise Physiology </li><li>Master of Physical Therapy </li><li>Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) </li><li>Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Kinesiology, Exercise Nutrition and Health Promotion </li></ul><h3 id="section---IndianaUniversityInBloomington">Indiana University in Bloomington</h3> <p>IU tied for 89th in 2019 on the national university list compiled by <i>U.S. News &amp; World Report</i>. IU facilities offer 15 athletic training sites, ranging from Sembower Field to the university gymnasium, tennis and aquatic centers. Kinesiology majors start clinical rotations in their sophomore year and conclude with an in-depth senior experience in one sport or setting. As a kinesiology student, you could also major in exercise science, physical education or health and fitness. The department helps train fitness experts for U.S. Navy bases at Pearl Harbor, Norfolk and San Diego. </p> <p>The M.S. in Kinesiology with an athletic training emphasis is one of only 15 advanced training programs certified by the National Athletic Trainers' Association. You could specialize in lower extremity and soft tissue injuries. These related degrees are offered by the Department of Kinesiology: </p> <ul><li>B.S. and M.S. in Athletic Training </li><li>B.S. in Exercise Science </li><li>B.S. in Kinesiology, Health Fitness Specialist </li><li>M.S. in Kinesiology, Applied Sport Science </li><li>M.S. in Kinesiology, Biomechanics </li><li>M.S. in Kinesiology, Ergonomics </li><li>M.S. in Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology </li><li>M.S. in Kinesiology, Physical Activity, Fitness and Wellness </li><li>Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Biomechanics </li><li>Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Clinical Exercise Physiology </li></ul><h3 id="section---UniversityOfConnecticutInStorrs">University of Connecticut in Storrs</h3> <p>UConn tied for 63rd in the 2019 <i>U.S. News &amp; World Report</i> national university evaluation. They offer a variety of programs like the athletic training program in the Department of Kinesiology. You can major in exercise science or social science of sport, with concentrations in coaching and administration, or sport management. Most UConn athletic training students pursue graduate education. You could complete a master's program in exercise science or master's and Ph.D. programs in sports management. The Department also offers the Doctor of Physical Therapy. </p> <p>You'll use the Athletic Training Learning Laboratory, enjoying a student-to-instructor ratio of 6:1 in laboratory courses. Other resources include the Korey Stringer Institute for prevention of sudden death in physical activity. Clinical sites range from local high schools and universities to the Tri State Rehabilitation and Sports Center, The Nayden Clinic and local orthopedic practices. These following programs are currently available: </p> <ul><li>B.S. in Athletic Training </li><li>B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Exercise Science </li><li>B.S. in Strength and Conditioning </li><li>B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Sport Management </li><li>Doctor of Physical Therapy </li><li>Ph.D. in Sport Management </li></ul><h2 id="section---OtherSchoolsWithKinesiologyPrograms">Other Schools with Kinesiology Programs</h2> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>College/University</th><th>Institution Type</th><th>Location</th><th>Estimated Graduate In-State Tuition*</th></tr> <tr><td>Elmhurst College</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Elmhurst, IL</td><td>$31,000</td></tr> <tr><td>Boston University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Boston, MA</td><td>$54,000</td></tr> <tr><td>Houston Baptist University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td> Houston,TX</td><td>$12,000</td></tr> <tr><td>Arkansas State University</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Jonesboro, AR</td><td>$6,000</td></tr> <tr><td>University of Mississippi</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>University, MS</td><td>$9,000</td></tr> <tr><td>Morehead State University</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Morehead, KY</td><td>$10,500</td></tr> <tr><td>Kansas State University</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Manhattan, KS</td><td>$11,000</td></tr> <tr><td>Cornell College</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Mount Vernon, IA</td><td>N/A</td></tr> <tr><td>Dakota State University</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Madison, SD</td><td>$6,000</td></tr> <tr><td>Georgia State University</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Atlanta, GA</td><td>$9,000</td></tr> </table><p><i>*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education</i></p>