If you’re passionate about sports and interested in pursuing a career in athletic training. Or maybe you’re fascinated by how the human body works and how to keep it moving smoothly. If so, then a career in athletic training might be your perfect match! Now, you should be looking at going to one of the best colleges for athletic training.
Athletic trainers are like superheroes in the sports world. They’re the ones who work with athletes to prevent injuries, rehabilitate them when they do get hurt, and help them get back to peak performance. It’s a challenging but super rewarding career, and if you’re interested in this path, choosing the right college is key.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 amazing colleges that offer top-notch athletic training programs.
Table of contents
- What is athletic training?
- 15 Best Colleges for Athletic Training in 2024
- #1. University of Florida
- #2. University of Michigan
- #3. University of Texas at Austin
- #4. Ohio State University
- #5. University of Alabama
- #6. University of Southern California
- #7. University of Pittsburgh
- #8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- #9. University of Oregon
- #10. Indiana University Bloomington
- #11. University of Connecticut
- #12. University of Wisconsin-Madison
- #13. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- #14. University of Georgia
- #15. University of Miami
- What do the best colleges for athletic training offer?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
What is athletic training?
Athletic training is all about keeping athletes healthy and moving! Imagine being the person who helps athletes recover from injuries and get back to the sports they love. That’s what athletic trainers do.
They’re kind of like ninjas with medical expertise – they use their knowledge of muscles, bones, and movement to prevent injuries, diagnose problems, and create rehab plans. They also work with athletes to improve their flexibility, strength, and overall performance.
It’s a physically demanding job at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing quite like seeing an athlete come back from an injury stronger than ever. So, if you love sports, science, sports management, and helping people, then athletic training might be the perfect career for you!
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15 Best Colleges for Athletic Training in 2024
Here are the 15 best colleges for athletic training in 2024:
#1. University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF) is known for its solid athletic training program and is often recognized as one of the top institutions in the field. UF offers a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training program through its College of Health and Human Performance.
The curriculum at UF combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences. Students learn about injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation techniques. They also learn anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology.
UF’s athletic training program emphasizes career development and provides resources to help students transition into the workforce. The university has a strong network of alumni actively involved in the athletic training profession, offering mentorship and job placement assistance.
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#2. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan (UMich) is renowned for its athletic training program, which is highly regarded in the field. UMich offers athletic training education through its School of Kinesiology. The athletic training program at UMich is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). This ensures that it meets the highest standards of education and training in athletic training.
UMich’s athletic training program provides a comprehensive curriculum combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students learn about injury prevention, assessment, rehabilitation, and therapeutic techniques. They also study human anatomy, physiology, exercise science, and biomechanics.
UMich’s athletic training program has dedicated and experienced faculty members who are committed to excellence in teaching and research. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, including athletic training rooms, rehabilitation centers, and laboratories, equipped with modern technologies to support student learning and research endeavors.
#3. University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) offers a reputable athletic training program that prepares students for sports medicine and athletic healthcare careers. The program is housed within the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education in the College of Education at UT Austin.
The athletic training curriculum at UT Austin is designed to provide students with a strong foundation. This is for the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Students take courses covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, exercise science, kinesiology, and sports medicine. They also gain practical skills through clinical experiences and hands-on training.
UT Austin strongly emphasizes clinical experiences to help students apply their knowledge and develop their skills. Students have the opportunity to work with athletic teams, both at the university and in off-campus settings, under the supervision of certified athletic trainers. These clinical rotations provide valuable practical experience and exposure to different sports and environments.
#4. Ohio State University
Ohio State University (OSU) offers a comprehensive athletic training program that prepares students for careers in the field of sports medicine. The program is housed within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, emphasizing a combination of classroom education, hands-on clinical experiences, and research opportunities.
OSU’s athletic training program is known for its strong curriculum, dedicated faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. Students have access to well-equipped athletic training rooms, rehabilitation centers, and cutting-edge technology to enhance their learning experience.
The program also provides numerous clinical opportunities, allowing students to work with OSU’s athletic teams and gain valuable practical skills under the guidance of experienced athletic trainers. With its commitment to excellence in education and its emphasis on experiential learning, Ohio State University offers a robust athletic training program for students aspiring to enter the field of sports medicine.
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#5. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama (UA) boasts a reputable athletic training program that offers a comprehensive education in sports medicine and prepares students for successful careers as athletic trainers. Housed within the College of Education, the program at UA provides a strong foundation in injury prevention, assessment, rehabilitation, and emergency care.
UA’s state-of-the-art athletic training facilities and resources, including well-equipped training rooms and advanced rehabilitation equipment, enhance the learning experience. Through clinical experiences and internships, students gain hands-on training, working with athletes across various sports and collaborating with certified athletic trainers.
The University of Alabama’s athletic training program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in the field of athletic training and contribute to the well-being of athletes at all levels.
#6. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) offers a prestigious athletic training program known for its excellence in sports medicine education. Housed within the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, the program at USC provides a comprehensive curriculum that integrates classroom instruction, practical experiences, and research opportunities.
With a focus on evidence-based practice, students gain a strong foundation in injury prevention, assessment, rehabilitation, and therapeutic techniques. The program benefits from USC’s world-class facilities, including state-of-the-art athletic training rooms, rehabilitation centers, and exercise science laboratories. Through clinical rotations and partnerships with USC’s athletic teams, students gain valuable hands-on experience and work closely with certified athletic trainers.
USC’s athletic training program prepares students to become skilled and compassionate sports medicine professionals poised to impact athletes’ health and well-being positively.
#7. University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is renowned for its exceptional athletic training program, offering students a comprehensive and rigorous education in sports medicine. Housed within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Pitt’s athletic training program combines classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experiences, and research opportunities to prepare students for successful careers as athletic trainers.
The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, providing students with a strong foundation in injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation. Pitt’s dedicated faculty members are experts in the field, ensuring students receive quality education and mentorship.
The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, including athletic training rooms, laboratories, and rehabilitation centers, provide students with cutting-edge resources to enhance their learning and training experience. Through clinical rotations with Pitt’s athletic teams and partnerships with local sports organizations, students gain practical skills and real-world experience under the supervision of experienced athletic trainers.
#8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill) offers an esteemed athletic training program that prepares students for careers in sports medicine and athletic healthcare. Housed within the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, the program at UNC Chapel Hill provides a comprehensive curriculum that integrates classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experiences, and research opportunities.
Students gain a strong foundation in injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation techniques. UNC-Chapel Hill’s faculty members are highly knowledgeable and experienced in the field, providing students with quality education and mentorship. The program benefits from the university’s top-notch facilities, including well-equipped athletic training rooms, rehabilitation centers, and exercise science laboratories.
Through clinical rotations with UNC-Chapel Hill’s athletic teams and partnerships with local sports organizations, students gain valuable practical experience and work closely with certified athletic trainers.
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#9. University of Oregon
Housed within the College of Education, UO’s athletic training program provides a well-rounded curriculum combining theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences.
Students learn about injury prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation techniques, and foundational courses in anatomy, physiology, and exercise science. The program benefits from highly qualified faculty members dedicated to student success and actively engaged in research and clinical practice.
UO’s state-of-the-art facilities, including athletic training rooms and rehabilitation centers, provide students with modern equipment and technology. Through clinical rotations with UO’s athletic teams and partnerships with local sports organizations, students gain valuable practical experience and learn from experienced athletic trainers.
The University of Oregon’s athletic training program prepares students to become skilled and compassionate athletic trainers, ready to contribute to the health and well-being of athletes across various levels of competition.
#10. Indiana University Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington) offers a highly regarded athletic training program that prepares students for sports medicine and athletic healthcare careers. Housed within the School of Public Health, the program at IU Bloomington provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experiences, and research opportunities.
Students gain a strong foundation in injury prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation techniques.
IU Bloomington’s state-of-the-art facilities, including athletic training rooms, laboratories, and rehabilitation centers, provide students with cutting-edge resources to enhance their learning and training experience.
Through clinical rotations with IU’s athletic teams and partnerships with local sports organizations, students gain practical skills and real-world experience under the supervision of certified athletic trainers.
#11. University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut (UConn) is widely recognized for its exceptional athletic training program, providing students with a comprehensive education in sports medicine. Housed within the Neag School of Education, the program at UConn offers a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experiences.
Students learn about injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation techniques, and foundational coursework in anatomy, physiology, and exercise science. The program benefits from highly qualified faculty members who are experts in the field. They are dedicated to student success.
UConn’s state-of-the-art athletic training facilities, including well-equipped training rooms and rehabilitation centers. It provides students with hands-on learning opportunities using the latest equipment and technologies.
Through clinical rotations with UConn’s athletic teams and partnerships with local sports organizations, students gain valuable practical experience working alongside certified athletic trainers. The University of Connecticut’s athletic training program prepares students to become skilled sports medicine professionals. They get ready to impact athletes’ health and well-being positively.
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#12. University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is renowned for its distinguished athletic training program. It offers students a comprehensive education in sports medicine and athletic healthcare. Housed within the School of Education, the program at UW-Madison provides a robust curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experiences.
Students learn about injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation techniques, and foundational coursework in anatomy, physiology, and exercise science.
The program benefits from the university’s state-of-the-art athletic training facilities, including well-equipped training rooms, rehabilitation centers, and exercise science laboratories.
Through clinical rotations with UW-Madison’s athletic teams and partnerships with local sports organizations. Students gain practical skills and real-world experience working alongside certified athletic trainers.
#13. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) offers a highly respected athletic training program. It provides students with a comprehensive education in sports medicine and athletic healthcare. Housed within the College of Applied Health Sciences, the program at UIUC combines theoretical coursework with hands-on clinical experiences. It prepares students for careers as athletic trainers.
Students learn about injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation techniques, and foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and exercise science. The program benefits from experienced faculty members dedicated to student success and contributes to cutting-edge research.
UIUC’s state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped athletic training rooms, rehabilitation centers, and exercise science laboratories, provide students with hands-on training using the latest technology and equipment.
Through clinical rotations with UIUC’s athletic teams and partnerships with local sports organizations, students gain practical experience and develop essential skills under the guidance of certified athletic trainers.
#14. University of Georgia
The University of Georgia (UGA) offers a highly regarded athletic training program that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in sports medicine. Housed within the College of Education, UGA’s program provides a comprehensive curriculum that blends classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences.
Students learn about injury prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation techniques, and foundational coursework in anatomy, physiology, and exercise science. The program benefits from experienced and dedicated faculty members committed to student success and offers mentorship throughout the program.
UGA’s state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped athletic training rooms, and rehabilitation centers. They also have exercise science laboratories, that provide students with a cutting-edge learning environment. Through clinical rotations with UGA’s athletic teams and partnerships with local sports organizations. Students gain practical experience working alongside certified athletic trainers.
#15. University of Miami
The University of Miami (UM) offers a prestigious athletic training program that prepares students for sports medicine and athletic healthcare careers. Housed within the School of Education and Human Development, the program at UM provides a comprehensive curriculum that integrates classroom instruction, practical experiences, and research opportunities.
Students gain a strong foundation in injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation techniques.
UM’s state-of-the-art athletic training facilities include well-equipped training rooms, rehabilitation centers, and exercise science laboratories. It provides students with hands-on learning opportunities using the latest equipment and technologies.
The University of Miami’s athletic training program prepares students to become skilled sports medicine professionals, ready to positively impact athletes’ health and well-being.
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What do the best colleges for athletic training offer?
The best colleges for athletic training offer comprehensive programs that provide students with a strong foundation in sports medicine. It also prepares them for successful careers in the field. These colleges typically provide a combination of classroom education, hands-on clinical experiences, and research opportunities.
The curriculum covers injury prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, emergency care, and therapeutic techniques. Students learn about anatomy, physiology, exercise science, and evidence-based practice. The best colleges have experienced and knowledgeable faculty members who are experts in the field and provide student mentorship.
They also have state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped athletic training rooms, rehabilitation centers, and exercise science laboratories. Clinical rotations with athletic teams and partnerships with local sports organizations offer students valuable practical experience working under the supervision of certified athletic trainers.
FAQs
The selection process for this list involved extensive research and analysis. Factors such as program reputation, accreditation, faculty expertise, facilities, internship opportunities, and alumni success were considered. Additionally, feedback from industry professionals and students’ experiences were considered.
Yes, many colleges on this list accept applications from high school students. You should check each college’s admission requirements and deadlines to ensure you meet the criteria and submit your application on time.
The selected colleges are spread across the United States, providing diverse options for prospective students. They can be found in different regions, offering a variety of environments and opportunities to explore.
Many colleges offer scholarships and financial aid options specifically for athletic training programs. It’s advisable to research the individual colleges’ websites or contact their financial aid offices to explore the available opportunities and application processes.
Yes, transfer options are often available for students who wish to switch to one of the colleges listed. It’s essential to review the transfer admission requirements and consult with the admissions office at the college you’re interested in. This helps to understand the specific procedures and criteria for transferring.
Conclusion
From state-of-the-art facilities to experienced faculty members and a strong alumni network, these colleges offer a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for real-world challenges in athletic training.
Whether you’re interested in working with professional athletes, college teams, or in a clinical setting, these colleges provide the resources and support needed to pursue your goals.
References
- authority.org– Best colleges for athletic training
- niche.com– Best colleges for athletic training
- collegeraptor.com– Best colleges for athletic training trainer
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