Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Athletic Training Track
- What is an Athletic Trainer?
- Opportunities in Athletic Training
- Program Overview
- Academic Learning Compact
- How to Apply to the Program
- Contacts
What is an Athletic Trainer?
Students in an Athletic Training lab.
The athletic trainer is a vital member of the medical support staff for athletes and active individuals. Athletic trainers are different from physical therapists and personal trainers, but they share some aspects of those professions. The job of an athletic trainer includes prevention of injury, recognition and evaluation of injuries and illnesses, emergency care, rehabilitation, and administration. Athletic trainers in traditional settings (high schools, colleges, professional sports) provide on-the-field care for athletes who sustain injuries and often continue providing care as the athlete goes through surgery, rehabilitation, and returns to play. An athletic trainers must be able to to stay focused and perform their job in situations with high stress and excitement, and are expected to interact with a highly motivated population.
Opportunities in Athletic Training
"There's nothing more satisfying than working with the physically active population to get them back to a competitive level." — Tom Hines, CORA Rehabilitation Clinics
Athletic training is a growing profession. Athletic trainers (ATCs) can work in high schools, colleges, and with professional sports teams. In addition, athletic trainers are found in rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, the military, industry, and performing arts groups. Positions continue to increase as companies recognize the unique and multifaceted skills of athletic trainers.
For further information on Training, Other Qualifications, Employment, Job Outlook, Earnings, and Sources of Additional Information.
Program Overview
The mission of the Program in Athletic Training is to prepare students to be confident and proficient Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) by providing comprehensive education in the 12 competency areas set forth by the Entry-Level Education Committee. The program provides students with an enriching educational experience which fosters personal growth, communication skills, critical thinking skills, and professional ethics. All resources, including the faculty commitment to excellence and the latest technologies available in education, are utilized to provide the developing athletic training student with the opportunity to:
- Become proficient in the 12 competency areas set forth by the Entry-Level Education Committee
- Think critically, problem solve and communicate effectively
- Practice professionalism and ethical behavior as outlined by the NATA Code of Ethics
- Gain professional experience in a variety of practice settings
Academic Learning Compact
The education of an athletic trainer is as challenging as any in the medical field because of the multiple skills required. Courses in the Program in Athletic Training require 2 years (including summers) of full-time study and include both didactic and clinical education courses. Courses stress recognition and evaluation of injury, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise, exercise science, and administration. Each athletic training course emphasizes the skills and competencies necessary for successful clinical practice in a variety of settings. A significant and important aspect of the educational process is clinical experience under the direction of a certified athletic trainer (ATC). Local affiliation sites include high schools, colleges, universities, sports medicine clinics and professional athletic organizations.
Upon successful completion of the course work, students earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and are eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC) Exam. Once the student has passed this examination, they can be recognized as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).
Established in Kansas City in 1950, The National Athletic Trainer's Association (NATA) is the professional governing body that represents more than 30,000 certified athletic trainers. In 1990 the athletic training profession was recognized by the American Medical Association. To further gain recognition and acceptance by the medical community, more than 40 states require licensure or have pending state practice acts for the athletic training professions.
How to Apply to the Program
For information on prerequisites, admission requirements, and the official program of study, please visit our page in the current undergraduate catalog.
Applicants must be accepted as students at UCF before they can be accepted to the program.
Program Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Contacts
Athletic Training Program Director
Kristen C. Schellhase, MEd., ATC, LAT, CSCS
HPA II Room 121
Phone: 407-823-3463
E-mail: kschellh@mail.ucf.edu
Program Phone: 407-823-2747
Program Email: ATInfo@mail.ucf.edu
