Best Colleges for Athletic Training Programs 2024

Athletic trainers specialize in injury prevention, clinical diagnosis, and treatment for all people, including injured athletes. Because of the medical responsibilities of the profession, most states require athletic trainers to hold professional certification.

While you can become a personal trainer with just about any education, becoming a certified athletic trainer requires a master’s degree in athletic training.

On this page, we take a closer look at the best colleges for athletic training, how you can choose between them, and where a degree in this field can take you.

An online bachelor’s in athletic training typically requires 120 credits and takes four years to complete. However, if you have already completed some college credits, you can complete an accelerated online program in 1-3 years.

An online athletic training program can look different depending on where you complete it, but there are some common features to these programs. Most programs at the bachelor’s level, for instance, focus on preparing you for a master’s degree.

While many of the courses may be available online, the clinical components need to be completed on campus or on-site at a location near you.

Here are some of the courses you will likely see in your program:

Choosing the best colleges for athletic training takes time and care. Below, we’ve detailed some of the things you should consider while researching online programs.

Applying to online college generally works the same as in-person programs, except for the possibility of more available start dates. Since most athletic training programs provide pathways to master’s degrees, the standards for admission may be more specific.

A bachelor’s in athletic training can help prepare you for entry-level careers in sports medicine and coaching. With additional training, you may also be qualified for other healthcare-related careers such as exercise physiology and health education. However, to become a licensed athletic trainer, you must go to graduate school.

It was recently decided by the AT Strategic Alliance that a master’s degree is the minimum educational requirement to pursue athletic training. Upon earning your graduate degree, you’ll be qualified to take the Board of Certification (BOC) exam, which you must pass to become a practicing athletic trainer.

Below are several jobs you may be able to pursue with a bachelor’s in athletic training:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), athletic trainers earn between $39,670 and $78,000 per year, with a median annual salary of about $53,840. Athletic trainers who pursue continuing education or obtain a professional degree can earn more.

For example, physical therapists earn between $67,000 and $129,000 per year, with a median annual salary of $97,720, according to the BLS.

A variety of continuing education options exist for graduates of athletic training programs. Many students go on to pursue a master’s degree, which is the minimum education required to become a licensed athletic trainer.

Upon completing your master’s degree, you must earn professional certification to become a practicing athletic trainer and meet ongoing continuing education requirements to maintain your certification.

There are doctorate programs for athletic trainers who wish to advance their clinical decision-making skills and further explore the role of athletic training in healthcare and public health.