Athletic Training

Penn State’s Athletic Training program is nationally recognized for helping students prepare for careers in allied health care, wellness, and human performance.

Helping Others Heal and Perform

The Athletic Training major provides a concentrated curriculum designed to prepare you for a career in athletic training, which is recognized by the American Medical Association as an allied health care profession. The program can help you meet the national standards of the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer as well as other athletic trainer state regulatory boards to acquire the required credentials.

Athletic trainers are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnoses, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, and sport-related medical conditions. The major is designed to help you understand how to effectively work with physicians and other health care professionals as well as employers, patients, clients, and sport and recreation industry personnel in the development and coordination of efficient and responsive sports health care.

Additionally, the program offers you a number of clinical education experiences outside of the classroom where you can further your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our extensive alumni network and strong relationships with various organizations throughout the country can help you obtain internships and other valuable opportunities that will complement your classroom learning.

Degree

The Department of Kinesiology offers two programs for undergraduate study at University Park, a bachelor of science in Athletic Training or a bachelor of science in Kinesiology.

There is also Kinesiology degree program with an Exercise Science option available for those attending Penn State Berks.

The bachelor of science degree in Athletic Training is a competency-based professional program guided by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Professional Education Council and accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.

The Athletic Training major coursework will prepare you to become a leader in the profession and an integral member of the sports health care team.

The program of study is directed to help you learn to recognize, assess, and manage sport-related injuries and illnesses to return individuals back to play, work, and activities of daily living. With your knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and related fields, you will also be able to craft injury-prevention and performance-enhancing programs.

You will participate in five semesters of clinical fieldwork, delivering directed care to patients and clients under the supervision of athletic trainers and other health care professionals. Examples include clinical rotations with Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics, secondary and intermediate school athletic programs, and various general medical educational experiences.

The program also provides you with fundamental knowledge and preparation to aid in obtaining additional certifications, and specializations offered by various professional health care and sports medicine organizations.

Completing the Athletic Training degree program makes you eligible to sit for the national Board of Certification exam to earn the Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC®) professional credential.

Professional Development

Student Organizations

Kinesiology Club provides students with a forum of extracurricular opportunities, such as opportunities with leadership, hands-on experiences, networking, seminars, and certification programs.

Pre-Physical Therapy Club offers students who are considering physical therapy as a career the opportunity to network and build their skills and knowledge with activities and educational experiences.

Pre-Occupational Therapy Club offers students who are considering occupational therapy as a career the opportunity to network and build their skills and knowledge with activities and educational experiences.

Athletic Training Club promotes unity among all student trainers and furthers their educational experiences with activities such as films and guest speakers.

Professional Interaction

Alumni of the program regularly return to campus to take part in professional and social events. You will have the opportunity to meet and work with a number of these engaged alumni and learn from them.

Professional Resources

American Academy of Family Physicians

American Academy of Ophthalmology

American Academy of Optometry

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

American Academy of Physician Assistants

American Association of Oriental Medicine

American Chiropractic Association

American Dental Association

American Medical Association

American Occupational Therapy Association

American Physical Therapy Association

American Podiatric Medical Association

American Public Health Association

National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance:

National Rural Health Association

Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association