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This page contains answers to some Frequently
Asked Questions about becoming an athletic trainer. Click
on a question or just scroll down.
How do I become a certified athletic
trainer?
-- STEP 1
--
Graduate from a CAATE-accredited athletic training
education program
-- STEP 2 --
Successfully complete the Board of Certification (BOC) for the Athletic Trainer certification examination.
For more information, see the
NATABOC website (http://www.bocatc.org/)
What are the academic requirements in
athletic training education programs?
Students in athletic training education programs must
complete coursework that includes formal instruction in
the following content areas:
- Risk management and injury prevention
- Pathology of injuries and illnesses
- Orthopedic clinical examination and diagnosis
- Acute care of injury and illness
- Pharmacology
- Therapeutic modalities
- Conditioning and rehabilitative exercise
- Medical conditions and disabilities
- Nutritional aspects of injury and illness
- Psychosocial intervention and referral
- Health care administration
- Professional development and responsibility
In addition to formal classroom instruction, students
must complete a clinical education program that includes
a minimum of two academic years of supervised hands-on
experience in providing healthcare to athletes and the
physically-active.
Finally, in conjunction with completing the academic
coursework and the clinical education, students must
demonstrate achievement of the NATA Educational Competencies.
The competencies are cognitive, psychomotor, and affective
skills necessary to effectively practice athletic training.
For specific curriculum requirements, please visit
the website of the athletic training education program
you are interested in. A complete listing of programs
offered at Virginia institutions can be found below.
How
can I prepare myself to apply to an athletic training
education program?
Typically athletic training education programs require
that students have a significant number of science courses
upon application. Examples of science courses required
by many (but not all) programs are: cell biology, human
anatomy, human physiology, chemistry, and physics. In
addition, some programs will also require first aid/emergency
care. Specific program requirements vary greatly, so
individuals are encouraged to visit the website of the
program they are interested in applying to.
In addition to completing required prerequisite coursework,
individuals who plan to apply to an athletic training
education program are also encouraged to spend time
observing and/or assisting a certified athletic trainer.
Although not required by all programs, prior athletic
training experience usually improves an individual's
change of being accepted into an athletic training education
program.
What
schools in Virginia offer CAATE-accredited athletic
training education programs?
Entry-level (initial training) Athletic Training Education
Programs are offered in both undergraduate and masters
degree programs.
[Click here for
the list of VA schools that offer this program]
What
schools outside of Virginia offer CAATE-accredited
athletic training education programs?
For a complete listing, see the NATA Education Council
Website (http://www.nataec.org/)
Do
any other schools in Virginia offer athletic training
education programs?
Yes, there are some schools that are currently pursuing
CAATE-accreditation. The programs at these schools
are in what is called referred to as the "candidacy"
phase of accreditation. So the curriculum is in place,
students are enrolled in the program, and progress is
being made towards accreditation. The NATA Education
Council maintains a list of programs in candidacy phase.
For a complete listing, see the NATA Education Council
Website (http://www.nataec.org/)
Can
I earn a graduate degree in Athletic training?
Yes. Individuals who have completed an entry-level
athletic training education program may choose to pursue
a post-graduate degree in athletic training. For a complete
listing of graduate programs, see the NATA Education
Council Website (http://www.nataec.org/)
Click on the Graduate Education link.
What
does ATC mean?
The designation "ATC" is the credential used
by athletic trainers who are certified by the Board of Certification (BOC). Anyone who practices athletic
training must be NATABOC-certified. See www.bocatc.org
for more information.
What
is the difference between BOC certification and
licensure by the state of Virginia?
The BOC is affiliated with and supported by the
NATA, which is the professional association dedicated
to advancing the profession of athletic training. Standards
and guidelines for the safe, effective, and ethical
practice of athletic training are established by both
the NATA and the BOC. Hence, certification by the
BOC is a public assurance that an athletic trainer
is competent.
In Virginia, the Board of Medicine now regulates the
athletic training profession. As of July 1, 2004, all
athletic trainers must have a license to practice athletic
training in the state. Licensure is obtained through
the Virginia Department of Health Professions. In order
to be eligible for state licensure, the athletic trainer
must be certified by the BOC.
For more information about the NATA, click
here.
For more information about the BOC, click
here.
For more information about the Virginia athletic training
licensure regulations, click
here.
For more information about the application process
to become licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine,
click
here.
