Athletic Training

Students will need to research the admissions requirement for each graduate program they plan to apply to for admission. The suggested curriculum is like a medical-based education model in which students will most commonly take:

• General Chemistry
• General Physics
• General Biology
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Psychology
• Exercise Physiology
• Statistics

In addition, some programs require students have observational hours prior to admission.

The BOC is the only accredited certification program for athletic trainers in the United States. To attain the BOC certification, students must complete a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited, athletic training education program AND pass the BOC exam.

When can I take the BOC?

Students in their final semester in a CAATE-accredited program (Bachelors or Masters level) are eligible to apply for the BOC exam.

To apply to athletic programs, students can submit their application through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS). Each program sets their own deadline for admission.

• Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from a CAATE-accredited athletic training curriculum and pass the BOC exam.
• After the fall 2022 term, there will no longer be baccalaureate programs for athletic training. Athletic training programs will become graduate level (master’s degree or higher) for all future entry into the profession.
• Students should take academically rigorous coursework (independent study, honors, and research opportunities) to demonstrate their ability at being successful in higher level coursework.
• Students need to research their programs early to ensure they meet not only the academic requirements but also the observational hours prior to applying.

FRESHMAN YEAR

• Sign up on the pre-health listserv.
• Make sure you are registered for the correct science courses (general biology and general chemistry your first year).
• Join the Pre-Health club on campus.
• Focus on your grades and develop good time management and study skills to help you start successfully.
• Start reviewing CAATE-accredited Masters programs and admissions requirements. Make a plan to take the classes required for admission.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

• Continue to focus on grades.
• Think about why athletic training interests you and gain experience through part-time employment, job shadowing, research, and/or volunteering. Make the experience meaningful to you, not simply because you think it looks good.
• Attend admissions fairs, open houses, or events at the schools you are interested in to learn about the different programs and to become familiar with each school’s admissions process.
• Get to know faculty to ask for letters of recommendation when you are ready to apply.

JUNIOR YEAR

• Continue to focus on grades.
• Attend additional information sessions if offered or connect with the graduate admissions representative for the program you are interested in applying to.
• Ensure that you have met or are meeting the requirements for admissions to the different programs you are interested in.
• Create a profile on ATCAS (Athletic Training Centralized Application System) and begin working on your application.
• Take your time on the application so you do not make mistakes and delay your application being processed and accepted. Be sure to submit your application by the program deadline for consideration.

SENIOR YEAR

• Continue to focus on grades.
• Respond to interview requests promptly and professionally.
• Notify all programs of your decisions as early as possible.
• Email prehealth@seattleu.edu of your final decision.
• Send thank you cards as a courtesy to everyone who assisted you.
• Complete the FAFSA for the school you plan to attend.

• www.nata.org

• caate.net