Pre-Health Advising: Athletic Training Preparation

did you know?
  • Certified athletic trainers (ATs) don’t just tape ankles. They can specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletes’ injuries and illnesses.
  • Since fall of 2022, athletic training certification is offered at a master’s degree level. For more information on this transition, visit the National Athletic Trainers Association.
  • To develop deeper knowledge and skills, ATs can continue for a doctoral degree (PhD or EdD).
  • Athletic trainers can work in various settings, including youth sports, professional sports, hospitals, performing arts, and government agencies.
  • Certified Athletic Training Programs in Oregon: Oregon State University and Pacific University. Successful completion of the program prepares you for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. BOC Certification (ATC) establishes the entry-level credential to work as an athletic trainer.
Athletic Training Program Application Preparation
  • Completing the prerequisite courses is just one step in preparing to apply to AT programs. Applicants must also have a well-rounded application consisting of experience (shadowing, volunteer work, undergraduate research, life experience, etc.), letters of recommendation (including one from an athletic trainer), interview (may not be required), and a strong admissions essay.
  • Athletic training programs require applicants to have many observation hours with a certified athletic trainer. The amount of observation hours each program requires varies considerably. Some programs may require CPR/AEC certification prior to matriculation. Researching individual programs is important before starting the application process.
  • Be sure to research individual programs about any COVID-19 related changes (prerequisite and GRE exceptions, Pass/Fail Policy, etc).
Common Prerequisites:
Anatomy and Physiology (1 year)
Exercise Physiology (1 quarter)
Biomechanics (1 quarter)
General chemistry with lab (1 quarter)
General biology with lab (1 quarter)
Nutrition (1 quarter)
Statistics (1 quarter)
Intro to psychology (1 quarter)
Sample 4-Year Plan

The chart below illustrates one way an athletic training program’s prerequisitesi can fit into a 4-year plan. Keep in mind a graduation plan is as unique as the student following it. Math placement, major, transfer credits, application timeline, and other factors will help shape your graduation plan and timeline. Pre-Health Advisors are here to help you create a graduation plan that works best for you!

 

Fall

Winter

Spring

 

CH 221: General Chemistry I

CH 222: General Chemistry II ii

CH 223: General Chemistry IIIii

YEAR ONE

CH 227: General Chemistry Lab

CH 228: General Chemistry Lab ii

CH 229: General Chemistry Labii

 

MATH 112Z: Pre-Calculus II

 

HPHY 105: Nutrition

 

Fall

Winter

Spring

 

BI 211: General Biology, Cells

BI 212: General Biology, Organisms ii

HPHY 212: Sci Inv Physiology ii

YEAR TWO

PSY 201: Mind and Brain (SCI) or PSY 202: Mind and Society (SS)

HPHY 211: Medical Terminology ii

STAT 243Z: Elementary Statistics

    
 

Fall

Winter

Spring

 

HPHY 321: Anatomy I

HPHY 323: Anatomy II

HPHY 325: Anatomy and Physiology III

YEAR THREE

HPHY 322: Physiology I

HPHY 324: Physiology II

HPHY 371: Exercise Physiology

    
 

Fall

Winter

Spring

 

PHYS 201: General Physics I

HPHY 381: Biomechanics 

 

YEAR FOUR

 

  
    

i Prerequisites vary by school. Research specific schools that interest you to be sure you meet any additional requirements.

ii These courses are prerequisites for UO’s anatomy & physiology sequence. They are not typically prerequisites for AT programs.


Note: This page lists all the common prerequisites for programs. Please research programs to identify additional courses you may need to include and work with your pre-health advisors for any alternate course options.

Questions? Email pre-health advisors at prehealthadvising@uoregon.edu.