Student Resources

Athletic Training (AT)

Encompasses the prevention, evaluation and assessment, rehabilitation, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities.

Is practiced by nationally and state credentialed Athletic Trainers, who are health care professionals.  Athletic Trainers collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients, including athletes.

Is a health care profession recognized by the American Medical Association since 1991.

Profile of Athletic Trainers

Credentialing/Certification

In order to legally practice as an Athletic Trainer and use the ATC credential, both the national (BOC) and state credentials must be obtained.

  • National (Board of Certification)

  • Board of Certification (BOC) for the Athletic Trainer

  • Criteria:

    • Eligibility for BOC exam:

      • College degree in Athletic Training (Bachelor’s or entry-level Master’s), including successful completion of requirements of a CAATE-Accredited Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) – eligible to apply when enrolled in final semester

      • Endorsement by Program Director of CAATE-Accredited Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP)

    • Eligibility for BOC certification (ATC credential):

      • Successful completion of BOC certification exam

      • Official (final) college transcript with degree and date of degree

      • Proof of current Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) training (CPR Certification)

  •  NY State

    • NYSED Office of the Professions 

    • Criteria:

      • Completed BOC Certification (national)

      • 21 years of age

      • NYSED Application

      • NYSED Certification of Professional Education, including copy of final official college transcript – completed by College/University where AT degree was completed

      • Verification of other professional licensure/certification, if applicable

Education & Accredited AT Programs

Students engage in rigorous classroom study and clinical education in a variety of practice settings, such as high schools, colleges/universities, hospitals, emergency rooms, physician offices and healthcare clinics over the course of the degree program.

Educated in five practice domains:  1) Injury/illness prevention and wellness protection;  2) Clinical evaluation and diagnosis;  3) Immediate and emergency care;  4) Treatment and rehabilitation; and  5) Organization and professional health and well-being

Athletic Training Education Overview 

NATA Education Resources 

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)

Note: Following completion if the appropriate education and degree, proper national and state credentialing must be obtained in order to practice as a Certified Athletic Trainer. Please see the Credentialing/Certifications tab for more information.

Employment and Post-Graduate Education

  • Employment Settings/Opportunities

  • The most common employment settings include work in secondary schools, colleges & universities, clinics, and professional sports, however, certified athletic trainers may work in any setting outlined in the NYS Practice Act under the supervision of a NYS licensed physician.

    • Both High School and College/University positions can be set up in various ways (full- or part-time) with or without a combination of job responsibilities/titles: teaching responsibilities (teacher-AT, college lecturer/clinical professor-AT), administrator -AT, nurse office/health center-AT, clinic outreach-AT

  • Job Settings (NATA)

  • Post-Graduate Education/Opportunities

  • AT Employment Opportunities

Additional Student Resources and Links

Scholarships

NATA Resources for Students 

Nominate Athletic Trainers and Educators for Awards: