Our Program

The Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training takes four years to complete. Admission to our program is based on a competitive admissions process.

Clinical Requirements

Once accepted to the athletic training program, you will begin your formal clinical education by being assigned a preceptor, a healthcare professional vetted by the Athletic Training Program faculty, who will oversee your clinical education experience. The clinical education component supplements your coursework with real-world, hands-on experience interacting with patients under the direction and supervision of your preceptor. You will be able to practice, develop, and perfect the skills and knowledge that you obtain in the classroom and laboratory settings while interacting with actual patients.

In order to obtain a variety of clinical experiences, you may be placed in one or more of the following settings:

• UT Athletics,
• Area high schools,
• Area physicians’ offices,
• Professional sports organizations, and
• Local colleges and universities.

Demonstrating What You’ve Learned

You will be required to demonstrate your ability to complete a set of clinical proficiencies considered to be the common set of skills entry-level athletic trainers should possess. Completion of the clinical proficiencies requires you to synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills that you have obtained in the classroom and in a real-world setting under the guidance and supervision of a credentialed preceptor while interacting with actual patients.

You must successfully complete all of the required coursework and the clinical education components in order to complete the requirements for your degree and to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) and / or state licensure examinations.

Why Choose Our Program?

World-Renowned Facilities and Faculty

While there are no established rankings for athletic training programs, our program is considered by many to be one of the best athletic training programs in the nation. We offer a top-notch education at a premier institution with state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to work with world-renowned faculty, clinical staff, and world-class athletes during clinical rotations.

Our faculty and staff are well respected in the fields of athletic training and sports medicine and are active in the athletic training profession and sports medicine field at the local, state, regional and national levels. Members of our faculty and clinical staff have been chosen to serve on the USOC’s medical staff for the Pan American Games, the Para-Olympic Games, and the Olympic Games.

Accredited by CAATE

The Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) through the 2021-22 academic year. Only students who graduate from a CAATE accredited Athletic Training Program are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification examination to become credentialed as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). The ATC credential is the national “gold-standard” for athletic trainers. Students are also prepared for the Texas licensure exam to become a Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT).

Most states require athletic trainers to be certified and licensed to practice.

Strong Alumni Network

Our alumni serve as athletic trainers at every level from local high schools and small colleges to large universities, and professional sports teams. Graduates of our program are highly sought after for internships, graduate assistantships, and in the professional job market.

Our students are prepared to become physicians, physicians’ assistants, chiropractors, and physical therapists. Graduates from our program excel in seemingly endless career paths in health professions, education, academia, professional sport organizations, and more.

High Certification Exam Passing Rates

Our students’ passing rate for the BOC examination is consistently higher than the national average. The passing rate for the Texas licensure examination is also consistently higher than the state average. Our program’s passing rate typically exceeds the national average of 92 percent. See our BOC Passing Rates page for more information.

Small Class Sizes

While ours is one of the largest universities in the country, our program provides a smaller, family-like atmosphere. The average enrollment is in the 50s with an average of 15-20 students per class. This allows the student to get the benefits that come with a large, diverse university while also getting to grow with a close group of cohorts. This small number of students allows the Athletic Training Program staff and faculty to get to know the students and help them achieve their potential and dreams.

First-year Interest Group

Many of our students join the pre-Athletic Training First-year Interest Group (FIG). A FIG is a cohort of 18-25 or so first-year students with a similar program interest. Students take two to four courses together and attend weekly seminars led by a peer mentor and staff advisor. This allows students to get to know a small group of similarly minded and goal-oriented colleagues. The FIG also provides opportunities for study groups, peer mentoring, and social support. Be sure to talk to your academic advisor about joining the right FIG.