Athletic Training (Pre-Athletic Training)

Undergraduate Programs

Description

The professional entry-level degree for athletic training is moving to a master’s degree. All professional programs in athletic training must be at the master’s level by 2022. Undergraduate students should consider the general prerequisite coursework necessary for their eventual application to a master’s program. The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) has set prerequisite knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, anatomy, and physiology. Students must complete coursework in these areas prior to admission into a professional graduate program in athletic training. Some institutions may have additional requirements. This Pre-Athletic Training program encompasses the requirements delineated by CAATE. Students are encouraged to identify the specific admission prerequisites at institutions for which they are interested in applying. This program is similar to those of other allied health professions such as Pre-Physical Therapy and Pre-Occupational Therapy. The pre-professional program allows students to prepare for professional programs in athletic training, including the Master of Science in Athletic Training program at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The Pre-Athletic Training curriculum is primarily a science-based curriculum which meets the requirements for the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accreditation standards for “prerequisite knowledge.” This coursework serves as the foundation for study in the professional program of athletic training. The student must complete coursework in these areas prior to admission into the professional program. This coursework, along with a bachelor’s degree should qualify a student to apply to the majority of professional athletic training programs at the master’s degree level. It is important that students check the requirements for their professional school(s) of choice as some require courses in addition to those contained in this concentration. In addition, some programs also require that the student take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and score at a certain level in order to be considered for admission.

Undergraduate Majors to Consider with Pre-Athletic Training

Pre-Athletic Training is not a major. You are required to select a major to complete for your degree. Most institutions do not require a specific undergraduate major. The following majors are related to pre-athletic training with joint coursework. We recommend the following undergraduate majors: Exercise Science, Biology, Applied Heath Science, Physical Education/Health Education, or Psychology .

While graduate programs generally do not require a specific undergraduate major, they are concerned with your performance in undergraduate coursework, specifically your GPA, and expect you have successfully completed all prerequisite coursework.

Policies & Faculty

Policies

Pre-Athletic Training Track (Required)

  • BIOL 220  Human Anatomy (4 credits)
  • BIOL 330  Principles of Human Physiology (4 credits)
  • HP 265  Introduction to PT, OT, and AT (2 credits)
  • HP 348 Structural Kinesiology and Biomechanics (3 credits) OR Physics 211 General Physics I (or higher) may substitute for a biomechanics course
  • HP 414  Physiology of Exercise (3 credits)
  • STAT 154 Elementary Statistics (4) OR HP 403 Research Methods and Statistics in Exercise Science (3 credits)
  • FCS 242  Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 101 Introduction to Psychological Science, OR a higher psychology (4 credits)
  • HLTH 210 First Aid and CPR (3 credits) or current CPR for the Professional Rescuer
  • CHEM 111 Chemistry of Life Processes Part II, OR a higher chemistry course (5 credits)
  • HLTH 101 Health and the Environment (3 credits) OR a higher public/community health course

Preferred Pre-Requisite Courses
(Not required, but may assist in application admission decisions as individual programs may require the courses as additional foundational requirements)

  • BIOL 105 General Biology I (4 credits)
  • Physics  Any 200 level or higher Physics course
  • HP 340  Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (2 credits)
  • HLTH 460 Introduction to Epidemiology (3 credits)
  • HP 403  Research Methods and Statistics in Exercise Science (3 credits) OR another Research Methods course

Total: 41-60 credits

Note: International applicants should visit the specific program/institution for which they are interested in applying since they may have differing minimal internet TOEFL or IELTS scores. Second, students should check their professional schools of choice for specific admission requirements.

Students should check the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) web site (www.caate.net) for information on pre-professional preparation as well as for professional programs of study. 

Contact Information

Department of Human Performance
1400 Highland Center

Student Relations Coordinator: Shirley Murray
E-mail: shirley.murray@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5194

Office (507) 389-1656
https://ahn.mnsu.edu/academic-programs/athletic-training/

Faculty

Program Director
  • Theresa Skrien, EdD, LAT, ATC
Faculty