Athletic Training

What is an athletic trainer?

Athletic Trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians. The services provided by ATs comprise of:

  • Prevention
  • Emergency Care
  • Clinical Diagnosis
  • Therapeutic Intervention
  • Rehabilitation of Injuries and Medical Conditions

What education is required?

Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. Students must also complete hundreds of hours of supervised clinical experience.

What degree does Truman State University offer?

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training.

What type of certification is required?

In order to practice as an athletic trainer, you must be certified by the Board of Certification (BOC). Certification requires:

  • A degree in athletic training
  • A passing score on the national certification exam
  • Current certification in CPR

What type of continuing education is required?

Athletic trainers must be recertified every two years. Recertification requires completion of 50 continuing education units (CEU) and current certification in CPR.

What are the credentials of a certified athletic trainer?

Certifed athletic trainers are designated by the credentials ATC.

What are the state requirements to practice as an athletic trainer in Missouri?

In order to work as an athletic trainer in the state of Missouri, you must be certified by the BOC and have a license from the Missouri Board of Healing Arts.

In what settings will you find athletic trainers?

Athletic trainers work in a variety of health care settings to include hospitals, physician's office, colleges, universities, high schools, professional and amateur sports, sports medicine centers, wellness and sports performance facilities, NASA, the military, and the performing arts.