How to Become a Certified Athletic Trainer

Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. Athletic training education programs, an academic major or the equivalent, are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Atheltic Training Education (CAATE) and lead to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Certification is granted by the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC).

Accredited entry-level education programs include formal instruction in a variety of areas, such as:

Foundational Courses

  • Human physiology
  • Human anatomy
  • Exercise physiology
  • Kinesiology/biomechanics
  • Nutrition
  • Acute care of injury and illness
  • Statistics and research design
  • Strength training and reconditioning
  • Risk management and injury/illness prevention
  • Pathology of injury/illness
  • Assessment of injury/illness

Professional Courses

  • General medical conditions and disabilities
  • Therapeutic modalities
  • Therapeutic exercise; rehabilitative techniques
  • Health care administration
  • Weight management and body composition
  • Psychosocial intervention and referral
  • Medical ethics and legal issues
  • Pharmacology
  • Professional development and responsibilities

Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences. Under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer, athletic training students further develop their knowledge and skills in a wide range of settings, including scholastic sports, interscholastic sports, sports medicine clinics and other venues where ATCs work.

Many students earn their certification after completing the entry-level program. They often continue their studies, however, at an NATA-approved graduate education program. More than 70 percent of certified athletic trainers hold an advanced degree.

After interested candidates have met the curriculum requirements, they must pass a three-part test administered by the Board of Certification Inc. (BOC).

Those who pass the exam are certified, and their certification is retained as long as they meet the continuing education requirements set by the BOC. Continuing education requirements include:

  • Completion and reporting of a predetermined number of continuing education units, including recertification in CPR at least once in each three year term
  • Adherence to the BOC Standards of Professional Practice
  • Submission of annual BOC annual certification fee or payment of NATA annual dues

Continuing education requirements are meant to ensure that ATCs stay current in the advancements in athletic training. Certified Athletic Trainers:

  • Obtain current professional development information
  • Explore new knowledge in specific content areas
  • Master new athletic training-related skills and techniques
  • Expand approaches to effective athletic training
  • Further develop professional judgment
  • Conduct professional practice in an ethical and appropriate manner