The University of Michigan's athletic training program is part of the college's School of Kinesiology. The undergraduate degree courses include pharmacology, nutrition, anatomy and fitness classes, in addition to general education courses. Students who complete the undergraduate degree in athletic training are eligible to take the National Athletic Training Association certification exam and continue on to a rewarding career. Post-graduation employment includes work as a physical trainer or counselor, and others go on to continue their education in the medical field.
Ohio State University requires students to have a good standing and they must complete at least 45 credits before entering into the athletic training program. You must also complete the following prerequisite courses: algebra, medical terminology, chemistry, biological principles, psychology, physiology and at least 25 hours clinical observation. School administrators warn that admission to the program is extremely competitive. You need to maintain good grades and receive a positive evaluation from the clinical observation staff. You may also need to meet with the program's adviser for an in-person interview.
San Jose State University's athletic training graduates are eligible for the Board of Certification examination. The school accepts applications into the program once a year, and applications are due before April 10. If you're accepted into the undergraduate program, you'll have to complete four core sections that total 112 credits and a clinical experience. You have to complete your clinical work at the same time you complete either your kinesiology or your athletic training courses.
The University of North Carolina encourages students interested in the athletic training program to apply as early as possible. When you first start the program, you'll begin observational hours at the Stallings-Evans Sports Medicine Center. The clinical observation will allow you to view injury treatment and rehabilitation in person. Because the athletic training program receives so many applications and it has a limited number of spots, the administrators recommend students keep their grade point average above a 2.75. However, they prefer a 3.0 from completing your observational hours, a course in human anatomy and a course in emergency care of injuries and illness.