Western Carolina University, located in Cullowee, offers a bachelor of science in athletic training. Its program, which is fully accredited by CAATE, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, focuses on combining real-world clinical experience with classroom theory and practice as early as the first semester. Classes are taught by professionals in a wide range of disciplines, including certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, paramedics, pharmacists and doctors.
Located in Durham, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) prepares students enrolled in the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) for careers within the healthcare industry. Trainers help athletes compete at their peak, ready astronauts for space flight, and guide clients through rehabilitation exercises. They're required to have clinical experience in addition to the classroom education they get throughout their undergraduate time at NCCU, including classes such as orthopedic and physical assessment and a practicum in athletic training.
The town of Wilson, North Carolina is home to Barton College. Educating nearly 1,100 students with 200 faculty and staff, the college is an accredited athletic training school and thoroughly prepares students for the certification exam while getting their bachelor of science. The Barton College Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is made up of two components, a didactic portion and a clinical portion. Over half the classes are laboratory classes, which gives hands-on experience to students, something they also receive by participating in clinical rotations at hospitals and high schools.
Within the kinesology department of the School of Health and Human Performance, the University of North Carolina in Greensboro offers a master of science degree in athletic training (MSAT). This degree prepares students to take the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification Examination, which gives those who pass it the credentials of being a Certified Athletic Trainer. This is a fully accredited and certified program. Students have to complete a minimum of 200 hours of clinical observation and experience to complete it, and only 10 students are accepted each year. Students work closely with local businesses, high schools and college sports teams to get their clinical experience.