Athletic Trainer
ATHLETIC TRAINER (AT)
Athletic trainers (ATs) specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.
Admission requirements for Athletic Trainer programs vary from one program to another. However, most programs share a group of prerequisite courses, and the Hendrix courses that fulfill these requirements are listed below.
In addition, many schools require time spent observing, shadowing, or interning with an athletic trainer. A Hendrix internship is an excellent way to get 120 of these hours, and volunteering or working at a clinic can also help you build up this part of your resume.
Common Course Requirements for AT Programs+
BIOL 150 Fundamentals of Cellular Life (w/Lab)
BIOL 205/215 Anatomy & Physiology I & II (w/Lab)
Biomechanics course
BIOL 354 Biology of Movement may be used to fulfill this requirement
BIOL 362 Physiology of Exercise (w/Lab)
CHEM 110 General Chemistry I (w/Lab)
HESC 265 Nutrition
MATH 215 Introductory Statistics
PHYS 235 General Physics I (Workshop)*
*Note: MATH 130 Calculus is a pre- or corequisite for PHYS 235
PSYC 110 Introduction to Psychology
+Note: A grade of C or better in all prerequisite coursework is required for acceptance into most programs.
Arkansas has 3 AT Programs
University of Arkansas - click here for more info
Arkansas State University - click here for more info
University of Central Arkansas - click here for more info
How to Prepare for AT School
One possible course plan appears below.
Please note: This plan does not include all of the necessary courses to fulfill the First-Year Experience, Learning Domains, Capacities, Odyssey, or Major requirements. Students are strongly encouraged to work with their Academic Advisor to make sure all of the requirements for graduation are fulfilled, as well as the prerequisites for specific AT programs.
More information about ATs
ATs help their patients prevent injuries and other medical conditions. And, when emergent, acute, or chronic injuries occur, they are also involved in the examination, diagnoses, treatment, and rehabilitation of them.
Benefits of becoming an AT include the ability to work with a diverse patient population, interesting and fast-paced work, excellent job opportunities, and flexibility.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an AT in 2023 was $57,930.
Look to the Future
Because admission requirements for athletic trainer programs vary from one program to another, students should contact the program(s) of their choice early in their Hendrix career. It is your responsibility to contact each school you are applying to and get approval for any course you might wish to substitute for a program’s prerequisite. Also remember that Athletic Trainer is not a major at Hendrix.
Get involved!
Community service, health care experiences, and leadership activities are essential. You need lots of experience working with people for people. Be involved and serve on 1 to 2 Hendrix clubs or committees.
Observe Athletic Trainers
Many schools require time spent observing, shadowing or interning with an athletic trainer, and most admitted students will exceed the minimum requirements. Hendrix internships require a minimum of 120 hours. You should try to do more than 120 hours and with different ATs if possible.
Keep your academic record strong
Few individuals get admitted with only the minimal requirements, and most admitted students have GPAs of 3.0 or above. Programs are looking for the most highly qualified students and will therefore have higher expectations and standards. When choosing your schools to apply to, check to make sure you will meet or exceed the requirements.
Develop relationships
Get to know some health care providers, faculty and work/volunteer supervisors. All of these individuals can be a resource for you to obtain new and valuable opportunities. Always maintain a good rapport with these contacts as well. You never know when you will need a letter of recommendation, and you want to make sure they can provide you with a great letter, not a mediocre one.
Stay up to date on current healthcare issues
The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) is a great resource for staying up-to-date on current issues impacting ATs. And you can search for an accredited AT program here: https://caate.net/Search-for-Accredited-Programs
For More Information:
Contact Jennifer Dearolf in the Biology Department.
