College of Education - B.S. Athletic Training
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Athletic Training Program set up?
Upon entering Rowan University students are automatically enrolled in the Pre-professional Phase of the ATEP (Athletic Training Education Program). A secondary application process is in place for acceptance into Professional Phase of the ATEP, where the student will begin their clinical rotations. Please see application criteria
May I combine athletic training with another specialization within Health and Exercise Science?
This is a viable possibility, however, one could expect that summer school and/or additional semesters will be required. In general first and second year students should plan to complete the preliminary athletic training sequence first. The HES Academic Advisor and the Specialization Program Director will assist students in coordination of the two programs of study. One can expect to graduate with an excess number of credit hours as this combination is essentially the equivalent of a double major.
May I combine the athletic training major with athletic participation?
The athletic training education program and intercollegiate athletic participation are co-curricular. Participation in intercollegiate athletics has the potential to make a person a better athletic trainer and we highly encourage participation in both athletics and the athletic training major. Students, however, must realize that being a student-athlete is challenging and requires good study skills and constant communication between the athletic training program director, student, and head coach. Students can expect to spend from one additional academic year at Rowan University due to their participation in athletics.
Can a transfer student complete the athletic training education program?
Please click Here for more information.
What do I do if I desire to pursue athletic training education at Rowan University?
It is strongly suggested that prospective students gain some practical observation experience under a certified athletic trainer prior to selecting the athletic training education. Many students are not prepared for the level of commitment involved in the professional preparation of the entry level athletic trainer. Additionally, some confusion exists regarding the difference between the allied health profession of athletic training and personal fitness training. Prospective students should apply directly to the admissions office and indicate their choice of the major HES: Athletic Training. After you receive notification of your acceptance to the University, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with the Program Director, (Rob Sterner, PhD, ATC at (856) 256-4500, ext.3766 or sterner@rowan.edu). The University will notify you of pre registration dates and new student orientation which will take place after your meeting with the Specialization Program Director. If at any time before, during or after the application process, the Program Director will be happy to answer your questions.
What does an athletic trainer do?
The certified athletic trainer is an allied health professional dedicated to the prevention, management and rehabilitation of injuries sustained by physically active individuals. A thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, emergency procedures, nutrition, contemporary health, taping, bracing, protective equipment, conditioning, injury prevention, pathology, assessment and rehabilitation procedures is required. The certified athletic trainer must stay cognizant of new developments in the field by interacting with colleagues, attending conferences, and reading in order to meet the minimum requirements for continuing education as defined by the Board of Certification. Additionally, over 70% of athletic trainers earn advanced degrees to improve their skills in this immensely rewarding but demanding and constantly evolving profession.
Traditionally, the certified athletic trainer has been an integral part of a complete athletic program. The nature of physical activity and competition makes injury inevitable. The presence of the certified athletic trainer insures that competition is consistently safer, injuries receive appropriate attention in a timely manner and the efficiency of medical management of health care for scholastic, college and professional athletes is greatly enhanced. Some athletic trainers perform similar duties in a hospital/clinic or corporate/industrial setting. The entry level credential needed to practice athletic training is certification through the board of certification (Board of Certification). Individual states may also require that the certified athletic trainer obtain a license to practice in that state.
What is the employment potential for a certified athletic trainer?
Athletic trainers who are certified to teach classes in various academic subjects greatly increase their employment options in the present job market. Public and private secondary schools represent the key to the immediate employment future of most certified athletic trainers. A significant number of New Jersey schools employ certified athletic trainers. In the future, the number of employment opportunities available will be directly proportional to the number of parents and administrators who are committed to quality health care for athletes or the number of additional states who initiate legislation mandating these positions. The additional cost to the school system would be equivalent to having another coach. The savings in health care costs and the improvement of the quality of life for student athletes would be immeasurable. Colleges and universities offer additional employment options both with athletic department staff assignments and athletic training education programs. A master's degree is usually required for employment. Prestige in the eyes of the public is high and turnover rates are low. The salaries are generally lower than high school positions.
Fewer opportunities are available with professional sports team. Although these teams compete only a few months pre year, athletic trainers work almost the entire year round in conditioning and rehabilitation. The prestige and exposure factors are understandably high with the public, however, salaries are lower than college and secondary school positions, considering the time commitment, level of responsibility and pressure associated with these positions. Positions with professional sports teams also offer less job security and opportunities for women are almost non-existent.
Sports medicine clinics offer more regular work hours, a diverse patient population without the emergency care component. The athletic trainer's autonomy to perform duties for which s/he is trained are sometimes restricted by law in this setting. In clinics providing athletic training services for secondary schools, job security depends on year-to-year contract renewal.
The corporate/industrial setting has experienced recent growth and offers a competitive salary and a regular work schedule with a diverse population. Students seeking employment in this sub discipline would be advised to include industrial or organizational psychology, management, industrial safety, computer and health promotion course work as electives.
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