A Rigorous Curriculum

Become a Clinician-Scientist

Program Overview

The Athletic Training Program is an accelerated 5-year B.S./M.S. curriculum. The curriculum is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Students who complete all 5 years of this curriculum earn a Master of Science in Athletic Training and are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) exam. The BOC awards successful candidates with the Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) credential. Without this credential an individual cannot practice as an athletic trainer.

Our undergraduate degree is a B.S. in Exercise Science – Pre-Athletic Training (Pre-AT). The graduate degree is an M.S. in Athletic Training.

B.S. Exercise Science – Pre-AT (Years 1-3)

AT student in the classroom

In years 1 to 3, AT students complete our Exercise Science - Pre-AT curriculum. You will take a variety of foundational courses, using the 1st 3 years of your academic career preparing for professional AT-specific content. These include a core of exercise sciences courses, coupled with courses in basic & applied sciences, health care delivery, and pre-athletic training. The Pre-AT curriculum will prepare you for the rigors of the professional graduate AT program.

Learn more about the foundational courses to prepare you for the Athletic Training Master's Degree below.

B.S. Transition to M.S. [Fall – Spring – Summer] (Year 4)

AT students in human anatomy lab

During year 4, students transition from the undergraduate curriculum, graduating with a B.S. in Exercise Science-Pre-AT, into the M.S. AT curriculum*. Didactic and laboratory courses are paired with appropriate clinical experiences to enhance learning and prepare you for professional practice. This content is centered on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of athletic injuries and illnesses. Your coursework will include classes that focus on the assessment of musculoskeletal injuries and general medical conditions, pathoanatomy, therapeutic interventions, clinical research, interprofessional practice, and healthcare administration.

*If you choose to not pursue athletic training, you are able move to able to move out of the Exercise Science – Pre-AT and into either Exercise Science – Medical Science OR Exercise Science – Sports Science. You would then complete required coursework for either concentration during senior (4th) year and graduate with an Exercise Science degree (B.S.).

M.S. in Athletic Training (Year 5)

AT working with an AT student in the clinic

In the final year of the M.S. curriculum, AT students continue to take courses focused on AT-specific material in didactic, laboratory, and clinical settings. The final semester culminates in a 4-week, fully immersive clinical experience.

You will graduate with an M.S. in Athletic Training in the spring of your 5th year and be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification Exam (BOC) for the Athletic Trainer. Passing this exam certifies you as an athletic trainer (earning the "ATC" credential) so that you can begin practicing as an entry-level professional.

Learn about our BOC 1st-Time Pass Rate legacy!

Foundational Courses

Exercise Science – Pre-AT curriculum

AT students complete all of the core exercise science courses. These courses cover content on the physical and mental aspects of exercise science, including courses in human anatomy, human movement, exercise physiology, and sport psychology.

AT students take 1 semester each of biology, chemistry, physics, & statistics.

AT students take courses that cover epidemiology, public health, nutrition, psychology, health care administration, medical literacy, evidence-based practice, biopsychosocial aspects of health care, clinical reasoning, & introductory clinical experience.

Ithaca College is, at heart, a liberal arts institution. The Exercise Science - Pre-AT curriculum is designed to incorporate a strong liberal arts foundation. You will take courses in a variety of departments to complete your liberal arts requirements.

Questions?

Jennifer M. Medina McKeon, PhD, ATC, CSCS
Associate Professor & Director, Athletic Training Program
G65 Hill Center
Ithaca College
953 Danby Road
Ithaca, NY 14850

(607) 274-1456