Athletic Training Major B.S.

UNH Athletic Training student works with a student athlete
Athletic Training Major B.S.

Program Overview

What is athletic training?

Athletic trainers are multi-skilled healthcare professionals who work with physicians to prevent, diagnose and treat sports-related injuries. This degree will prepare you for work as an athletic trainer for schools and universities, sports medicine clinics, hospitals, wellness centers and recreation departments, and other facilities. Demand in this industry is expected to grow in the coming years because of the increased awareness of sports-related injuries in the young, as well as today’s more active aging populations.

Why study athletic training at UNH?

As an athletic training student at UNH, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience through University Athletics, local high schools and other off-campus clinical sites. The athletic training major at UNH is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), and students who complete the full program will be qualified to take the Board of Certification exam. 

Potential careers 

  • Hospital emergency departments 
  • Intercollegiate athletics 
  • Law enforcement and military 
  • Occupational and industrial settings 
  • Performing arts 
  • Physician offices 
  • Professional sports 
  • Secondary schools 
  • Sports medicine clinics
Find Courses
View Course Catalog

Contact

Department of Kinesiology
New Hampshire Hall, 124 Main Street
Durham, NH 03824

Phone: (603) 862-2071

View All Athletic Training Major B.S. Spotlights

Curriculum & Requirements

Athletic trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians. The services provided by athletic trainers are comprised of prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. The athletic training major is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and prepares professionals qualified to attend to the athlete, the fitness-conscious runner, the skilled professional athlete, or anyone engaged in physical activity. Students gain clinical experience within the UNH Department of Athletics, at local high schools, and at off-campus clinical sites. Successful completion of the entire program, including supervised clinical experience, qualifies students to take the Board of Certification (BOC) certification exam. 

Students are admitted to the UNH athletic training major with conditional status. Specific competitive criteria must be met during the student's first year before he or she may apply for full-time status in the major, which is awarded only to students demonstrating exemplary performance in classes and directed observation. Detailed criteria may be found at the program webpage under "Earning Full-Time Status". Additionally, athletic training major technical standards establish the qualities considered necessary for students to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies associated with the program. Candidates for full-time status will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or that they can meet them, with reasonable accommodation. Interested students should consult with program coordinator, Dan Sedory, regarding entry criteria and the technical standards.

Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in all KIN-required courses and BMS 507 Human Anatomy and Physiology I , BMS 508 Human Anatomy and Physiology II .

Students in athletic training complete KIN 718 Career Preparation in Athletic Training , as the capstone course for the major. This course is designed to provide students with a means to integrate and augment concepts, skills, and knowledge gained in all previously completed major course requirements. Prerequisites include KIN 665 Laboratory Practicum in Athletic Training , sections A-D.

Recommended Major Sequencing of Courses

This list only includes major classes. Students should be registered for, and taking an average of 16 credits per semester to be ‘on track’ to graduate in 4 years. In most semesters, this means a student will be taking Discovery or elective course, to meet this 16 credit ‘load’.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
BMS 507 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
KIN 406 Intro to Athletic Training 1
KIN 585 Emergency Medical Responder 4
NUTR 400 Nutrition in Health and Well Being 4
PSYC 401 Introduction to Psychology 4
 Credits17
Spring
BMS 508 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
ENGL 401 First-Year Writing 4
KIN 506 Concepts of Athletic Training for the Professional 4
KIN 507 Concepts of Athletic Training Lab 1
Inquiry Course 4
 Credits17
Second Year
Fall
KIN 658 Evaluation and Care of Athletic Training Injury I 4
KIN 658L Evaluation and Care of Athletic Training Injury I Lab 1
KIN 662 Therapeutic Modalities in Athletic Training 4
KIN 663 Therapeutic Modalities in Athletic Training Laboratory 1
KIN 665 Laboratory Practicum in Athletic Training ((665A)) 1 2
 Credits12
Spring
KIN 652 Clinical Kinesiology 4
KIN 659 Evaluation and Care of Athletic Training Injury II 4
KIN 659L Evaluation and Care of Athletic Training Injury II Lab 1
KIN 660 Therapeutic Exercise in Athletic Training 4
KIN 661 Therapeutic Exercise in Athletic Training Laboratory 1
KIN 665 Laboratory Practicum in Athletic Training ((665B)) 1 2
 Credits16
Third Year
Fall
KIN 620 Physiology of Exercise 4
KIN 665 Laboratory Practicum in Athletic Training ((665C)) 1 2
KIN 667 Pharmacology for Athletic Training 2
KIN 668 Ergogenic Aids in Sports 2
KIN 710 Organization and Administration of Athletic Training Programs 4
 Credits14
Spring
KIN 665 Laboratory Practicum in Athletic Training ((665D)) 1 2
KIN 670 General Medical Conditions in Athletics 4
KIN 715 Seminar in Athletic Training 4
Statistics 4
 Credits14
Fourth Year
Fall
KIN 665 Laboratory Practicum in Athletic Training ((665E)) 1 2
KIN 718 Career Preparation in Athletic Training 4
KIN 780 Psychological Factors in Sport 4
 Credits10
Spring
Electives 3 16
 Credits16
 Total Credits116

Major Requirements

BMS 507Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BMS 508Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
KIN 506Concepts of Athletic Training for the Professional4
KIN 507Concepts of Athletic Training Lab1
KIN 585Emergency Medical Responder4
KIN 620Physiology of Exercise4
KIN 652Clinical Kinesiology4
KIN 658Evaluation and Care of Athletic Training Injury I4
KIN 658LEvaluation and Care of Athletic Training Injury I Lab1
KIN 659Evaluation and Care of Athletic Training Injury II4
KIN 659LEvaluation and Care of Athletic Training Injury II Lab1
KIN 660Therapeutic Exercise in Athletic Training4
KIN 661Therapeutic Exercise in Athletic Training Laboratory1
KIN 662Therapeutic Modalities in Athletic Training4
KIN 663Therapeutic Modalities in Athletic Training Laboratory1
KIN 665Laboratory Practicum in Athletic Training 110
KIN 667Pharmacology for Athletic Training2
KIN 668Ergogenic Aids in Sports2
KIN 670General Medical Conditions in Athletics4
KIN 710Organization and Administration of Athletic Training Programs4
KIN 715Seminar in Athletic Training4
KIN 718Career Preparation in Athletic Training4
KIN 780Psychological Factors in Sport4
NUTR 400Nutrition in Health and Well Being4
PSYC 401Introduction to Psychology4
Statistics Course4
Total Credits91

Explore Program Details

Faculty

Athletic Trainers

caate_seal_accr-progam_cmyk_vf-300x293.jpg

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) seal

University of New Hampshire is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). 

The Athletic Training Major at UNH is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program has been placed on Probation as of February 1, 2019, by the CAATE, 6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3010. The Athletic Training Major at the University of New Hampshire is in non-compliance with CAATE Standard 11 with a three year aggregate first-time BOC exam pass rate of 61% (the CAATE minimum rate is 70%). The Athletic Training Program will have its next comprehensive review during the 2027-2028 academic year.

University of New Hampshire is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Students gain clinical experience in University Athletics, local high schools and other off-campus clinical sites. Successful completion of the entire program, including supervised clinical experience, qualifies students to take the Board of Certification (BOC) certification exam. Students who wish to pursue both BOC certification and public school teacher certification should also see the Department of Kinesiology Physical Education Option. This double course of study will require between five and six years.

Students are admitted to the University in Athletic Training with conditional status. Specific competitive criteria for earning full-time status must be met during the student’s first year before he or she may apply for full-time status in the major, which is awarded only to students demonstrating exemplary performance in classes and directed observation. Additionally, Major Technical Standards establish the qualities considered necessary for students to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies associated with the program. Candidates for full-time status will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or that, with reasonable accommodation, they can meet them. Interested students should consult with program director, Dan Sedory, regarding entry criteria and the technical standards.

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
6835 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 250
Austin, TX 78731-3101, (512) 739-9700.

The Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) provides a certification program for entry-level Athletic Trainers.

The exam contains a combination of 175 scored a2nd unscored (experimental) questions, and candidates will not know which questions are experimental. Candidates have a total of four hours to complete the exam. Candidates are presented with the multiple-choice, stand-alone (drag-and-drop, multi-select, hot-spot, etc.) and focused testlet (scenario followed by five key/critical questions related to that scenario) items in one part. Candidates have the ability to move forward or back throughout the exam.

The Role Delineation Study/Practice Analysis (current edition) (RD/PA) defines the current entry level knowledge, skills and abilities required for practice in the profession of athletic training. The RD/PA serves as the blueprint for determining the content of the exam.

For more information, visit the BOC Exam website.

University of New Hampshire Results

Programs are required by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education to meet or exceed a three year aggregate of 70 % first-time passing rate on the BOC exam. The UNH Athletic Training Major is in non-compliance with CAATE Standard 11 with a three year aggregate first-time passing rate on the BOC exam of 61%.

Fields

2015-2016

2016-2017

2017-2018

3 Year Aggregate

Number of students graduating from program.

 25 19 21 65

Number of students graduating from program who took examination.

 22 18 16 57

Number of students who passed the examination on the first attempt.

 12 15 8 35

Percentage of students who passed the examination on the first attempt.

 55% 79% 50% 61%

Number of students who passed the examination regardless of the number of attempts.

 20 16 11 47

Percentage of students who passed the examination regardless of the number of attempts.

 91% 84% 69% 82%

Requirements for Full-Time Status in the Athletic Training Major

Following are the criteria which will determine who may be admitted to the CAATE Accredited Athletic Training Major (Full-Time Status) at the University of New Hampshire. Effective for all students admitted to UNH, their admission to the Athletic Training Major is on a conditional basis. (College of Health and Human Services Undecided and Internal/External Transfer students are also bound by these criteria).

  1. No student in the Athletic Training Major (conditional basis) is guaranteed the opportunity for Full-Time Status in the Major (i.e., to gain clinical experience in the UNH athletic training rooms). The numbers of Full-Time Status students in the Major are limited by CAATE Standards and by available clinical experiences at UNH.
  2. All students (First-year, CHHS Undecided, Internal/External Transfers) desiring Full- Time Status in the Athletic Training Major at UNH must meet the following criteria:
    1. Meet with the Program Director to review policies and procedures. Should be completed prior to attempting the following criteria:
    2. Complete KIN 506, Concepts of Athletic Training for the Professional, and KIN 507, Concepts of Athletic Training for the Professional Laboratory, with grades of "C" (2.00) or better. (NOTE: BMS 507 is a prerequisite for KIN 506)
    3. Participate in shadow/observation experiences as defined in the Syllabus for KIN 506/507.
    4. Complete BMS 507-508, Human Anatomy and Physiology, with grades of "C" (2.00) or better.
    5. Minimum overall G.P.A. of 2.00.
    6. Have the following materials in the Program Director’s office BY APRIL 15:
      1. Program application form – including verification of having read and understand the Athletic Training Major First-Year Student Handbook
      2. Signed program requirements contract
      3. Signed Technical Standards document
      4. Proof of current physical and immunizations on record at UNH Student Health Services
      5. Signed verification of having viewed and read Athletic Training Major First-Year Student Handbook (specifically sections on HIPAA, confidentiality, etc.)
      6. Letters of reference (2 required)
      7. Student essay
  3. Determination of Rank Order Score:
    1. Overall G.P.A.: 20%
    2. Required courses score (grades in KIN 506 & 507, BMS 507 & 508): 65%
    3. Letters of reference (2 required): 5%
    4. Student essay and interview: 10%
  4. The students' Rank Order Scores will establish an order of students attempting entry to the Major. If the available openings for the upcoming year are "X", then only the top "X" in the rank order will be admitted to Full-Time Status.
  5. A student who fails to receive permission to gain Full-Time Status may reapply for permission to enter the Major up to 1 more time (2 total) or before their Junior (3rd) year, whichever comes first, at the end of each Spring semester.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Degree Change in Athletic Training

CAATE standards

Q: When does UNH anticipate moving the current, undergraduate (BS), Athletic Training Major to the master’s degree?

  • Sometime after the 2017-18 academic year

Q: Do you know the exact date/year when this transition will occur?

  • At this time, no. It will likely be 2-3 years after the end of the 2017-18 academic year

Q: Why is UNH delaying the implementation of the master’s degree program?

  • Partially, it is because the first priority is attaining continuing CAATE accreditation of the BS program, which expires at the end of the 2017-18 academic year.
  • Partially, it is because the CAATE has not yet announced what the Standards and Curriculum Content for the master’s degree programs will be; the CAATE is still putting together draft versions for public and professional comment.
  • UNH does not feel it is prudent to create a master’s degree program without all the appropriate information.

Q: Can I graduate from a college/university with a BS degree in athletic training (up to and including Class of 2026) and be qualified for a state license to practice athletic training?

  • Yes; this change only affects athletic trainers who graduate ‘in the future’ – there are and will be many practicing athletic trainers who ‘only’ have a BS degree and will be eligible for a state license for many, many years.

Q: Can I graduate from a college/university with a BS degree in athletic training (up to and including Class of 2026) and be qualified for employment as an athletic trainer (i.e., get a job)?

  • This change only affects the degree earned by future graduates. It DOES NOT force or require employers to change their requirements for a position/job.
  • There are many current and future athletic trainers who ‘only’ possess a BS degree and they will be able to keep their jobs in the future
  • This is no different than what happened in, say, physical therapy. Just because the required degree is now the DPT, there are many, many PTs working with a BS or MS degree.

Q: Can I graduate from a college/university with a BS in athletic training (up to and including Class of 2026) and go on to earn a master’s degree in athletic training (or related); and as a graduate assistant AT?

  • This is more complicated and less certain – so be aware the following could change at any time
  • According to the CAATE website (FAQs) “it is anticipated that there will still be a demand for Post-Professional programs at the master’s degree level for several years to accommodate the students who will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree”
  • It is a ‘fact of life’ that many colleges/universities use graduate assistant ATs to complete their athletic training staff. It is unlikely these same schools will suddenly be able to convert these positions to full time staff positions. Thus, some schools may still offer graduate assistant positions even when all graduates have a master’s degree in AT.

Q: What would happen to a student who enters UNH as a degree candidate in the BS program when UNH transitions to the master’s degree?

The student would have the option of:

  • Graduating with the BS degree being eligible for the BOC Exam and employment as an athletic trainer, OR,
  • Continuing on to complete their MS degree in athletic training at UNH
    • The MS degree will be very similar in content and requirements as the just-completed BS program; however, the student will have the MS degree, in addition to their BS degree.
    • There is no guarantee a BS degree student will be admitted to the UNH MS degree program; the MS program will have a separate admissions process from the BS program.

Q: What is the final date someone could graduate with a bachelor’s (baccalaureate) degree (BS) in athletic training and be eligible for the Board of Certification (BOC) Exam?

  • A student enrolled into an undergraduate athletic training program (BS) after the start of the Fall Term 2022 WILL NOT be eligible for the BOC Exam
  • Students enrolled in an athletic training program (BS) for Fall 2022 (and before) WILL be eligible for the BOC Exam (Class of 2026 – see below)

Q: What if I’m enrolled for Fall Term 2022 but I don’t graduate for 5 (or 6 or 7, etc.) years; will I still be eligible for the BOC Exam upon graduation?

  • Yes; the relevant date is WHEN you start your degree, not when it is completed.

Athletic training students gain clinical experience in athletic training under the direction of clinical instructors (Certified Athletic Trainers). Students are required to complete five semesters of supervised clinical experience – at least one semester with an 'equipment intensive' sport (football, ice hockey, men's lacrosse), at least one semester at a local high school and at least one semester/experience with an opposite-sex sport.

The primary opportunity for clinical experience is through the NCAA Division 1 Athletics Program at the University of New Hampshire. Students can gain experience with the following sports teams, which are usually ranked near/at the top of their respective conferences and/or nationally:

  • Men's & Women's Basketball
  • Men's & Women's Cross Country
  • Women's Field Hockey
  • Football
  • Women's Gymnastics
  • Men's & Women's Ice Hockey
  • Women's Lacrosse
  • Men's & Women's Soccer
  • Women's Volleyball

UNH Campus Recreation is another opportunity for clinical experience with the Club Sports Teams and in providing athletic training services for students participating in intramural and recreational sports and activities.

Local high schools provide an opportunity for athletic training clinical experience in the Seacoast of New Hampshire and Maine. All the high school experiences are under the supervision of Certified Athletic Trainers.

Program Employment/Placement Rate
(Number and percentage of students within 6-months of Graduation)
Graduating Class by Academic Year (AY)

CAATE-defined Categories

2015-16AY

2016-17AY

2017-18AY

Employed as an athletic trainer

4 (16%)

5 (26%)

1 (5%)

Employed other than as an athletic trainer

1 (4%)

0

0

Employed as an athletic trainer

and in a degree or residency program

4 (16%)

6 (32%)

4 (20%)

Not employed due to enrollment

in another degree program

3 (12%)

3 (16%)

4 (20%)

Not employed

0

0

0

Do not know          

13 (52%)

5 (26%)

11 (55%)

Total number of graduating students

25

19

20

Program Graduation Rate
(Students who complete their degree within 150% of “normal time” for completing program)
Graduating Class by Academic Year (AY)

CAATE-defined Categories

2015-16AY

2016-17AY

2017-18AY

Number of students admitted to program        

27

24

23

Number of students who graduated

25

19

20

Percentage of students who graduated             

93%*

80%*

87%*

* The CAATE restricts programs to report statistics as defined by the CAATE (i.e, students admitted versus students who graduate)

  • UNH reports actual graduation rates based on the students who remain in the Athletic Training Major for the entire duration of the program
    • As can be seen from the following table, some students leave the Athletic Training Major before they reach their Senior Year (e.g., desire a different course of study, financial reasons, etc.)
  • 100% of the students who reach their Senior Year in the Athletic Training Major graduate ‘on time’
    • Some students even graduate ‘early’ (4 in 2015-16 class, 3 in 2016-17 class, and 1 in 2017-18 class)

 

Program Retention Rate
(Students enrolled in program who return to the AT Major each academic year)
Student Cohort by Year ENTERING Program/AT Major
Graduating Class by Academic Year (AY)

 

CAATE-defined Categories

2015-16AY

2016-17AY

2017-18AY

Number of students admitted to program (Sophomore Year)                 

23

26

23

Number of students returning for 2nd, Junior, Year        

21 (91%)

24 (92%)

23 (100%)

Number of students returning for 3rd, Senior, Year

21 (100%)

The Athletic Training Major is an academic program where all individuals involved in, and associated with, the program should feel comfortable and free from any intimidation. Hostile or offensive activities, or actions that would in any way impede or interfere with instruction and learning, dialogue and mentoring, and the expression of thoughts and ideas will not be tolerated.

When anyone, at any time, feels harassed or intimidated or otherwise uncomfortable, on the basis of her or his race, ethnic, or cultural background, sex, or sexual orientation, or for any other reason, they are encouraged to report this to the Athletic Training Program Director, the Director of UNH Sports Medicine (the Head Athletic Trainer), their respective supervisors (Chair, Dept. of Kinesiology for AT Major / Director of Athletics for UNH Sports Medicine), or the appropriate authorities at UNH.

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Only course work earned from CAATE Accredited Athletic Training Major will be considered in transfer for meeting UNH Athletic Training Major graduation requirements.

A maximum of 200 clinical experience hours, from the student's originating institution, will be accepted towards meeting UNH Athletic Training major graduation requirements. Only those clinical experience hours meeting CAATE and BOC standards will count for the 200 hours.

Students who are currently in the “professional phase” of an athletic training curriculum at their originating institution (has successfully transitioned through a secondary admissions process) will be eligible for transfer directly into a similar level in the UNH Athletic Training major. The determination of what “level” a student will assume will be made by the Athletic Training Program Director in consultation with other athletic training faculty.

Students begin the process for transfer application by going to the Office for Admissions.

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