Athletic Training Major (B.S.)

The Athletic Training Major at UNH is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  Effective in October 2021, the Athletic Training Program will begin the process of voluntary withdrawal of accreditation. The program will close permanently at the conclusion of Spring 2023.

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.

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, Ben Towne, regarding entry criteria and the technical standards.

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
2001 K Street NW, 3rd Floor North
Washington, DC 20006 (512) 733-9700.

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 AT 506, Concepts of Athletic Training for the Professional, and AT 507, Concepts of Athletic Training for the Professional Laboratory, with grades of "C" (2.00) or better. (NOTE: BMS 507 is a prerequisite for AT 506)
   3. Participate in shadow/observation experiences as defined in the Syllabus for AT 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 AT 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.

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.

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.

The athletic training program is closing in May 2023.  We are not accepting transfers at this time.

CAATE Information and Outcomes Page