Become an Athletic Trainer: Apply to Pacific’s MSAT Program Today

A complex interdisciplinary field, athletic training uses evolving technology and a professional healthcare foundation to serve everyone from athletes to enthusiasts. 

Applications for Pacific’s Master of Science in Athletic Training open this upcoming summer through ATCAS. Browse prerequisite requirements and discover how you can start your career helping people thrive.

Ideal for those who want to transform their passion for sport into a rich, rewarding career, the Master of Science in Athletic Training degree combines healthcare with the joy that comes from physical activity.

Whether working with professional sports teams or Special Olympians, athletic trainers are uniquely qualified to diagnose, treat, and — most importantly — prevent acute and chronic injury. 

As both professional and hobbyist sports grow in popularity, jobs in athletic training are projected to grow as well. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 17% increase in demand for those with athletic training certification over the next ten years.

Ready to get started? Join us as we walk you through the steps of how to become an athletic trainer.    

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Step 1. Explore Undergraduate Options in Healthcare

While some schools offer athletic training degrees at the undergraduate level, the Athletic Training Strategic Alliance (the organization that officially certifies trainers)  decided in 2015 that the entry-level degree for athletic training is a Master’s.

This means that undergraduate degrees that prioritize science, math, and healthcare principles are well-suited for pursuing a career in athletic training, naturally fulfilling many of the necessary prerequisite courses for graduate athletic training programs. 

Some examples of bachelor’s degrees that prepare students for a master’s degree in athletic training include: 

• Natural Sciences. Biology, chemistry, and physics are degrees that provide a foundation for many healthcare careers, especially those that deal with physical impacts on the body, such as athletic training.

• Pre-Health Pathways. While not officially degrees, these undergraduate pathways smoothly funnel students into advanced healthcare degrees, and can include pre-athletic training programs.  

• Kinesiology. Previously called exercise science, kinesiology is perhaps the most common undergraduate degree for athletic trainers. In addition, Pacific offers an accelerated pathway for kinesiology students that results in a Master of Science in Athletic Training  in just five years (including both undergrad and grad).  

• Public Health. Highly interdisciplinary and serving a wide population, a major in public health is a launch pad for advanced degrees in athletic training and physical therapy.

• Disability Studies. Athletic trainers are interested in helping those with mobility and sensory disorders experience the benefits of participating in sports, and an accompanying degree in disability studies can provide invaluable experience.

Athletic Training vs Physical Therapy

Athletic training and physical therapy share a common goal of helping patients recover or adapt to physical injury. However, they differ in several important ways.

While both careers require advanced degrees, it is important to note that neither athletic trainers or physical therapists are medical doctors, and do not attend medical school or complete a medical residency.

Athletic trainers looking to become medical doctors should apply to programs in sports medicine.

Step 2. Prepare Your Application for Athletic Training School

Successful applications for athletic training school combine a well-rounded background in health and science with real-world experience. 

Most graduate athletic training programs will be looking for students who can demonstrate a true passion for athletic training as a healthcare profession. 

Here’s what you can do to make that clear in your application:

• Join student clubs. Whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, student clubs that focus on athletic training can provide volunteer opportunities, invite professionals to campus, and offer support while applying for programs.

• Shadow professionals. Pacific, like many other programs, requires an amount of time spent observing healthcare professionals in the workplace prior to applying.

  Not only does this give you hands-on experience, but also shows a dedication to pursuing a career in athletic training. 

• Find recommenders. Certified athletic trainers who you’ve had experience learning from are amazing champions of your success, and asking for letters of recommendation will give you application a boost. 

Step 3. Research Athletic Training Programs and Apply

When looking at schools that offer degrees in athletic training there are some important factors to consider. 

Athletic training programs without nearby athletes to help will result in a rather hands-off experience.

As you choose schools to apply to, look for those with demonstrated clinical experiences in nearby communities. 

Pacific’s proximity to the Portland-Metro area means that at the professional, collegiate, high school, and hobbyist level there are opportunities for athletic training students to gain hands-on experience practicing healthcare. 

Once you’ve found compatible schools, the only thing left to do is submit your application.

You can apply using the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS), which allows you to submit to multiple schools at once.

From the inquiry form to the acceptance letter, someone was always there to help me at every step.

– Alyssa Ross ‘25

Step 4. Complete Your Master’s in Athletic Training

Congratulations! By getting into an athletic training program you’ve taken an enormous step towards an exciting and fulfilling career. 

So how do you make the most of it?

• Participate in research. Whether aiding a professor with similar interests or presenting research at a national conference, opportunities to investigate aspects of athletic training important to you are vital to a healthcare career.  

• Learn from other programs. Athletic training is a highly interdisciplinary program, using methods and practices from across the healthcare space.

  Pacific’s College of Health Professions shares a singular campus, making learning from other fields easy and accessible.  

• Explore career opportunities. A career in athletic training allows graduates to branch out into many different roles.

  Accompanying programs, like Pacific’s Healthcare MBA, can empower graduates to find new avenues for their career at any stage.

Step 5. Get Your Athletic Training Certification

Unlike medical school, athletic training programs do not require students to complete a medical residency or fellowship in order to become certified to provide healthcare.

Passing the certification test, administered by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, allows students to work as athletic trainers across the country almost immediately after graduation.

Continuing education is encouraged for athletic trainers, and staying up to date with current trends in healthcare and recovery can make a big difference when applying for training positions. 

Inquire today to speak with an admissions counselor and get your questions answered before the application window opens this upcoming summer.

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