Background

• The Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC ®) works with physicians and other medical personnel, employers, patients, parents, guardians, and athletic personnel in the development and coordination of efficient and responsive health care delivery systems. Athletic trainers are integral members of the health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports programs, sports medicine clinics, corporate /industrial, and other health care settings. The athletic trainer’s professional preparation is based on the development of specified educational competencies and clinical proficiencies. Through a combination of formal classroom and clinical instruction and clinical experience, the athletic trainer is prepared to provide health care within each of the following content areas: 
  • Risk management and injury prevention
  • Pathology of injuries and illnesses 
  • Clinical examination and diagnosis 
  • Acute care of injury and illness 
  • Pharmacology 
  • Therapeutic modalities 
  • Therapeutic and rehabilitative exercise 
  • General medical conditions and disabilities 
  • Nutritional aspects of injury and illness 
  • Psychosocial intervention and referral 
  • Health care administration 
  • Professional development and responsibilities
    

• The Certified Athletic Trainer must complete a Bachelors (or higher) degree from an Athletic Training Education Program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  They must also pass a rigorous national certification examination and may also be required to obtain a license or registration to practice (in over 40 states, including Ohio). 

• The mission of the Athletic Training Division at The Ohio State University is to provide exceptional professional preparation for students who wish to become Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC’s) and to further the Athletic Training profession through scholarship and service.  We offer of Bachelor of Science in Allied Medical Professions degree with a major in Athletic Training.  We do not presently offer a masters degree program in Athletic Training, however we do have a Ph.D. program in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences that is an attractive option for the ATC who wishes to become a researcher and faculty member.

• Athletic Training at Ohio State has a long and storied history that includes 7 National Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame members and 12 Ohio Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame Members. Athletic Training education began at OSU with NATA Hall of Fame Member Ernie Biggs in 1942.  The university created a formal major in Athletic Training in 2000. The major is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.

• Although Ohio State is among the nations largest universities, the Athletic Training is actually very personal and intimate with around 20 - 25 students per class and instructors who know you by name. Although it's cliche' to say it, our program is really more like a family than a major.

• Every Certified Athletic Trainer in Ohio State Athletics is also involved in teaching.  This leads to excellent integration between classroom learning and clinical experience.  Our 14 member teaching faculty is among the largest in the nation.

• Students have extensive involvement with the over 40 team physicians, dentists, pharmacists, sport psychologists, and consulting specialists that are part of the Ohio State University Sports Medicine Team.

• Students complete most clinical rotations on-campus with OSU's nearly 1100 student athletes on 38 intercollegiate sports teams.  Additional off-campus rotations with high schools, outpatient clinics, and professional sports are also available.  Few programs are able to offer the diversity of clinical opportunities that are found at Ohio State.

• In addition to excellence in the classroom and in clinical practice, Ohio State Athletic Training is also a nationally respected for it contributions to sports medicine research.  Research opportunities are available to students at both the graduate and undergraduate level.

---

Educational Curriculum Overview

• OSU's professional curriculum in athletic training is three years (9 quarters) in duration and typically begins in the fall of the sophomore year. For specific details about the educational program, visit our future students page.

• First year (freshman): Students are enrolled in the School of Allied Medical Professions (SAMP) for a pre-professional course of study where they complete admission pre-requisites including AT 303 (Basic Athletic Training) and 25 hours of Athletic Training observation. Students apply for admission to the professional program in March. Admission is competitive and acceptance is announced before the end of spring quarter.  Generally, around 20 - 25 new students are accepted each year.

• Second year (sophomore) : Students complete preseason sportsmedicine, injury evaluation and emergency management courses and the first three of nine clinical courses.  Clinical rotations are primarily on-campus with OSU athletics.

• Third year (junior) : Students complete biomechanics, therapeutic modality & therapeutic exercise courses & the second three of nine clinical courses. Clinical rotations are more advanced and typically will include one or two off-campus rotations.

• Fourth year (senior) : Students complete advanced topics coursework in the psychological aspects of injury, pharmacology, athletic training program administration and the final three of nine clinical courses.  Clinical rotations are advanced and students spend the entire year in a single capstone rotation.  Some students may elect to complete their senior rotation off-campus.  Senior students may elect to enroll in the honors program and complete an honors research project in conjunction with a faculty member. 

---

Accreditation

The Athletic Training Education Program at The Ohio State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  Our next accreditation review will be in 2008-2009.

---

General Information

• Athletic Training Division Office: Atwell Hall 228G (map)
• Phone: 614-292-3702
• Fax: 614-292-0210
• email
• Mailing Address:
  
  Athletic Training Division
  The Ohio State University
  453 W. 10th Avenue
  Columbus OH 43210-1234

ATC® is a registered trademark of the Board of Certification, Inc. (http://www.bocatc.org/)