B.S.,
Athletic Training
College of Health and Human Services
What You'll Do
As an Athletic Training major at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, you’ll be on the path to success as you invest your energy in an outstanding education leading to a career in the sports medicine field.
Along with classes in Health and Physical Education and Exercise Science, you’ll take a comprehensive series of courses for your Athletic Training major, such as Therapeutic Modalities, Therapeutic Exercise, General Medical Conditions in Sports and Exercise, and other courses dealing with the emergency care and evaluation and treatment of sports and exercise injuries.
You’ll also receive hands-on training through eight laboratory courses and a minimum of four semesters of supervised field experiences. Most of these experiences entail working with IUP’s varsity athletes. Others include rotations in sports medicine/physical therapy clinics, physicians offices, and high schools.
Athletic training as a profession is recognized by the American Medical Association. Admission to the Athletic Training program is competitive; those interested should visit the Health and Physical Education Department website for more information.
What You'll Become
Certified athletic trainers provide preventive and emergency care and treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. Graduates of the program have the necessary education and clinical skills to apply for the Board of Certification examination. You can also choose to take additional courses and double major in Exercise Science or obtain a teaching certification by double majoring with Health and Physical Education.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of athletic trainers is expected to grow by 30 percent through 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. As people become more aware of sports-related injuries at a young age, demand for athletic trainers is expected to increase, most significantly in schools and youth leagues. About a third of athletic trainers work in the general health care arena (clinics and hospitals). Another third work in educational settings, and about 20 percent work in fitness and sports centers. Some graduates also pursue graduate study in allied health programs, such as physical therapy and physician assistant programs.