Exercise Science - Athletic Training |
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Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who help prevent, evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate injuries and illnesses. They work with people across a wide range of ages and skill levels, from young athletes to professional competitors, and are often among the first healthcare providers responding when an injury occurs during sport or physical activity. |
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What Do Athletic Trainers Do? |
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| Athletic trainers support athletes and patients throughout the injury-care process. Their responsibilities include: | |||
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Education & Certification |
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Earn a Bachelor's Degree |
Earn a Master's Degree |
Pass the BOC Exam |
Obtain Licensure & Maintain Certification |
| Study a related field such as exercise science, kinesiology, athletic training, or sports medicine. Complete prerequisite coursework in areas such as anatomy, biology, nutrition, and exercise physiology. | Complete a CAATE-accredited athletic training program that combines advanced coursework with hands-on clinical experience. | Graduate from an accredited program and pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become a certified athletic trainer. | Meet state-specific licensure requirements and complete continuing education to maintain certification and stay current in the field. |
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Key Areas of Study |
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Work with a Healthcare Team |
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Athletic trainers work as part of a broader healthcare team and often collaborate with physicians and other healthcare providers. They may discuss injuries and treatment options with physicians, participate in regular meetings with team or consulting physicians, and provide care as directed by a physician. |
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Prevention & Rehabilitation |
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| Athletic training goes beyond responding to injuries. Athletic trainers develop comprehensive programs designed to prevent injury and illness while helping injured athletes safely regain function through individualized rehabilitation programs. |
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Career Opportunities |
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• Sports and recreation programs • Industrial settings • Performing arts organizations |
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Get Involved
- Sport Management Club (@rusportmanagementclub)
- Rutgers Athletics
- Intramural & Recreational Sports
- Volunteer at sporting events
Helpful Links
- NATA - National Athletic Trainers' Association
- ATCAS - Athletic Training Centralized Application System -
- Rutgers Career Exploration & Success
- Rutgers Global Sports Business Program
Career Sheets
These career sheets are short, pr
actical guides that help students explore different careers and understand what it takes to get started. Each sheet provides an overview of the career, the skills and education that may be helpful, and possible next steps.
Students should use the sheets as a starting point for exploration—not as a definitive guide or a requirement to follow a particular path. They can review sheets for careers that interest them, compare different options, and use the suggested resources and next steps to learn more, identify opportunities, and begin building a plan for their own career journey.
| Exercise Science Careers Athletic Training Chiropractor Dentist Occupational Therapy Physician Assistant Physical Therapy |
Sport Management Careers Administration & Events Agent & Law Coaching Marketing & Revenue |