The Athletic Training program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney is committed to offering students a wide variety of educational experiences while preparing them for an evolving field. Athletic training professionals are trained to manage the overall health care of interscholastic, intercollegiate, professional, and recreational athletes.

The Athletic Training 3+2 Academic sequence comprises a 5-year undergraduate and graduate combined course sequence. During the 4th year, students will take undergraduate courses and 1st year Master of Athletic Training courses, which require them to complete the bachelor’s degree prior to the 2nd year of Master of Athletic Training. To be eligible to pursue such an academic sequence, the following major/minor is recommended but not limited to:

Major – Exercise Science, Physical Education, Health Science

Minor – Athletic Training Foundation Minor, Pre-Athletic Training

Athletic Training 3+2 Academic sequence allows students to have great academic and hands-on clinical experience. This will provide the eligibility to challenge the Board of Certification (BOC) examination at the completion of the Master of Athletic Training.

* The Athletic Training 3+2 Academic sequence will NOT guarantee an acceptance to the Master of Athletic Training in the 4th year. All students will go through the Master of Athletic Training admission process to pursue the graduate degree.

The Athletic Training program is developed around the standards implemented by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. Through this program, students have the opportunity to gain practical field and clinical experiences within the UNK Athletic Department and at one of the many off-campus clinics and high school internship sites.

Career Opportunities

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Student Testimonials Option 1

The five-year or 3+2 graduate (professional) degree pathway allows a student to enter UNK as a freshman and obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science or other related areas of study with a minor in Athletic Training Foundations. The minor in Athletic Training Foundations will provide students the opportunity to acquire pre-requisite and professional coursework that will enable them to apply for entry into the Master of Athletic Training professional program. Students may apply for entrance into the professional sequence at the conclusion of the 6th semester. Once accepted into the program, students can begin the professional sequence in the fall of the seventh semester (4th UG year) allowing them to complete the undergraduate degree while beginning the professional graduate program. Upon completion of the undergraduate degree, students will then complete their professional program over the following summer, a fall and spring term of one traditional academic year, and an additional summer.

Students applying for the traditional two-year post-baccalaureate pathway will be required to obtain pre-requisites for application to the program. Upon acceptance into the traditional two-year model, students will be afforded the opportunity to complete the professional program over the following two calendar years.

Admission to degree work is contingent upon:

1. Evaluation of the candidate’s undergraduate transcript

- Cumulative undergraduate GPA (4-point scale) of 3.0 or higher

- Successful completion of all Athletic Training prerequisite courses:

2. Certification in Professional Rescuer CPR

Front and back copy of current certification card from either the American Red Cross or American Heart Association

Front and back copy of First Aid Certification Card

4. Completion of 40 hours of clinical observation under a certified athletic trainer

Signed letter confirming observation hours. The letter should be signed by a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer.

6. Submit a cover letter/letter of interest (max. 2 pages)

7. TOEFL or IELTS score (International Students only)

Minimum TOEFL score of 550 for the paper version and 79 for the internet version. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. Applicants completing a bachelor's degree from a college/university in the U.S. may be exempt from this requirement.

8. Students who are interested in the Master of Athletic Training must complete and submit the application by April 1st for the 3+2 AT sequence students or June 1st for the traditional 2-year AT sequence students. Master of Athletic Training Program accepts fall admission only.

The ATEP faculty will schedule candidates for interviews once the review of applications is complete.

An individual who wishes to pursue formal admission into the Athletic Training Program must submit the application according to university graduate application deadlines. Acceptance is contingent upon the applicant meeting all application requirements. Acceptance is not guaranteed and all applications will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Admissions Option 2

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Master

Sport and Exercise Studies

Sports Studies

Personal Training

Sport Instruction

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a public, residential university committed to be one of the nation’s premier undergraduate institutions with excellent graduate education, scholarship, and public service.

Athletic Training 3+2 Program

Key Information

Introduction

Career Opportunities

Student Testimonials

Admissions

English Language Requirements

About the School

Questions