About the Program
Why This Major Is Relevant
At $213 Billion and growing, the sports industry is more than twice the size of the U.S. auto industry and seven times bigger than the movie industry. As the industry grows, so do opportunities for the professionals who support it. There is an increasing demand for Certified Athletic Trainers in professional sports teams, sports medicine clinics, educational institutions, intercollegiate sports programs, and private and industrial fitness and wellness centers. APU’s athletic training degree uniquely qualifies professionals to meet this demand, and upon completion of the program students are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification, Inc. examination to become a Certified Athletic Trainer (AT). The Athletic Training Education Program has also been nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) since 2002.
Gain In-Depth Learning Experiences
The athletic training curriculum incorporates extensive clinical experience. Students complete 40 credits in an athletic training setting under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor. As students display competency, they are given increased responsibility in working directly with patients, completing orthopedic injury assessments, therapeutic exercise, and the assessment of medical conditions. Clinical experiences provide contacts in the field and ensure that students graduate with significant experience on their résumés.
