Frequently Asked Questions

How is the athletic training program (ATP) set up?  Upon entering Rowan University students are automatically enrolled in the Pre-Athletic Training Curriculum. A secondary application process is in place for acceptance into ATP, which occurs in the spring of the junior year.  The ATP is a 2 calendar year program that begins the summer after the junior year.  At the successful completion of the ATP the student will receive an undergraduate degree and a Master of Science in Athletic Training.  

May I combine the ATP with another major within the Department of Health and Exercise Science? No, as this program is a graduate level degree.

May I attend the athletic training program part-time? The program requires the student to attend full-time because classes are only offered once per academic year.

May I combine the athletic training major with athletic participation?
The athletic training program will support the student participating in Rowan University sanctioned NCAA athletics throughout the pre-Athletic Training Curriculum (first 3 years for traditional freshman).  If the student intends to participate in intercollegiate athletics during the fourth year, they would wait to apply to the athletic training program until their athletic eligibility has terminated.  A student may not participate in athletics once they have been accepted to the graduate level athletic training program.

Can a transfer student complete the athletic training program?
A student may transfer to the pre-Athletic Training program.  At this time we are not accepting external applications to the graduate level athletic training program. 

Can I schedule a visit with athletic training program administrators to learn more about the program?  Yes, we encourage everyone to schedule this visit.  The student will have the ability to meet one or more program administrators, one or more current students, sit in on a class and also shadow a current athletic training student in the clinical setting.  Please contact Rob Sterner, PhD, ATC at (856) 256-4500, ext. 53766 or sterner@rowan.edu

What do I do if I desire to pursue Athletic Training at Rowan University?
Prospective students should apply directly through the admissions office and indicate their choice of  major as the Pre-Athletic Training Curriculum.

What does an Athletic Trainer do?
Athletic Trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians. The services provided by ATs comprise prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Students who want to become Athletic Trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum and pass the Board of Certification, Inc Exam. (NATA Website). Individual states may also require that the Athletic Trainer obtain a license to practice in that state, which included New jersey.

The Athletic Trainer has the professional responsibility to stay cognizant of new developments in evidence-based medicine by interacting with colleagues, attending conferences, critically reading and developing research in order to meet the minimum requirements for continuing education as defined by the Board of Certification. Additionally, a majority of athletic trainers earn advanced degrees to improve their skills in this immensely rewarding and constantly evolving profession.

Traditionally, the Athletic Trainer has been an integral part of a comprehensive health care program for those participating in physical activity. The nature of physical activity and competition makes injury inevitable. The presence of the Athletic Trainer ensures that physical activity is consistently safer, injuries receive appropriate attention in a timely manner and the efficiency of medical management of health care for the physically active is greatly enhanced

Where does an Athletic Trainer practice?

This list includes but is not limited to:

High School Athletic Trainer
Collegiate Athletic Trainer
Professional Sport Athletic Trainer
Athletic Trainer for the Military
Performing Arts Athletic Trainer
Orthopedic Clinics
Athletic Trainer in a Hospital or Clinic Setting

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