Pre-Athletic Training

Pre-Athletic Training Roadmap

Start your journey to becoming an athletic trainer.

Athletic trainers (ATs) are unique health care providers and an essential member of any health care team skilled and trained in the prevention of injury and illness, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergency, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions, and organizational and professional health and well-being. (https://explorehealthcareers.org/career/sports-medicine/athletic-trainer/)

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Pre-Athletic Training Roadmap at UNL

Athletic Training Prerequisite Classes

Depending on the school you plan to attend, you may need additional prerequisite courses. Meet with an advisor for more information.

 

Typical Athletic Training School Requirements

Biology – 2 semesters

Anatomy - 1 semester

Physiology with lab - 1 semester

Chemistry – 1 semester

Nutrition – 1 semester

Statistics – 1 semester

Physics – 1 semester

Biomechanics – 1 semester

Exercise Physiology – 1 semester

Psychology – 1 semester

Public Health (UNL Only) – 1 semester

Fitness Testing (UNK Only) – 1 semester 

Foundations of Athletic Training (UNK Only) – 1 semester

What to Take at University of Nebraska Lincoln

Some classes require prerequisites. Meet with an advisor for help planning your courses.

 

Biology – LIFE 120/120L & LIFE 121/121L

Anatomy – BIOS 214

Physiology with lab – BIOS 213/213L

Chemistry – CHEM 109A/L 

Nutrition – NUTR 250

Statistics – STAT 218, ECON 215, EDPS 459, or PSYC 350

Physics – PHYS 141 or 211/221

Biomechanics – NUTR 384

Exercise Physiology – NUTR 484

Psychology – PSYC 181

Public Health (UNL Only) – NUTR 100

Fitness Testing (UNK Only) – NUTR 486

Foundations of Athletic Training (UNK Only) - UNL does not offer this course. Reach out to UNK for options.

Suggested Science Sequencing 

Semester 1
Biological Sciences I w/lab
NUTR 100 (UNL only)
Math per MPE

Semester 2
Chemistry I with lab
Biological Sciences II w/lab

Semester 3
Physics I w Lab
NUTR 250

Semester 4
BIOS 213/213L
 

Semester 5
Statistics

Semester 6
BIOS 214

Semester 7
NUTR 484
NUTR 246 (suggested
elective)

Semester 8
NUTR 384
NUTR 486 (UNK only)
 

The above courses are entrance requirements for the athletic training programs at UNL, UNO, UNK, Nebraska Wesleyan, Midland, and Wayne State. Students interested in other programs should work with their pre-health advisor and contact schools directly for guidance on prerequisite courses.

Other Notes: 

  • AP/IB/CLEP: UNL’s program requires that courses be taken for a letter grade from an accredited higher education institution taught by a college instructor. UNK accepts AP/CLEP for pre-reqs, especially gen chem and physics. Prefers anatomy and other exercise science courses in college levels.
  • GPA: Most schools require a minimum C grade in each course.
  • Math: Some required courses, like chemistry, require math as a pre-requisite. See a pre-health advisor in the Explore Center for math placement information.

 

Extracurricular Involvement and Activities:

Pursuing athletic training school requires more than just coursework. Your extracurricular activities, employment, and healthcare experiences like shadowing and volunteering will contribute greatly to your success in this field. See your pre-health advisor in the Explore Center to plan extracurricular activities that will prepare you for this program.

Application and Admission

Application: Applications to UNL are completed through the Athletic Training Centralized Application Services (ATCAS). More information about ATCAS can be found at: atcas.liaisoncas.com. Schools may also require a separate application through their website.

Entrance exam: Some schools may require that students take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Information about the GRE can be obtained at ets.org/gre.

Additional admission requirements: Most athletic training programs require letters of recommendation from an athletic trainer. Athletic training observation hours verified by a licensed athletic trainer are often required. Interviews are usually required for admission. Some schools may also require First Aid certification and/or CPR certification from either the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Plan Your Path to Athletic Training Masters Programs

View Health School Application Timeline

  1. Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to create a comprehensive academic and co-curricular plan
  2. Research application requirements
    • See specific school websites for any specific application requirements which may vary by school
    • Meet with a representative of the school for specific questions and guidance
  3. Some schools require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
  4. Apply to Athletic Training Master’s Programs
    • Most schools use the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS)
    • Some schools also require a graduate school application to the institution that offers the program in addition to the ATCAS application
    • Many schools require verified observation hours of a licensed Athletic Trainer (number of hours required varies; must be recent)
  5. Complete required Bachelor's Degree and required prerequisite courses
  6. Attend Athletic Training Master's Program (2-3 years)

Suggested Academic Preparation

  • Bachelor’s degree – required by most programs and any UNL major is a great option
  • Completion of pre-requisite courses
  • Competitive academic record
    • GPA in both science and non-science courses
    • GRE score (if required)

Current Students

Current students: Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to talk more about your Pre-Health goals.

Schedule a Meeting

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