Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training

The undergraduate athletic training major at West Virginia University is a four-year program within the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences in the Department of Sports Sciences. The program is designed to prepare the student to become a professional athletic health care practitioner. Students may combine athletic training with another major; however, an additional one to two years may be required to complete both areas of study. The athletic training major at WVU is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). West Virginia is one of 345 institutions in the United States with an accredited undergraduate curriculum. The program also requires students to complete various clinical experiences in the WVU athletic training rooms, local sports medicine clinics, high schools, and general medical rotation. Upon graduating from the athletic training major, students are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination would allow the successful candidate to seek employment within the high school, college, professional, clinical, military or industrial settings. Students may also pursue additional education by attending graduate school or enrolling in a health professions program such as physical therapy, physician assistant, or medical school. Major Learning Goals The goal of the program is for students to graduate with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to prepare them to successfully complete the BOC exam and to be able to work successfully in the field of athletic training. Content Knowledge- Students will demonstrate knowledge and disciplinary concepts related to athletic training. Reflection and Critical Thinking - Students will demonstrate reflection and critical thinking in order to refine professional knowledge and practice. Programming and Assessment - Students will demonstrate evidence-based knowledge and skills (and best practices) for assessing needs and for designing, implementing and evaluating injury prevention and treatment approaches in a clinical setting. Professionalism and Ethics - Students will demonstrate professional behaviors, including commitment to excellence, valuing diversity and collaboration, service to others, techniques for lifelong learning, and will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to allow them to be successful with regard to working as an athletic training or applying to graduate school and/or professional programs to help advance their careers. Technology - Students will be able to demonstrate the use of different forms of technology to assess skills and provide meaningful feedback. Career Profile Upon graduation from the WVU Athletic Training Program, students are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification Exam (BOC). Successful completion of the BOC exam provides job opportunities at the high school, college, professional, clinical or corporate levels. Students may attend graduate school to obtain a master's degree and gain additional clinical experience or pursue a related health profession degree such as physical therapy, physician assistant or medical school.