Athletic Training is practiced by Athletic Trainers (ATs), health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. The services provided by ATs comprise prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition.

The AT Program is designed for the athletic trainer's professional preparation based on the development of current knowledge, skills, and abilities in content areas such as evidence-based practice, prevention and health promotion, clinical examination and diagnosis, acute care of injury and illness, therapeutic interventions, psychosocial strategies and referral, healthcare administration, and professional development and responsibility. Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences. Upon successful completion of all the AT Program requirements and Program Director approval, students are eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC) examination to become a certified athletic trainer (ATC).