Health Sciences Pre-Athletic Training

The University of Cincinnati offers a Pre-Athletic Training track within the Health Sciences major that specifically prepares you for entry into graduate level Athletic Training programs. The program also provides you with alternative options at the bachelor's level including a variety of fitness related certifications and careers.  

The program gives you a hands on undergraduate experience where you can gain direct patient care experiences through service learning and research opportunities in some of the top health care facilities, learn alongside other allied health professions, and develop a strong foundational understanding of the human body through active labs.

The bachelor's degree program meets and exceeds the requirements for application to most athletic training graduate programs to ensure you are prepared for the rigor of any future professional program. The comprehensive background in the basic sciences combined with applied studies in exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, sports and wellness puts most graduates in a position to be competitive graduate school candidates.

Early Assurance Programs 

The UC Master of Science in Athletic Training program offers Early Assurance program options for Health Sciences – Pre-Athletic Training students to save their spot early for their graduate program. Your admission in the Health Sciences – Pre-AT program means you will automatically qualify for the Accelerated Early Assurance program which allows you to combine your undergrad and graduate degree in just 5 years.  

The most common career goal for students in the Health Sciences – Pre-Athletic Training track is becomming an athletic trainer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for athletic trainer is expected to grow 23% by 2030 (much faster than the national average) and the current median pay is 49,860 per year.

Athletic trainers generally work in:

• Educational settings: universities and colleges, high schools, Private offices and clinics
• Hospitals
• Fitness centers
• Physicians' offices
• Professional sports teams and more

If you decide not to pursue an athletic training degree, you will be prepared for a variety of other graduate programs, certifications and employment opportunities.

Graduate Education Opportunities

• Master of Athletic Training programs
• Occupational Therapy programs
• Orthotics and Prosthetics programs (CO or CP)
• Public Health programs (MA, MS, or PhD)
• Exercise Physiology or Biomechanics programs (MS or PhD)
• Nutrition programs and more.

Professional Certification Opportunities

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

• Certified personal trainer - Many professionals who hold this certification work in public or medical facilities that offer organized programs for healthy people or for people with mild, controlled health conditions such as arthritis.

• Health/fitness instructor - Most professionals who hold this certification work in programs that are offered through medical facilities with people who have low risk medical conditions or controlled disease such as outpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation or diabetes programs.

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

• Certified personal trainer (NSCA-CPT)- Many professionals who hold this certification work in or start small businesses in fitness and health
• Certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) -Most professionals who hold this certification work in high school, collegiate or professional athletics. Some professionals work in public/retail fitness and health as facility managers responsible for the design and implementation of the facility's programs

Career Opportunities

• Advanced coaching opportunities
• Activities director/fitness director at recreation facilities or camps
• Medical or biomedical equipment representative/sales
• Exercise equipment representative/sales
• Pharmaceutical product representative/sales

• Complete Common Application
• Pay $100 non-refundable fee
• Submit official School transcripts
• Submit official test scores
• Submit letter of recommendation (optional)