About the program

Students completing the Athletic Training major at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, graduate from an undergraduate accredited program (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification examination to become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). In addition to completing core courses in kinesiology and the university general education requirements, students will complete course work in basic and advanced athletic training, therapeutic exercise and modalities, evaluation and rehabilitation of upper and lower extremities, and other sports medicine related topics.

In addition to classroom preparation, on-the-field experience is required. The successful student must be willing to make the personal sacrifice and commitment to spending many hours working in the athletic training facility. Upper division students are assigned to varsity sports and each is responsible for assisting a certified athletic trainer in the medical care of student-athletes in a particular sport.

Learning Objectives

• Understand evidence-based practice concepts and their application.
• Possess the ability to develop and implement strategies and programs to prevent the incidence and/or severity of injuries and illnesses, optimizing overall patient health and quality of life.
• Possess strong clinical examination and reasoning skills, based on an understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics allowing them to accurately formulate a differential diagnosis.
• Be knowledgeable and skilled in the evaluation and immediate management of acute illnesses and injuries.
• Be knowledgeable and skilled in the development and implementation of therapeutic interventions designed to maximize a patient’s participation and health-related quality of life.
• Recognize abnormal social, emotional and mental behaviors in their patients and possess the ability to intervene and refer these individuals as necessary.
• Understand risk management, health care delivery mechanisms, insurance, reimbursement, documentation, patient privacy, and facility management.
• Embrace the need to practice within the limits of state and national regulation using moral and ethical judgment, while working collaboratively with other health care providers, referring patients appropriately when such referral is warranted.

Career Possibilities

Certified Athletic Trainers can be employed in:

• Secondary schools
• Colleges and universities
• Professional sports
• Sports medicine clinics
• Hospitals
• Military
• Industrial and commercial settings

Courses Included:

• Athletic Training
• Emergency Management of Injuries and Illness
• Exercise and Sport Injury
• Assessment and Evaluation of Lower Extremity Injuries
• Assessment and Evaluation of Upper Extremity Injuries