How does one become an ATC (Athletic Trainer, Certified)?

As of right now, students desiring to become a Certified Athletic Trainer must major in Athletic Training at any college offering it through either an internship program or the CAAHEP certified program.

The internship route, which expires at the end of 2003, requires that student athletic trainers gain 1500 hours of actual experience under the supervision of an ATC. This can be done through working with collegiate athletics, observation at a sports medicine clinic, or other means.

The CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) certification program, which will be mandatory for all universities having an Athletic Training major by the beginning of 2004, has somewhat different requirements. However, by 2001, any student who desires to major in Athletic Training must make sure that they are attending a CAAHEP approved program. The CAAHEP program is going into effect to standardize all Athletic Training programs across the nation. It will reduce the number of students in the major at each school, and will place higher restrictions on being accepted into the program. Students will still be required to earn 800 hours under an ATC before graduation, which can be done through the same methods as the internship route.

Upon graduating (or slightly before) from the university's program, the student must take the National Athletic Trainer's Association Board Of Certification exam. This exam consists of three sections: Written, Practical, and Oral sections. All three sections must be passed before becoming certified. Until one becomes certified, he/she cannot practice as an ATC.