Earn an Accelerated Dual Degree BS/MS in Athletic Training

Program Overview

The Athletic Training Program is an accelerated 5-year B.S./M.S. curriculum. The curriculum is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Students who complete all 5 years of this curriculum earn a Master of Science in Athletic Training and are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) exam. The BOC awards successful candidates with the Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) credential. Without this credential an individual cannot practice as an athletic trainer.

Our undergraduate degree is a B.S. in Exercise Science – Pre-Athletic Training (Pre-AT). The graduate degree is an M.S. in Athletic Training.

B.S. Exercise Science – Pre-AT (Years 1-3)

AT student in the classroom

In years 1 to 3, AT students complete our Exercise Science - Pre-AT curriculum. You will take a variety of foundational courses, using the first three years of your academic career preparing for professional AT-specific content. These include a core of exercise sciences courses, coupled with courses in basic and applied sciences, health care delivery, and pre-athletic training. The Pre-AT curriculum will prepare you for the rigors of the professional graduate AT program.

Learn more about the foundational courses to prepare you for the Athletic Training Master's Degree below.

B.S. Transition to M.S. [Fall – Spring – Summer] (Year 4)

AT students in human anatomy lab

During year 4, students transition from the undergraduate curriculum, graduating with a B.S. in Exercise Science-Pre-AT, into the M.S. AT curriculum*. 

To qualify for progression into the graduate and professional phase of the program, you must complete the following requirements:

  • Valid Certification in Emergency Cardiac Care
    • Examples of certification that fulfills this requirement is CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross) or BLS Healthcare Provider (American Heart Association)
  • Submission of signed, current physical examination and immunization records from a licensed medical professional (MD, DO, PA or NP).
    • Students must submit medical proof of the following:
      • 2-step Tuberculin Skin Test (2 PPDs done in calendar year of application)
      • Rubella, Rubeola and Mumps vaccination
      • Chicken Pox vaccination
      • Physical examination testifying the physical ability to carry out demands of clinical education/practice.
  • Overall, cumulative G.P.A. greater than or equal to 3.0
  • Combined G.P.A. greater than or equal to 3.0 in EXSS 12000, EXSS 12100, EXSS 24600, EXSS 30600, EXSS 31200, EXSS 32100, EXSS 41100, EXSS 41200.
  • Grades of C- or greater in the following courses: EXSS 12000, EXSS 12100, EXSS 12600, EXSS 22000, EXSS 24600, EXSS 30600, EXSS 31100 EXSS 31200, EXSS 32100, EXSS 37500, EXSS 41100, EXSS 41200, BIO 11900, PHYS 10100, CHEM elective, PSYC 10300, HLTH 21700.


In year 4, didactic and laboratory courses are paired with appropriate clinical experiences to enhance learning and prepare you for professional practice. This content is centered on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of athletic injuries and illnesses. Your coursework will include classes that focus on the assessment of musculoskeletal injuries and general medical conditions, pathoanatomy, therapeutic interventions, clinical research, interprofessional practice, and healthcare administration.

*If you choose to not pursue athletic training, you are able move to able to move out of the Exercise Science – Pre-AT and into either Exercise Science – Medical Science OR Exercise Science – Sports Science. You would then complete the required coursework for either concentration during your senior (4th) year and graduate with an Exercise Science degree (B.S.).

M.S. in Athletic Training (Year 5)

AT working with an AT student in the clinic

In the final year of the M.S. curriculum, AT students continue to take courses focused on AT-specific material in didactic, laboratory, and clinical settings. The final semester culminates in a 4-week, fully immersive clinical experience.

You will graduate with an M.S. in Athletic Training in the spring of your 5th year and be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification Exam (BOC) for the Athletic Trainer. Passing this exam certifies you as an athletic trainer (earning the "ATC" credential) so that you can begin practicing as an entry-level professional.

Learn about our BOC 1st-Time Pass Rate legacy!

Clinical Experiences - Years 4 and 5

In the first three years of the Exercise Science – Pre-AT program, students do not complete formal clinical rotations. The focus of the Pre-AT program is building up knowledge and skills through classroom and laboratory experiences.

In years 4 and 5, you will be mentored through a variety of clinical experiences - delivering health care for sport teams at practices and competitions, and providing coverage in AT clinics. These clinical experiences are purposefully designed to be progressive in what each student is “entrusted” to do. In other words, the more you learn, the more you are allowed to do in clinical practice! Your rotations will culminate with a 6-week, fully immersive clinical experience.

AT students gradually become more responsible for evaluating and treating athletes throughout the recovery process. In collaboration with their preceptors, students design and implement rehabilitation programs for their patients. Students also take on the responsibility for communicating with other health care professionals, coaches, and stakeholders on patient status and progress.

Please note: all students are required to purchase liability insurance through Ithaca College. The cost for this is approximately $15 and is billed through student financial services.

Learn more about working in our of our Athletic Training clinics. 

Foundational Courses

Exercise Science – Pre-AT curriculum

AT students complete all of the core exercise science courses. These courses cover content on the physical and mental aspects of exercise science, including courses in human anatomy, human movement, exercise physiology, and sport psychology.

AT students take 1 semester each of biology, chemistry, physics, & statistics.

AT students take courses that cover epidemiology, public health, nutrition, psychology, health care administration, medical literacy, evidence-based practice, biopsychosocial aspects of health care, clinical reasoning, & introductory clinical experience.

Ithaca College is, at heart, a liberal arts institution. The Exercise Science - Pre-AT curriculum is designed to incorporate a strong liberal arts foundation. You will take courses in a variety of departments to complete your liberal arts requirements.

Explore the Full Degree Requirements

Explore the official requirements and course descriptions in the academic catalog.
Exercise Science Pre-Athletic Training — B.S.
Athletic Training - M.S.

Questions?

Jennifer M. Medina McKeon, PhD, ATC, CSCS
Associate Professor & Director, Athletic Training Program
G65 Hill Center • Ithaca College
953 Danby Road • Ithaca, NY 14850

(607) 274-1456