Why study 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. We offer an exceptional educational experience in the fields of health sciences, exercise science, kinesiology, sports medicine, and athletic training. Our program is designed to prepare aspiring professionals for careers in the dynamic and ever-evolving realm of sports and health care.

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. Our program fosters a deep appreciation for the intricate workings of the human body. By combining elements of health sciences, exercise science, and kinesiology, students gain valuable insights into injury prevention, rehabilitation, and enhancing athletic performance. The knowledge and skills acquired through our curriculum make graduates of our program well-prepared for the challenges of the sports medicine and athletic training industry and put 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.  

Career Possibilities

The most common career goal for students in the Health Sciences – Pre-Athletic Training track is becoming an athletic trainer after completing graduate training in athletic training. 

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

Major Maps

• Guide: Health Sciences: Pre-Athletic Training (BS) - Fall 2024
• Guide: Accelerated Assurance Pathway (BS to MS in Athletic Training) - Fall 2024

Advising

Advisors will be there to help you at every step of your academic journey. If you have advising-related questions, please visit the College of Allied Health Sciences’ Academic Advising. 

Admission Requirements

The University of Cincinnati has established academic success criteria for first-year applicants to bachelor's degree programs. All students are encouraged to apply. Please visit High School Student Admissions for more information about first-year student admission requirements

Transferring to UC Requirements

Students who have earned a high school diploma or GED and have attended a college or university other than the University of Cincinnati since earning their high school credentials are considered transfer students. Please visit UC Admissions for information about applying to the university as a Transfer Student.

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at the University of Cincinnati (including UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont), but want to change your major to one in the College of Allied Health Sciences, please visit Transition Students for more information.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines can be found at Admissions Deadlines.

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