Kinesiology is the study of human movement and all its manifestations. Liberally educated people must understand and appreciate the importance of movement to their quality of life. The athletic training emphasis prepares students to become entry-level certified athletic trainers who are highly educated and skilled professionals that provide health care for athletes and those participating in physical activity. Certified athletic trainers may work in high schools, colleges/universities, clinics/hospitals, professional sports teams, and in corporations/industries. The athletic training major is part of the Department of Kinesiology and Athletics. Students who complete the major will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. Graduates will be eligible to take the NATABOC certification examination when program accreditation is achieved.

What will I learn from studying Kinesiology?

Knowledge:

An athletic training major’s knowledge comprises of many areas, including: athletic injury, biomechanical kinesiology, exercise physiology, mathematics, and biology. Athletic Training students learn important skills such as how to treat injuries, as well as gain knowledge about rehabilitation issues. Students also receive training in CPR and First Aid. 

Skills:

• Appropriate Judgment
• Responsibility
• Tact and patience
• Ability to make critical observations and appropriate decisions
• Leadership
• Poise and confidence

What are some other majors related to Athletic Training?

• Kinesiology
• Biology
• Health Care Administration
• Nursing
• Pre-Medicine

 What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

• Cycling Team
• Fun Runners
• Student Athletic Advisory Committee
• Student Athletic Trainers Association

Professional:

• American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
• American College of Sports Medicine
• National Strength and Conditioning Association
• National Athletic Trainers Association

What career fields are related to a Kinesiology Degree?

Potential Employers:

Athletic training graduates can use their education in a variety of fields. In many cases, their positions closely relate to their personal career interests, work values, and transferable skills. Employers of athletic training graduates include four-year colleges and universities, high schools, and professional teams. They also work at athletic establishments, such as health and fitness clubs.

Potential Job Titles:

Coach
Athletic Trainer                                                                      
Massage Therapist
Athlete Manager                                                                  
Sports Dietician
Sports Instructors                                                                 
Fitness Center Coordinator
Cardiovascular Technician
Patient Care Representative
Fitness Consultant
Personal Trainer
Physical Therapy Aide
Sports Rehab Therapist
Sports Performance Management Specialist
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Team Physician
Sports Club Management

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Kinesiology graduates?

• Cardiovascular Assistant, St. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud, MN
• Personal Trainer, Northwest Athletic Club, St. Louis Park, MN
• Physical Therapy Aid, Vail Sports Medicine
• Strength and Conditioning Coach, Minnesota Twins, Minneapolis, MN
• Exercise Physiologist, Fitcorp Healthcare, Boston, MN

How can I learn more about Kinesiology?

Department:

• Contact UW – Eau Claire’s Dept. of Kinesiology; McPhee 219, 836-2546

Career Services:

• Meet with a Career Counselor
• Take interest inventories and self‑assessment tests
• Utilize Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Relevant Resources in the Career Discovery Center:

Yellow Section-

Sigi 3 bins:

• Athletic Trainer

World of Work bins:

• Sports, Recreation, and Fitness
  
• Health Care

Book Sections:

• Health Care
  
• Sports, Fitness and Recreation

Orange Section-

• The Internship Series: The  Sports Internship Book
• Summer camps section

Blue Section-

• Multiple resources to help build a resume and cover letter to gain a career in Athletic Training.

Internet:

• General Health
• Fitness Link
• National Athletic Trainers’ Association Educational Council
• Journal of Athletic Training
• American Kinesiotherapy Association

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Kinesiology?

Internships

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career.  To find an internship in Athletic Training that suits your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships.  Contact your advisor or the Kinesiology department chair about enrolling in KINS 498 to obtain academic credit for your internshi

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting.  Contact your advisor about enrolling in KINS 495 or 499.

Athletic Training Observation

As a part of the athletic training program, students must meet certain admission requirements. All students must to complete 100 hours of observation with a certified athletic trainer prior to the application date of April 1st. Students are assigned 4-week rotations, as their schedule allows, and these rotations are continued until they have completed 100 hours.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships can be helpful for gaining “real-world” experience. Apprenticeships will help students to get hands on experience which enhances the breadth of knowledge learned in classes. Students can enroll in Athletic Training Apprenticeship, KINS 346, which is an experience for qualified students, selected and supervised by faculty members to facilitate teaching and learning in an athletic training setting.

Additional Opportunities

• Become a sports counselor at a summer camp
• Form an intramural team
• Join or create a sports club