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Athletic Training


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, or in corporations/industries. The athletic training major is housed in the Department of Kinesiology and Athletics. Students that 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 draws from many areas including: athletic injury, biomechanical kinesiology, exercise physiology, as well as 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 Skills
  • Responsibility
  • Tact and patience
  • Ability to make critical observations and appropriate decisions
  • Leadership skills
  • Poise and confidence

What are some of the interests and values related to Kinesiology?

  • Interest in sports, movement, and athletics
  • Leadership
  • Interpersonal Relationships
  • Helping injured people
  • Interest in science and technology

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

Professional:

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 places including health and fitness clubs.

Potential Job Titles:

  • Athletic Trainer
  • Manager of Athletes
  • Sports Instructors
  • Fitness Center Coordinator
  • Cardiovascular Technician
  • Patient Care Representative
  • Fitness Consultant
  • Personal Trainer
  • Physical Therapy Aide

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

Career Services:

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

Career Discovery Center:

  • Career Opportunities in the Sports Industry, Shelly Field
  • The 50 Coolest Jobs in Sports, David Fischer
  • Opportunities in Sports and Fitness Careers, Ray Heitzmann
  • Careers for Sports Nuts & Other Athletic Types, Wm. Ray Heitzmann
  • Careers for Health Nuts & Others Who Like to Stay Fit, Blythe Camenson

Internet:

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Kinesiology?

Internship

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 suites 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 internship.

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. One of these requirements that all students are required 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 continues the rotations until they have 100 hours completed.

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.