Overview: Kinesiology-Athletic Training Option

Positions in medicine, exercise psychology, physical education, and occupational therapy are just a few of the career choices made possible by a degree in Kinesiology. Undergraduate students may choose from among three programs at UW-Madison: Exercise and Movement Science, Athletic Training, and Teacher Education. See the separate materials regarding the Exercise and Movement Science and Teacher Education options.

The Athletic Training option prepares students as professional athletic trainers. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), the program provides students with the theoretical and clinical foundation needed to succeed as a certified athletic trainer. Interested students should contact Andrew Winterstein, Program Director, by phone at 608/265-2503 and by email at winterstein@education.wisc.edu.

Like all Kinesiology major options, the Athletic Training program places an emphasis on the basic sciences. The option includes athletic training courses that focus on the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses; content areas in general medical issues, nutrition and pharmacology (full semester courses in these topics); course credits for field experiences; and a field experience in Athletic Training course taken in conjunction with a high school rotation.

Admission to this program option is limited and competitive. Students must meet minimum eligibility requirements to be considered for selection. See more on admissions below.

Once admitted, students in the Athletic Training option professional program require two-and-a-half years to complete their program.

Program Structure

The Athletic Training option has five components:

• Liberal studies and general education courses expose students to a broad range of academic disciplines.
• Science core course work offers in-depth study of the basic sciences and mathematics.
• Kinesiology core courses look at how the body responds and adapts to exercise, the role of psychological factors in sports and exercise, mechanics applied to biological systems, and how movement is controlled, learned, and developed over the life span.
• Major option course work offers advanced study in the option areas.
• Elective classes are generally related to the student’s area of study.

Students interested in this option usually begin their academic careers as School of Education students with a "pre-professional" designation. Choose this link for a pre-Kinesiology application form: http://www.education.wisc.edu/eas/programs/documents/Pre-Kines-KNX2005.pdf. Pre-Kinesiology students enroll in liberal studies, general education, and science core courses during their freshman and sophomore years. Athletic Training option students also complete prerequisite courses in the area.

Program Admission

Athletic training students must complete prerequisite course work in liberal studies, sciences, and major option courses; must earn a minimum 2.75 grade-point average in these prerequisites and across all course work; and must apply by February 1 to be eligible for admission. Most students apply for admission during sophomore year. Students are admitted to the program only once a year, effective for the summer following admission.

Advising

Students are advised as pre-professional (PKN) students at Education Academic Services, B117 Education. Incoming freshmen discuss program options with advisors during the Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) Program. At SOAR advisors help students select courses and plan their first semesters at UW-Madison. Recognizing that students often have many academic interests and more than one possible career goal, School of Education advisors help students explore options and maintain academic flexibility. Once admitted to the professional program, students are advised in the Department of Kinesiology.

Next Steps

Students should review carefully the appropriate liberal studies and program requirements on the Education Academic Services website: www.education.wisc.edu/eas > Degree Requirements and Admission Information > Kinesiology-Athletic Training. Pay special attention to the prerequisites for admission. Confer with an EAS advisor around your course choices; phone 608-262-1651 to make an appointment. With your advisor, review your program's admission selection criteria. Consider ways you may wish to explore and confirm your academic and career goals. Congratulations for considering the Kinesiology program at UW-Madison!

More info on the web: www.education.wisc.edu/eas • Advising appointments: call 608-262-1651

Comments or Problems: easinfo@education.wisc.edu.
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