Frequently Asked Questions
What is athletic training?
Athletic training is a subspecialization of sports medicine providing a major link between a sports program and the medical community for the implementation of injury prevention, emergency care and rehabilitation procedures.
What is an athletic trainer?
An athletic trainer (ATC) is a highly qualified medical professional who deals with injuries that occur with the physically active population. ATCs focus on seven major tasks. These tasks include:
- Prevention
- Evaluation and recognition
- First aid and emergency care
- Rehabilitation and conditioning
- Organization
- Counseling and guidance
- Education
Where do athletic trainers work?
Certified athletic trainers are employed throughout a wide range of work settings and can be found in any field where people are physically active, including:
- Secondary schools
- Colleges and universities
- Professional sports
- Sports medicine clinics
- Hospitals
- The military
- Industrial and commercial
- Fitness and recreational sports centers
What are some related occupations?
The American Medical Association recognizes athletic trainers as allied health professionals. Other occupations that may require similar responsibilities include emergency medical technicians and paramedics, physical therapists, physician assistants, registered nurses, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, recreational therapists, occupational therapists, and respiratory therapists.
What is the average starting salary?
Most athletic trainers work in full-time positions and typically receive benefits. The salary of an athletic trainer depends on experience and job responsibilities, and varies by job setting. The average starting salary for athletic trainers is $35-$45,000 annually. It is common for employers to pay for some of the continuing education required of ATCs.
For further information on job outlook for Athletic Trainers visit http://www.bls.gov.
What other certifications and licenses would be beneficial to obtain to enhance the athletic training degree?
Those with an athletic training degree who wish enhance their degree often acquire certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a strength and conditioning specialist. Other common certifications related to athletic training fall within the area of emergency medicine, message therapy, and nutrition.
Am I able to play intercollegiate athletics and be an athletic training student?
Yes, at Carthage you are able to compete in intercollegiate athletics and be an athletic training major. We have had student athletes successfully complete the athletic training program. First-year students are encouraged to experience extracurricular activities offered by Carthage College.
How do I apply to Carthage College's Athletic Training Program?
Students who have fulfilled the prerequisites for the Athletic Training Program apply the first semester of their sophomore year. Students are notified on their admittance to the program prior to the second semester of their sophomore year.
When and how do I get accepted into the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP)?
The athletic training major at Carthage College is an undergraduate, entry-level program. The program begins its Clinical Instruction Program in the student's second semester of their sophomore year. The student's acceptance into the program is based on the following criteria:
- Formal admission and acceptance by Carthage College Admissions office
- Grade Point Average for Carthage College's courses: BIO 2600, ATH 1020, and ATH 2080
- Completion of 50 field experience hours
- A personal interview with the Athletic Training Program Director and admissions committee
- High school grade point average, ACT scores, and class rank
- A completed application
- The students must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 to apply to the Athletic Training Education Program. There is no minimum high school GPA, ACT-score or class rank. The student is selected based on the comparison of all criterion listed above with other students applying at the same time.
Along with the above requirements, candidates for admission to the Athletic Training Education Program must demonstrate:
- The mental capacity to assimilate, synthesize, and integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
- A sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
- The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes but is not limited to the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be competent in professional practice.
- The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
- The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
- The perseverance diligence, and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
The application for admission into the program will be provided to the student by the Program Director. The deadline for admission is December 1st of the student's sophomore year. All students applying for admission will be notified in writing of their acceptance into or rejection by the program within three weeks after the admission deadline. If the students are not accepted, they can reapply the following year.
How do I request information on your Athletic Training Education Program?
Contact: Daniel Ruffner MS, ATC/L; Program Director of Athletic Training, (262) 551-5741, druffner@carthage.edu.
How successful are your athletic training students at passing the BOC exam?
The success rate of athletic training students passing the BOC exam is 55-60% percent.
How does a background in athletic training help in a career of physical therapy?
Athletic training encompasses many of the skills used in physical therapy. Evaluation and rehabilitation are core assets in both careers. These skills are emphasized in classes taught throughout the academic program as well as classes emphasizing kinesiology and therapeutic modality use. The knowledge gained in the Athletic Training Program at Carthage College provides an excellent basis for furthering education in physical therapy.
Academics at Carthage
Prospective Students
Jon Swift Sports Medicine Center
Certified athletic trainers and athletic training students are on staff daily to provide the best of care possible for Carthage's student-athletes. Read more.
Student Voices
Carthage athletic training major Brett Taylor spent a summer working with the training staff of the Chicago Bears.
Hear what students have to say about studying athletic training at Carthage.
Visiting Team Information
For visiting teams: Learn about Carthage's team physicians, facilities, emergency action plans and more.
Carthage College
2001 Alford Park Drive
Kenosha, WI 53140
262-551-8500
webmaster@carthage.edu
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