Athletic Training

Springfield College offers an accelerated five-year Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Science in Athletic Training Degree program. This program is designed for persons who wish to gain the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to provide quality health care to those engaged in physically active lifestyles. Emphasis is placed on minimizing risk of injury/re-injury and illness, improving functional outcomes and enhancing/supporting safe participation and return to activity, sport and work. Upon successful completion of this accelerated five year program, students earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and a Master of Science degree in Athletic Training. The program is divided into two phases: a pre-professional phase in which students complete the new core curriculum, core Exercise Science coursework and related requirements, and the professional phase, which includes four semesters and two summers of graduate-level professional athletic training education and clinical experience. 

For the first three years of the program, students engage in courses required to complete their undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and pre-professional athletic training coursework. Beginning in the summer term of the fourth year, students engage in graduate level coursework. By the end of the fourth year, students graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science already having completed year one of the of their required professional level athletic training coursework. They continue in graduate athletic training courses in the summer term and will have completed the program in May of their fifth year.  Students are advised by an athletic training faculty member from the beginning of their Springfield College experience. 

Throughout this challenging five year accelerated program, students are engaged in a mix of classroom, laboratory, online/hybrid, group project, and clinically based educational experiences. Students become practiced in athletic training theory, evaluation and treatment techniques, clinical reasoning, research, patient care, communication, administration and teamwork. Fully encompassing the College’s Humanics philosophy, the five year accelerated athletic training program emphasizes that health and learning are best gained through an approach that unifies spirit, mind, and body. The typical Springfield College-educated athletic trainer is prepared to utilize a holistic approach in providing healthcare, leadership and service within the community.