Athletic Training | Springfield College

Athletic Training

Major in Pre-professional Athletic Training
Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Combined Degree Program
About This Program
Program Contact

Jessica Barrett, PhD, LAT, ATC
Director of Athletic Training Program
Associate Professor of Athletic Training
Department of Athletic Training
(413) 748-4763
jbarrett3@springfield.edu

Curriculum and Delivery
  • Courses offered on campus in Springfield, Mass.
  • Hands-on learning in our fully equipped Athletic Training Facility
  • Engage in a mix of classroom, laboratory, online/hybrid, and clinically based educational experiences
  • Become practiced in athletic training theory, evaluation and treatment techniques, clinical reasoning, research, patient care, communication, administration and teamwork
  • You'll be advised by an athletic training faculty member from the beginning of your Springfield College experience
  • Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) 
  • Graduates are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and pursue a career as an Athletic Trainer (ATC)
  • Sequencing Guide
  • Download the shadow hours log (PDF)
  • Program curriculum
  • Learning outcomes
Career Opportunities
Paying for Your Education
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Looking for graduate programs?

We also offer a Master of Science in Athletic Training

Upcoming Events

Check back later for more events!

Student training with faculty at Springfield College

Springfield College offers an accelerated five-year Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Athletic Training and a Master of Science in Athletic Training Degree program. This program is designed for students 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. Fully encompassing the College’s Humanics philosophy, the 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. 

Upon successful completion of this accelerated five year program, students earn a BS in Pre-Professional Athletic Training and a MS in Athletic Training. The program is divided into two phases: 

  • Pre-professional phase: Complete the new core curriculum, core Pre-Professional Athletic Training coursework and related requirements
    • Year 1-3: Engage in courses required to complete the undergraduate degree in Pre-Professional Athletic Training coursework. 
  • Professional phase: Includes four semesters and two summers of graduate-level professional athletic training education and clinical experience
    • Year 4: Beginning in the summer term of year 4, you'll engage in graduate level coursework. By the end of the year, you'll graduate with a BS in Pre-Professional Athletic Training having already completed year one of your required professional level athletic training coursework. 
    • Year 5: Continue in graduate athletic training courses in the summer term and complete the program in May of your fifth year. 

What job can I get with a degree in Athletic Training?

A degree in Athletic Training from Springfield College opens up numerous exciting career opportunities. Graduates often become certified athletic trainers, working with sports teams to prevent and treat injuries, ensuring athletes perform at their best. You might also pursue roles as a rehabilitation specialist, helping individuals recover from injuries through tailored exercise programs.

Another path is becoming a clinical coordinator, managing athletic training programs within healthcare facilities. You could also work as a sports performance coach, focusing on enhancing athletes' physical capabilities and performance. Additionally, opportunities exist as occupational health and safety specialists, promoting workplace health and injury prevention.

Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics


Athletic Trainer
$57,930
Median Salary
13%
Job Projected Growth
4,300+
Job Projected Openings

With our Gradate Program in Athletic Training, Athletic trainers work with people of all ages and all skill levels, from young children to soldiers and professional athletes. Athletic trainers are usually one of the first healthcare providers on the scene when injuries occur on the field. They work under the direction of a licensed physician and with other healthcare providers, often discussing specific injuries and treatment options or evaluating and treating patients, as directed by a physician. Some athletic trainers meet with a team physician or consulting physician regularly.



Fitness Trainer and Instructor
$46,480
Median Salary
14%
Job Projected Growth
47,500+
Job Projected Openings

Fitness trainers and instructors work with individual clients or prepare or choreograph their own group classes. They may do a variety of tasks in addition to their fitness duties, such as managing the front desk, signing up new members, giving tours of the facility, or supervising the weight-training and cardiovascular equipment areas. 



Coaches and Scouts
$45,910
Median Salary
9%
Job Projected Growth
26,900+
Job Projected Openings

Coaches teach amateur and professional athletes the fundamental skills of individual and team sports. They hold practice and training sessions to improve the athletes’ form, skills, and stamina. Along with refining athletes’ individual skills, coaches are responsible for instilling the importance of good sportsmanship, a competitive spirit, and teamwork.

Many coaches evaluate their opponents to determine strategies and to establish particular plays to practice. During competition, coaches call specific plays intended to defeat, surprise, or overpower the opponent, and they also may substitute players to get optimum team chemistry and success.


Massage Therapist, New York Rangers

Tyler Stratton ’16, ATC, LAT, LMT, CSCS

“The Springfield College Athletic Training program was crucial to my development as a well-rounded medical professional. The program was demanding, but thanks to the support I had—and still have—from faculty and classmates, I felt ready to move forward into the professional world immediately following graduation, and was able to do so without missing a beat. The program is special.”

Tyler Stratton
Head Athletic Trainer, Northeastern University

Katie Delude ’11, MEd, ATC, NASM-CES

“Springfield College is a place of pride and opportunity. It provided me with skills, guidance, and support to enhance my personal and professional life. This community helped me build a home and family that will forever be with me. I am grateful for all that it gave me and all I can give back.”

Katie Delude
"I chose Springfield College because of its fantastic Athletic Training program. There is such a deep history of athletic training here on campus. It felt like the best place to pursue this career." Maggie Stevens, Graduate Class of 2027
Maggie Stevens '27
"I chose my major because the professors made me excited for all the opportunities and possibilities ahead of me. I was promised hands-on experience beginning in my freshman year." Meghan Conway, Class of 2026
Meghan Conway headshot

Learn about athletic training at Springfield College. 

Athletic Training at Springfield College

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to get to be in an athletic training program like this."

Hear from students in our athletic training program and learn about options for pursuing your own degree at Springfield College. 

Red Sox Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance visits with Springfield College students

Springfield College graduate Brad Pearson, '00, recently visited with Springfield College Athletic Training program, sharing his knowledge gained from his more than twenty years as an athletic trainer with the Boston Red Sox organization. Pearson, who is currently the Boston Red Sox Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance, discussed some of the Major League pitcher's shoulder injuries he's treated and also took questions from the students. 

NCAA visits Springfield College AT Program

NCAA President Charlie Baker visited Springfield College meeting with President Mary-Beth A. Cooper, PhD, DM, and faculty members from the Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training. The conversation centered around the current state of athletic training within intercollegiate athletics, and the role that the NCAA has relative to athletic training workforce issues.

A collection of eight Springfield College faculty members representing over 140 years of athletic training experience spoke with Baker about different healthcare models across the collegiate setting and the alignment of the NCAA mission to the value, culture, and compensation of athletic trainers.

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

The Professional Athletic Training Degree program at Springfield College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and meets the 2020 Curricular Content Standards. Upon graduation from this 5-year accelerated program, students will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and pursue a career as an Athletic Trainer (ATC).  

American Kinesiology Association Logo

AMERICAN KINESIOLOGY ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP

The School of Physical Education, Performance and Sport Leadership is a member of the American Kinesiology Association.

An advocate for kinesiology at the national and international levels, the American Kinesiology Association supports educational opportunities in the fields of exercise science and sport studies, health education and physical education, and sport management and recreation management.

An athletic training student stretches an athlete's leg on a field.
Five Great Reasons to Study Athletic Training

Why should you study athletic training at Springfield College? We're happy to share.

Two athletic training students working on a client's arm in an athletic training facility.
Classroom to Practice

At Springfield College, it's our goal to get you experience on your resume before graduation. Our Athletic Training Facility allows for you to do just that.

Ryan DiPanfilo Headshot
Alumni in the Field

Our alumni do some pretty impressive things, like Ryan DiPanfilo '06 who is the athletic trainer for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Interested in learning how Ryan got his start?

Incoming first year Springfield College students participate in June Orientation on Alden Street
Core Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed in faithfulness to the Springfield College mission and to further strengthen the Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body.

Student at the Learning Commons
Career Center

The Career Center’s mission is to educate, inspire, and empower students and alumni to effectively make well-informed career decisions. The staff is committed to student learning and development, and offers a variety of opportunities and programming for students and alumni.

The Academic Success Center offers readily and easily accessible services including support in writing, mathematics, science, subject area tutoring, learning strategies and time management counseling, and assistance for students with documented disabilities.
Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center offers readily and easily accessible services including support in writing, mathematics, science, subject area tutoring, learning strategies and time management counseling, and assistance for students with documented disabilities.

Studying Athletic Training At Springfield College
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