Athletic Training

NOTE: As of August 29, 2022, the University of Maine will no longer accept applications for the bachelor’s program in Athletic Training. This page will remain active while current students in the undergraduate program complete their degrees.

In accordance with new Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) standards, UMaine will transition to a graduate program in Athletic Training and begin offering master’s degrees in the fall of 2023. For more information, see the Master of Science in Athletic Training program page, or contact Christopher Nightingale, associate professor of physical education and athletic training and athletic training program director, christopher.nightingale@maine.edu.

Why study athletic training at the University of Maine?

Outstanding facilities, diverse hands-on learning opportunities and the chance to study at the state’s only Division I school are hallmarks of UMaine’s athletic training major. Our nationally accredited program incorporates rich academics and an intensive hands-on clinical component. Our students are able to take advantage of internship opportunities nationwide, as well as UMaine’s relationship with Major League Baseball. Athletic training majors at the University of Maine have the opportunity to work within the community of the College of Education and Human Development, yet take advantage of the vast resources available at Maine’s largest and most comprehensive university. As a result of the professional and academic experience they gain at UMaine, graduates of the program enjoy an excellent job placement rate. Students in the College of Education and Human Development also have the option of studying in the Honors College, which offers intensive work in small classes, as well as the chance to pursue undergraduate research. They also have the option of minoring in Innovation Engineering, which allows students to create, communicate and realize/commercialize unique ideas in their field.

What can I do with a degree in athletic training?

Our bachelor of science degree in athletic training prepares graduates to become certified athletic trainers by sitting for the initial Board of Certification exam, and once completed to achieve state licensure wherever they choose to practice. Our alumnae are in demand, working as athletic trainers with amateur and professional athletes, as well as in other medical, clinical, military, professional or educational settings. In addition, athletic training majors can pursue graduate study in athletic training, sports administration, sports psychology, physical therapy, education and more. UMaine offers a pre-med option in any major, and the athletic training degree establishes a solid foundation for medical school, physician’s assistant programs and chiropractic study.

Our undergraduate program

At UMaine, athletic training majors become part of a close-knit community of students, professors, clinical instructors and physicians. Our students are able to work with athletic trainers who have decades of experience in the field. Because UMaine is a Division I school, athletic training majors can work with elite athletes on campus on a daily basis. They also have the chance to work with high school sports teams, NCAA Division III athletes and patients in local hospitals and doctor’s offices. To hone their skills, students can work with several types of health care providers, including nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, medical doctors and osteopathic doctors. The heart of the program is the Wes Jordan Athletic Training Complex, a spacious, recently renovated facility that features classrooms, an aqua-therapy lab, a rehabilitation lab, and a lab designed to replicate an athletic training room. Each of these labs has supplies and equipment that a certified athletic trainer would use in the field, providing real-world experience in a state-of-the-art on-campus setting. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). We are currently active and in good standing. Click here to view our CAATE Program Information and Outcomes page.

Our faculty

Athletic training faculty at the University of Maine give each student the opportunity to be challenged, to gain a great deal of knowledge, and to excel as a student and as a professional. Many professors work in the field and are able to share their real-world experience with students. Certified athletic trainers have a great deal of responsibility, so our faculty work to instill the confidence and professionalism that are necessary for graduates to excel in the workforce. In addition to teaching, athletic training faculty are engaged in groundbreaking research on youth obesity, fitness and athletic performance.

Opportunities to excel

Our students are prepared to succeed in a variety of athletic training careers. More than 70 percent of our graduates pass the Board of Certification exam on their first try (See Athletic Training Outcome Numbers link in the sidebar). The Athletic Training Student Organization is a large, active group that provides opportunities for peer mentoring, professional development, networking and community outreach. Students are able to attend seminars and workshops related to the field. There are several scholarships available to undergraduates, including the Wes Jordan Scholarship. The Maine Athletic Training Association, the Eastern Athletic Trainers Association and the National Athletic Trainers Association also provide scholarships for UMaine athletic training students. Undergraduates are able to conduct research alongside leading faculty and participate in high-profile internships. A strong alumni network helps graduates of our program make valuable career connections.

Tuition and fees

For the latest information on undergraduate tuition and fees, please visit the University of Maine Bursar’s Office. Athletic Training Students will also have an additional cost of $200 for a formal background check and CPR Training.

I’m ready to apply. Where do I go?

Visit go.umaine.edu for an application, as well as information about academics and life at UMaine. The Athletic Training program has a secondary admissions requirement. More information can be found on the Athletic Training Candidacy Application page.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) statement

This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.