

Due to new accreditation standards for Professional Athletic Training programs, as of 2020 the B.S. in Athletic training will no longer be offered at CCSU. It will be replaced by a 3+2 program that leads to an M.S. in Athletic Training. Students may begin their undergraduate studies in the B.S. Exercise Science program and start their M.S. Athletic Training coursework in their 4th year. Students successfully following this track will earn both their B.S. in Exercise Science and their M.S. in Athletic Training in just 5 years total.
The faculty of the Athletic Training Education Program strives to provide the students with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge needed to enter the profession and to pursue advanced study in athletic training or related allied health professions. At Central Connecticut State University, importance is placed on the program's commitment to quality classroom instruction and providing ample opportunities for the development of the athletic training student's practical skills through clinical contact with the student-athletes of the university, while under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer. The athletic training faculty places emphasis on the student's analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the performance of practical skills during the athletic training student's clinical rotations in a coeducational setting.
Central Connecticut State University's Athletic Training Education Program is housed in the Department of Physical Education & Human Performance and grants a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Athletic Training. The Athletic Training Education Program is designed to prepare the student to assume the role of an entry-level athletic trainer upon graduation and successful completion of the Board of Certification (BOC) Examination.
The athletic training coursework is designed to meet the five major tasks comprising the role of the certified athletic trainer as determined by the BOC.
Upon successful completion of the academic coursework and clinical field experiences the student will meet the following learning objectives through demonstration of knowledge, analyzing and decision making; practical application of learned skills; and essential communication skills that of an entry-level athletic trainer.
Practical knowledge and application of clinical skills will be assessed through examinations, skill testing, practical examinations, clinical experience documentation and evaluation.
Analyzing and problem solving will be assessed through examinations, group discussions, practical examinations and clinical decision-making.
Communication skills will be assessed through course presentations and clinical interactions with patients, preceptors, athletic training staff members, coaches, and team physicians.
Professional Development and collaboration will be assessed through community service, volunteerism, presentations, and participation in-service training with other health care professionals.
Entry-level athletic training aptitude will be assessed through BOC examination results and student placement following graduation.
Central Connecticut State University has been educating students to pursue the profession of athletic training since 1966. Carl F. Krein, retired head athletic trainer, professor, and NATA Hall of Fame member established the athletic training internship program and developed it into a nationally known and respected curriculum. Today, the program continues to prepare the athletic training student for BOC certification as a CAATE accredited program. Since the program's founding, more than 300 individuals - undergraduate, graduate, and internship students have contributed to the overall achievements of the program.
We are extremely proud of our graduation placement record and the accomplishments of our graduates in becoming productive practitioners in the field of athletic training. Our alumni have successfully entered the athletic training profession at various levels: clinical, high school, preparatory school, colleges, university, as well as at the highest level of sports medicine, the professional ranks. Many of our graduates have also successfully pursued alternative careers in allied health, such as physical therapy, physician's assistant, medicine and chiropractic medicine.