Athletic trainers are health care professionals who provide physically active people services such as injury/illness prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Athletic trainers care for people across the lifespan and activity levels, including youth athletes, professional athletes, performing artists, military or civil service personnel, and workers in physically demanding jobs. To become an athletic trainer students must complete a graduate degree in Athletic Training in a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Undergraduate students can follow one of two paths to pursue Athletic Training at UWM:
Traditional Path
Students can complete an undergraduate degree and the prerequisite coursework for admission to the MS Athletic Training program. An undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, the science of human movement, is ideal preparation for training in athletic training. UWM Kinesiology students take coursework in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior and control, and psychosocial aspects of human movement, which serve as important foundations for advanced training in the UWM MSAT program. Students also can explore the practical application of the scientific principles of human movement in correlate and elective coursework.
The UWM Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) is a graduate level professional program that prepares students to become credentialed Athletic Trainers. The MSAT program regularly hosts information sessions for undergraduate students. Students can learn more about the prerequisites for admission to the UWM MSAT program in this site: MSAT application and admissions procedure.
Accelerated Path
Students interested in a more direct path may apply to the Accelerated BS Kinesiology / MS Athletic Training program and complete their Bachelor's and Master's degree in 5 years. This program is for high performing students and entails completing 3 years as a Kinesiology undergraduate student and the moving into the MSAT program as a graduate student. At the end of the 4th year (the first in the MSAT program), the BS Kinesiology degree is conferred. Upon successful completion of years 4 and 5, students earn the MS in Athletic Training.
For additional information on either path towards Athletic Training, you may contact either of the program directors:
Professor, BS Kinesiology Program Director
Jennifer Earl-Boehm, PhD, ATC, FNATA
Professor, MS Athletic Training Program Director
Freshman Admission
Traditional Path
Students are accepted to the College of Health Sciences BS Kinesiology degree program as “Kinesiology Intended” and should select the designation “Pre-Athletic Training” when completing your application. Students must complete the admission to major requirements.
Accelerated Path
Students are accepted to the College of Health Sciences as “Accelerated BS Kinesiology/MS Athletic Training Intended” and should select the designation “Pre-Athletic Training” when completing your application. Students must complete the admission to major requirements.
Regardless of which path is chosen, students should regularly meet with their academic advisor to create a plan of study that will include all of the prerequisite courses needed for the athletic training graduate program. Students should maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to be competitive for admission to the MSAT through either the Traditional or Accelerated path.
I’m a new student. How do I start?
You are assigned an academic advisor upon admission to UWM. New Student Orientation (NSO) helps those who are new to campus learn and understand the enrollment process and enroll in classes for their first semester at UWM! You should ask to have the designation “Pre-Athletic Training” added to your academic record.
Who is my advisor?
Undergraduate students who have declared an intent to pursue Pre-Athletic Training or the accelerated BS Kinesiology/MS Athletic Training are advised by Torry Rufer. Contact Torry at 414-229-2758 or tjrufer@uwm.edu.
When should I meet with my advisor?
Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor at least once per semester to ensure timely progress to graduation.
- Enrolling for spring semester?
Schedule an appointment with your advisor in October or November. - Enrolling for fall semester?
Schedule an appointment with your advisor in March or April.
Students are also welcome to schedule an appointment with their advisor at any time to discuss academic challenges, career opportunities, or any other questions.
How can my advisor help me?
CHS boasts professional academic advisors who understand the challenges of balancing academics, work, family, and the social aspects of college life. Advisors partner with you to:
- Explore your academic and career interests
- Plan the sequence of your courses
- Prepare for course enrollment
- Access tutoring and other academic support
- Identify opportunities for campus involvement
- Connect you to campus resources
- Plan for graduation