FAQ About UNE's Athletic Training Program
In 2015, the Athletic Training Strategic Alliance partners that govern the preparation of athletic trainers mandated that the entry-level professional degree be established at the master’s level in no less than seven years. This means that the last group of students who can be admitted to an undergraduate athletic training program must enter before the fall of 2022.
The master’s degree makes you a more competitive candidate for a job in the field of athletic training and will increase your earning potential. In fact, more than 76% of current practicing athletic trainers have a master’s degree, and they earn an average of 8% more when compared with those that have a bachelor’s degree according to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s most recent Salary Survey in 2018.
As the profession of athletic training moves to a more medical and interprofessional model, UNE is uniquely positioned to help prepare new graduates for the workforce.Our five-year (3+2) curriculum plan will include advanced coursework in manual therapies, biomechanics, public health, and interprofessional practice using state-of-the-art teaching and laboratory facilities. Students will also benefit from our close collaboration with the UNE Athletics Department and the rich medical community of the Greater Portland area. Lastly, our curriculum provides students with the opportunity to earn additional credentials as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B).
We currently have five full-time faculty members who also have the ATC® credential. Additionally, we have more than 30 preceptors that supervise our students during clinical rotations in and around southern Maine.
Average class size for coursework in the Pre-professional Phase of the program (first three years) is 30. This number typically reduces to 25 in the Professional Phase. Based on program policy, the student-to-instructor ratio in all clinical coursework will never exceed 15:1 (additional preceptors are brought in to assist).
All clinical education begins in the graduate portion of the program, which is year four for students who enter without a bachelor's degree. Those who enter directly into the graduate phase begin clinical education immediately.
The number of students who can be admitted into the Professional Phase of the program each year is based on the number of quality affiliated sites and preceptors that are available. On average, approximately 25 students are admitted each year.
Q: What is the average number of clinical practicum hours per week that students are required to complete?
A: Although students are required to complete at least 8 hours/week and 135 hours/semester as part of the field experience component of the program, most students participate in between 15-20 hours per week at their affiliated sites.
Q: Can I declare Athletic Training as a major in my freshman year?
A: Absolutely! Matriculated students will be considered Master of Science in Athletic Training majors from day one.
Q: Will I need a vehicle?
A: Because so many of our field experience opportunities take place off-campus, each student admitted to the Professional Phase of the program must have her/his own transportation. Although we make every effort to accommodate students who need to be placed close to campus, we strongly encourage each student to secure a reliable vehicle before progressing in the program.
Q: Can I play a varsity sport at UNE while in the program?
A: Yes. View the athletic participation policy
Although students are required to complete at least 8 hours/week and 135 hours/semester as part of the field experience component of the program, most students participate in between 15-20 hours per week at their affiliated sites.
Absolutely! Matriculated students will be considered Master of Science in Athletic Training majors from day one.
Because so many of our field experience opportunities take place off-campus, each student admitted to the Professional Phase of the program must have her/his own transportation. Although we make every effort to accommodate students who need to be placed close to campus, we strongly encourage each student to secure a reliable vehicle before progressing in the program.