Sports Medicine is a popular general term that refers to all those individuals and services that are necessary to maintain the overall health of athletes and other active individuals. Athletic Training is a health care discipline that is included within the practice of sports medicine. In 1991, the profession of athletic training was recognized as an allied health profession by the American Medical Association (AMA); however, athletic trainers have provided health care for athletes and other individuals for more than 60 years. The scope of practice of a Certified Athletic Trainer includes five areas of clinical practice: Injury/illness prevention and wellness protection, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, treatment and rehabilitation, and organizational and professional health and well-being.

Duquesne's four-year (127 credits) Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training degree program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) (www.caate.net) is no longer enrolling students and is in the final two years of its teach out plan. Student professional preparation at Duquesne involves a solid liberal arts and basic science foundation, as well as the development of professional competency and clinical proficiency in the following 9 content areas: foundational behaviors of professional practice, evidence-based practice, prevention and health promotion, clinical examination and diagnosis, acute care of injury and illness, therapeutic interventions, psychosocial strategies and referral, healthcare administration, and professional development and responsibility.

Duquesne's five-year (163 credits) Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences/Master of Science in Athletic Training degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) (www.caate.net). Student professional preparation at Duquesne involves a solid liberal arts and basic science foundation, as well as the development of professional competency and clinical proficiency in the following 9 content areas: foundational behaviors of professional practice, evidence-based practice, prevention and health promotion, clinical examination and diagnosis, acute care of injury and illness, therapeutic interventions, psychosocial strategies and referral, healthcare administration, and professional development and responsibility.

In addition to traditional classroom and laboratory education, athletic training students are required to participate in clinical education experiences.  These clinical experiences occur under the direct supervision of Board of Certification (BOC) certified and state licensed Athletic Trainers or other health care providers, providing care for athletes and patients in local high schools, colleges/universities, professional/amateur sport teams, sport performance and professional dance settings, as well as clinics, hospitals and physician offices.

Unlike many athletic training education programs at other colleges and universities, Duquesne University admits students directly into the athletic training major as freshmen; there are 30 seats in each freshman class with a rolling admissions process until all seats are filled. Admitted students must meet all Rangos School of Health Sciences (RSHS) admissions requirements, have evidence of extracurricular and/or work experiences during high school, and have the ability to meet all the programmatic, medical and performance/technical standards of the program. Students must maintain a 2.75 QPA during the pre-professional phase (first three years) and 3.0 QPA in the professional phase (final two years) of the academic program.  These and other admission and retention requirements are explained in greater detail on the Department of Athletic Training website (www.duq.edu/athletictraining). Students must successfully complete all degree and program requirements to become eligible to sit for the national boards (BOC examination) in Athletic Training (www.bocatc.org). Upon successful completion of the BOC examination, students become eligible to apply for the athletic training practice credential in their home states; Pennsylvania state licensure information for Athletic Trainers may be found on the Pennsylvania Department of State website.

Students who meet all programmatic requirements during the pre-professional program will be admitted into the professional program. Students may transfer into the program, up through the third year, based upon their academic standing, ability to meet the programmatic, medical and technical standards of the program, appropriate past course work, and seat availability. Transfer and second degree students must have a minimum QPA of 2.75 and have demonstrated “B” grades or better in their science courses.

Athletic Training Program Outcomes

  • Develop competent and confident athletic trainers;
  • Foster the development of clinical decision making and critical thinking when dealing with all aspects of patient-centered care;
  • Promote the importance of research throughout the engagement and application of evidence in clinical practice;
  • Provide opportunities for students to learn from, with, and about other healthcare professions as they relate to patient care; and
  • Foster understanding and the ability to integrate and apply knowledge related to the delivery of global healthcare. 

Athletic Training Curriculum

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training

To receive a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, students must complete a minimum of 127 credit hours. This program is no longer enrolling students and is in the final two years of its teach out plan.

Pre-Professional Phase

RSHS Courses - 9 Credits
* Elements of Athletic Training Information Literacy & Scientific Terminology (ATHT 120) 3 cr.
* Essential Concepts & Techniques in AT I/Lab (ATHT 201/L) 3cr.
* Essential Concepts & Techniques in AT II/Lab (ATHT 202/L) 3cr.

Bridges Common Learning Experience - 27 Credits
Writing & Analysis (BRDG 101) 3 cr.
Writing & Literature (BRDG 102) 3 cr.
Essential Questions (EQ XXX) 3 cr.
Intro to Ethical Reasoning (BRDG 105) 3 cr.
Cultural Fluency & Responsiveness 3 cr.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving 3 cr.
Ethical Reasoning and Moral Responsibility: Healthcare Ethics (PHIL 252, THEO 253, or HCE 255) 3 cr.
Theology Requirement 3 cr.
Philosophy Requirement 3 cr

Science, Math & Humanities - 22 Credits
Biology I: Cells, Genetics, Development/Lab (BIOL 111/L) 4cr.
Fundamentals of Chemistry I/Lab (CHEM 131/L) 5cr.
Intro to Public Speaking (COMM 102) 3 cr.
Introduction to Biostatistics (MATH 225) 3cr.
Physics for Life Sciences I/Lab/Rec (PHYS 201/L/R) 4cr.
Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 101) 3cr.

Medical Sciences - 8 Credits
Anatomy & Physiology I/Lab (BIOL 207/208) 4cr.
Anatomy & Physiology II/Lab (BIOL 209/210) 4cr.

* As part of the sophomore year requirements, students must acquire 50 observation hours during Fall semester in Essential Concepts & Techniques in AT I and an additional 75 clinical hours during the Spring semester in Essential Concepts & Techniques in AT II. Students must achieve a "B" or better in ATHT 201 and ATHT 202 and pass the associated labs (ATHT 201L and ATHT 202L).  Students must achieve a "C" or better in ATHT 120.
** If Public Speaking is not taken at Duquesne, an additional three-credit Faith & Reason Theme Area course will need to be taken.

Professional Phase

Fall of 3rd Year - 17 Credits
Art & Science of Athletic Training I/Lab (ATHT 302/302L) 3 cr.
Athletic Training Practicum I (ATHT 315/315L) 3 cr.
Anatomy (with dissection lab) (HLTS 315/315L) 5 cr.
Therapeutic Modalities/Lab (HLTS 425/425L) 3 cr.
Principles of Research/Lab (HLTS 430W/430L) 3 cr.

Spring of 3rd Year - 16 Credits
Art & Science of Athletic Training II/Lab (ATHT 303/303L) 3 cr.
Therapeutic Exercise & Reconditioning/Lab (ATHT 306/306L) 4 cr.
Athletic Training Practicum II/Lab (ATHT 316/316L) 3 cr.
EMT Practicum (optional) (ATHT 400/400L) 0-1 cr.
Health & Medicine I (ATHT 404) 3 cr.
Functional Kinesiology & Biomechanics/Lab (HLTS 437/437L) 3 cr.

Fall of 4th Year - 18 Credits
Health & Medicine II (ATHT 405) 3 cr.
Psychosocial Issues in Healthcare (ATHT 406W) 3 cr.
Physiology of Exercise/Lab (ATHT 407W/407L) 3 cr.
Athletic Training Practicum III/Lab (ATHT 410/410L) 3 cr.
Organization & Administration in Athletic Training (ATHT 412) 3 cr.
Elective or Directed Study 3 cr.

Spring of 4th Year - 13 Credits
Nutrition & Weight Management/Lab (ATHT 402W/402L) 3/0 cr.
Athletic Training Practicum IV/Lab (ATHT 411/411L) 3 cr.
Medical Perspectives in Athletic Training (ATHT 414W) 2 cr.
Applied Science of Physical Performance/Lab (ATHT 416/416L) 3 cr.
Applied Therapeutic Exercise/Lab (ATHT 421/412L) 2 cr.
Integrated Training for Performance Enhancement** (ATHT 420/420L) 1-3 cr.
**Department Elective

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences/Master of Science in Athletic Training

To receive a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, students in the five-year entry-level program must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 120 credit hours and all requirements. To receive a Master of Science in Athletic Training, students in the five-year entry-level program must satisfactorily complete a total of 163 credit hours and all program requirements.

Pre-professional Phase

Bridges Common Learning Experience- 24 Credits
Writing & Analysis (BRDG 101) 3 cr.
Writing & Literature (BRDG 102) 3 cr.
Essential Questions (EQ XXX) 3 cr.
Intro to Ethical Reasoning (BRDG 105) 3 cr.
Cultural Fluency & Responsiveness 3 cr.
Ethical Reasoning and Moral Responsibility: Healthcare Ethics (PHIL 252, THEO 253, or HCE 255) 3 cr.
Theology Requirement 3 cr.
Philosophy Requirement 3 cr

Science, Math & Humanities - 42 Credits
Biology I: Cells, Genetics, Development/Lab (BIOL 111/L) 4cr.
Biology II: Diversity, Ecology, Evolution/Lab (BIOL 112/L) 4 cr.
Anatomy & Physiology I/Lab (BIOL 207/208) 3/1 cr.
Anatomy & Physiology II/Lab (BIOL 209/210) 3/1 cr.
Fundamentals of Chemistry I/Lab (CHEM 131/L) 5cr.
Fundamentals of Chemistry II/Lab (CHEM 132/L) 5cr.
Intro to Public Speaking (COMM 102) 3 cr.
Healthcare & Literature (ENGL 316W) 3 cr.
Introduction to Biostatistics (MATH 225) 3cr.
Physics for Life Sciences I/Lab (PHYS 201/201L) 4cr.
Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 101) 3cr.

RSHS Courses - 28 Credits
Elements of Athletic Training, Info Literacy & Scientific Terminology (ATHT 120) 3 cr.
Basic Life Support/EMS (ATHT 400) 3 cr.
Nutrition & Weight Management/Lab (ATHT 402W/402L) 3 cr.
Physiology of Exercise (ATHT 407W/402L) 3 cr.
Introduction to Health & Exercise Science (HLTS 115) 1 cr.
Current Concepts in Sports Medicine/Lab (HLTS 225/225L) 3 cr.
Tests & Measures (HLTS 311/311L) 3 cr.
Functional Kines & Biomechanics/Lab (HLTS 437/437L) 3 cr.
Introduction to Epidemiology (PBHL 301) 3 cr.
Healthcare Delivery & Organization (PBHL 318) 3 cr.

Open Elective - 3 credits

Professional Phase

Summer of 4th Year - 9 Credits
Prevention, Emergency & Immediate Management (ATHT 501/501L) 4 cr.
Evidence Based Methods in Healthcare (ATHT 525) 2 cr.
Introduction to Therapeutic Interventions (ATHT 530/530L) 3 cr.

Fall of 4th Year - 17 Credits
Cadaver Anatomy (HLTS 515/515L) 5 cr.
Orthopedic Assessment & Treatment - Lower Extremity (ATHT 502/502L) 3 cr.
Clinical Practicum (ATHT 511/511L) 3 cr.
Contemporary Evaluation (ATHT 515/515L) 2 cr.
Therapeutic Interventions (ATHT 550/550L) 3 cr.

Spring of 4th Year - Credits
Research & Evidence Integration I (ATHT 500) 2 cr.
Orthopedic Assessment & Treatment - Upper Extremity (ATHT 503/503L) 3 cr.
Clinical Practicum II (ATHT 512) 3 cr.
Diagnostic Tools/Advanced Skills (ATHT 516/516L) 2 cr.
Considerations for Global Health (ATHT 601) 3 cr.

Summer of 4th Year - 8 Credits
Orthopedic Assessment & Treatment - Spine (ATHT 504/504L) 2 cr.
Non-Orthopedic Pathology & Pharmacology (ATHT 505) 3 cr.
Patient Centered Care & Behavioral Health (ATHT 606) (3 cr.)

Fall of 5th Year - 9 Credits
Research & Evidence Integration II (ATHT 510) 1 cr.
Organization & Administration (ATHT 535) 3 cr.
Clinical Practicum III (ATHT 611) 5 cr.

Spring of 5th Year - 10 Credits
Manual Therapy (ATHT 560/560L) 2 cr.
Research & Evidence Integration III (ATHT 610) 3 cr.
Clinical Practicum IV (ATHT 612) 3 cr.
Athletic Training Seminar (ATHT 615) 3 cr.


Students will be given clinical assignments and responsibilities as directed by the Athletic Training Faculty and the designated Preceptor. Students will be expected to participate in all clinical activities for that assignment. Further explanations are available in the Athletic Training Student Handbook.

Athletic Training Graduation Requirements

Bachelor of Science

A student who has completed all requirements with a minimum 3.0 cumulative professional GPA and successfully completed all clinical education requirements will receive a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training degree.

Master of Science in Athletic Training

A student who has completed all requirements with a minimum 3.0 cumulative professional phase GPA and successfully completed all clinical education requirements will receive a Master of Sciences in Athletic Training degree.

Athletic Training Certification & Licensure

Athletic Trainers must be certified on a national level and be certified, registered, or licensed on a state level, if required by the state in which the student intends to practice. Upon completion of program requirements in athletic training, students will be eligible to sit for the national Board of Certification examination (BOC). Athletic training students may sit for their examination at the testing time that immediately precedes graduation, but the department recommends that students take the certification in June, following their May graduation. The approximate cost is $360.00. All students must pass this examination to be recognized nationally as certified athletic trainers. Students must register for the examination online.

Those students who wish to practice in the state of Pennsylvania also must apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine for licensure as an athletic trainer after they have passed the BOC examination. An athletic trainer must have this certification to practice as a licensed health professional in Pennsylvania. More information on this licensure process is available from the Bureau of Professional Licensure, State Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine. If a student wishes to practice outside the state of Pennsylvania, that student should contact the specific state's athletic training organization or the BOC for more information.