Athletic Training Program

Whitworth will prepare you with a strong foundation in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses in a variety of settings. We strive to prepare students to become athletic trainers who are not only good clinicians, but who embrace Whitworth's mission, engage in servant leadership and practice holistic healthcare.

Launch Your Career

The bachelor’s in health science, pre-athletic training track is designed to prepare students with foundational knowledge in the care and prevention of athletic injuries. This degree includes prerequisites coursework needed to pursue a professional master’s degree in athletic training, which is the only pathway to become a licensed athletic trainer. 

The master in athletic training program is designed to prepare students to complete the national Board of Certification (BOC) exam and achieve their goal of becoming certified athletic trainers. For the past 10 years, our graduates have passed their BOC exams on their first attempt over 90 percent of the time, which is consistently higher than the national average.

For BOC pass rates, graduation and employment rates, visit the CAATE Program Information and Outcomes page. In order to become a certified athletic trainer (ATC), you must pass the national Board of Certification (BOC) exam and maintain state licensure. 

"Over the past 12 years, I have looked to Whitworth University's Athletic Training Program graduates to help build our team. Whitworth graduates are driven, service-oriented professionals with an outstanding work ethic who always seek out opportunities to improve the lives of others. Whitworth instills a strong drive in its graduates to change the world around them. I hire Whitworth University athletic training graduates because I know they have built a strong foundation for the rest of their lives."
– Benjamin Henry, Work-Fit

Why Whitworth?

• Whitworth has the only accredited athletic training program at a liberal arts university in the state of Washington; it's been nationally accredited since 1999.
• Whitworth graduates have an over 90 percent average first-attempt BOC exam pass rate over the last 10 years; consistently higher than the national average pass rate.
• Whitworth offers hands-on clinical experience and opportunities to travel.

Accreditation Status

Whitworth University’s athletic training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) located at 6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78731-3184. The program will have its next comprehensive review during the 2023-24 academic year.

National guidelines going into effect in 2022 require all new athletic trainers to earn a master's degree. Whitworth University led the change by establishing the first fully accredited master's-level program in the state of Washington.