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Athletic Training 3+2

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Why pursue the Athletic Training 3+2 pathway program at North Central?

North Central College offers an accelerated 3+2 pathway program so you can earn a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Athletic Training degree in as few as 5 years, allowing you to select from 2 different undergraduate majors. This pathway prepares you to become a certified athletic trainer.

Students admitted to this program complete a specially designed curriculum for the first three undergraduate years of a B.S. degree in Exercise Science or Health Science, followed by two years in the Master of Athletic Training Program. The pathway has limited spaces and a maximum of 16 students will be admitted each year. This program has two phases: the pre-professional phase (undergraduate) and the professional phase (graduate). After successfully completing the pre-professional phase, you’ll enter the professional program.

Programmatic policy prevents MAT students from simultaneously competing as an NCAA student-athlete while in the professional program. Therefore, student-athletes who wish to compete in their sport for four-years and become athletic trainers are encouraged to apply to the pre-professional pathway and defer their entry to the MAT program until after they have exhausted their eligibility. We do consider individual requests to petition this policy.

Approved undergraduate majors for MAT 3+2 pathway program:
Exercise science
Health science

How do I find out more? 
Contact the Athletic Training Program Director or contact your admission counselor to learn more. You should also view the NCC Athletic Training Pre-Professional Admission Handbook.
 

Exercise Science, B.S./M.A.T.

Students who complete the 3+2 program in exercise science and athletic training will complete the requirements for both degrees in 5 years. Admission to the MAT program is competitive and minimal requirements must be met by all applicants. For additional admission requirements, see the Master of Athletic Training website.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Kinesiology.

  • MATR 500 - Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training I*
  • MATR 505 - Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training II*
  • MATR 515 - Foundations of Athletic Training*
  • MATR 525 - Therapeutic Interventions in Athletic Training I
  • MATR 530 - Principles of Musculoskeletal and Medical Assessment
  • MATR 535 - Therapeutic Interventions in Athletic Training II
  • MATR 540 - Diagnosis and Management for Athletic Trainers II: Lower Extremity and Spine
  • MATR 541 - Diagnosis and Management for Athletic Trainers I: Upper Extremity, Head & Neck
  • MATR 550 - Medical Aspects of Athletic Training
  • MATR 551 - Administration and Management in Athletic Training*
  • MATR 600 - Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training III
  • MATR 605 - Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training IV
  • MATR 610 - Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training V: Immersive Experience
  • MATR 620 - Principles of Nutrition and Strength and Conditioning for Athletic Training
  • MATR 625 - Psychological Aspects of Athletic Training Practice
  • MATR 640 - Special Topics in Athletic Training
  • MATR 650 - Decision Making in Athletic Training
  • MATR 655 - Applied Research Project in Athletic Training

*These courses apply towards both the undergraduate and graduate programs.

 

Health Science, B.S./M.A.T.

The program has a competitive admissions process and will accept a cohort of 16 students through a centralized application service.

For additional admission requirements, see the Master of Athletic Training Admission Requirements.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Health Sciences.

Additional Mathematics and Science Requirements

Eight additional math or life science or physical science course(s), beyond the courses used to fulfill general education requirements, and that count toward a major in a science discipline.

  • MATR 500 - Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training I*
  • MATR 505 - Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training II*
  • MATR 515 - Foundations of Athletic Training*
  • MATR 525 - Therapeutic Interventions in Athletic Training I
  • MATR 530 - Principles of Musculoskeletal and Medical Assessment
  • MATR 535 - Therapeutic Interventions in Athletic Training II
  • MATR 540 - Diagnosis and Management for Athletic Trainers II: Lower Extremity and Spine
  • MATR 541 - Diagnosis and Management for Athletic Trainers I: Upper Extremity, Head & Neck
  • MATR 550 - Medical Aspects of Athletic Training
  • MATR 551 - Administration and Management in Athletic Training*
  • MATR 600 - Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training III
  • MATR 605 - Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training IV
  • MATR 610 - Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training V: Immersive Experience
  • MATR 620 - Principles of Nutrition and Strength and Conditioning for Athletic Training
  • MATR 625 - Psychological Aspects of Athletic Training Practice
  • MATR 640 - Special Topics in Athletic Training
  • MATR 650 - Decision Making in Athletic Training
  • MATR 655 - Applied Research Project in Athletic Training

*These courses apply towards both the undergraduate and graduate programs.

Pre-professional Phase (Undergraduate) Admission Requirements

You can apply to the pre-professional phase before or as you enter NCC or after completing one or more semesters at NCC. It is best to apply early as entry is limited to no more than 16 students/cohort. 

Applying as a high school senior, before entering NCC: 

  • You will need to have been admitted to the College.
  • You will need to have obtained a high school GPA of 3.0 or better (upload unofficial transcripts). 
  • You will need to write and upload a personal statement describing why you want to become an athletic trainer. 
  • You will need to agree to declare and follow an exercise science or health science major at North Central College (if admitted to the Pre-Professional Phase)

Timeline to apply: Between October 1 of your senior year and May 1 of your senior year. Applications are considered as they are received and admissions decisions are communicated to the applicant within 2 weeks of submission of the application.

Applying as a current NCC student: 

  • Declare an exercise science or health science major at North Central College.
  • Have obtained an institutional GPA at NCC of 3.0 or better (upload unofficial transcripts). 
  • Write and upload a personal statement describing why you want to become an athletic trainer.

Timeline to apply: By October 1 of fall semester or February 1 of spring semester. Applications are reviewed at this point and admissions decisions are communicated to the applicant within 2 weeks. 
 

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