Looking for athletic training schools in Texas

Hi everyone, I'm planning to study athletic training in college and wanted to see if anyone had recommendations for schools with good programs in Texas.

Hi there! Texas has several schools with strong athletic training programs. Keep in mind that Athletic Training is a somewhat niche field, but even if the program is in a broader field, specialized coursework in Athletic Training can still set you up for a successful career in the field. I'd like to recommend a few options for you to consider:

1. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin): UT Austin offers a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training through their College of Education. This program prepares students for careers as athletic trainers by emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical application of skills. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in multiple settings, including high schools, colleges, and professional sports teams.

2. Texas A&M University (TAMU): Texas A&M offers a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, where you can focus your studies on Athletic Training. This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and provides students with a strong foundation in sports medicine and injury prevention. Students complete clinical experience throughout their degree program, to gain valuable firsthand experience working with athletes even while still in school. There is also a 3+2 program available, which allows you to graduate with a Bachelor's in Kinesiology and a Master's in Athletic Training in 5 years.

3. Texas Tech University (TTU): TTU offers a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, which typically includes coursework in Athletic Training. This program is also CAATE-accredited, ensuring a quality education in athletic training theory and practice. Students participate in clinical experiences within their first year, accruing more than 1,200 hours of hands-on practice by graduation.

4. Sam Houston State University (SHSU): SHSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Athletic Training. The program is designed to prepare students for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam and work as athletic trainers in various settings. SHSU's program emphasizes hands-on learning opportunities through clinical rotations, giving students direct experience with athletes and sports teams.

These are just a few of the athletic training programs available in Texas. When researching schools, consider factors like accreditation, faculty credentials, clinical experience opportunities, and overall fit with your goals. It's always a good idea to visit the campus and talk to current students or alumni to get a sense of each program's strengths and overall culture.

Lastly, going to a school with a robust athletics department - like all four of the institutions above, especially the first three listed - can be a definite advantage for studying Athletic Training, as you'll have more opportunities to put your skills to the test right on campus, while taking pride in knowing that you're contributing to your school's on-field or on-court success!

Good luck in your search!