The Athletic Training degree prepares students to take the Board of Certification exam to become a certified athletic trainer. Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians. The services provided by ATs consist of prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.

At UNCP learning gets personal and that is especially true when you major in Athletic Training. Our students gain real life, hands-on experience evaluating and treating college and high school student-athletes as well as general population patients in their physical therapy and general medical rotations. In addition to having one of the premier athletic training facilities in North Carolina, UNCP boasts the most affordable CAATE accredited AT Program in North Carolina.

AT Program Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Athletic Training Program (ATP) at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke to develop competent entry-level athletic trainers capable of addressing the health-care needs of the physically active in a global society. Our distinctly diverse student body and multi-ethnic region prepare our graduates to provide quality healthcare to diverse populations in many different healthcare settings.

The UNCP ATP faculty strives to integrate technology in the classroom to encourage active student learning, critical and creative thinking, and public service. The faculty is committed to personalized teaching in order to promote the intellectual and personal growth of each student. Our small class size allows for individualized learning where the incorporation of evidence-based medicine creates a foundation for clinical practice. Spacious modern facilities, unlike any other in the region, provide the clinical setting for student skill development and patient interaction.

This exposure to evidence-based medicine concepts will provide students with the tools needed to become evidence-based practitioners who value research and possess the ability to think critically. The foundational behaviors of the athletic trainer create a framework for the comprehensive competency-based didactic and clinical education components of the program. The mission of the ATP is aligned with the overall mission of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will model ethical and professional behavior in the delivery of health care services.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with patients, peers, athletic staff, and other healthcare providers.
3. Students will demonstrate active professional development and involvement through membership in professional organizations and foster an appreciation for life-long learning.
4. Students will provide patient-centered care that is rooted in ethical behavior and evidence-based decision making.
5. Students will demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills in providing the best possible care.
6. Students will demonstrate competence in the athletic training skills and knowledge required to manage the healthcare needs of the physically active population.