The Athletic Training major enrolled its last entering class Fall 2018. MCLA has decided to voluntarily withdraw its CAATE acreditation effective May 16, 2022. Students interested in Athletic Training should consider our Health Sciences concentration in Sports Medicine.
MCLA is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program has been placed on Probation as of February 11, 2020, by the CAATE, 6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3101. The program was placed on probation due to a BOC exam first-time pass rate below 70%. This three year aggregate was also based on a low number of students taking the exam.
"Some highlights for the athletic training program are the excellent professors that teach us and the clinical experience we have to do. Completing 1,000 hours is a lot of extra time and work, but it has taught me so much valuable information and skills that I can take into my career. This has been such a great experience for me over the last four years." - Caitlin Culver '12
Alumni Rodd Lanoue, Director of Sports Medicine at Williams College speaks about his experiences at MCLA.
The Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of
Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The Athletic Training Program prepares students to become Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC); upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. Click here to view BOC exam results, retention, graduation, and placement data.
Graduates from the program may be employed in diverse settings, such as colleges and universities, secondary schools, professional sports, industrial and corporate settings, physician offices and hospitals, performing arts, and the allied health sector.
The mission of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts undergraduate Athletic Training Program integrates both liberal arts and professional studies to provide a comprehensive and challenging education program designed to prepare students for a career in the profession of athletic training. The Athletic Training Program emphasizes clinical experience with diverse settings and populations, with professionalism and ethical considerations. The combined educational and clinical experiences will prepare students for successful completion of the Board of Certification examination.
The Department of Biology offers a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. The Athletic Training major integrates both liberal arts and professional studies to provide a comprehensive and challenging education program that prepares you for a career in athletic training.
As well as preparing you to be a certified athletic trainer, you will also gain the knowledge and experience to successfully complete the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). You will also be eligible for a Health Fitness Instructor certification and an Exercise Specialist certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
You receive instruction in athletic training specific course work through classroom, laboratory, and clinical education. Completion of 1,000 hours of clinical experience is required for graduation. The program takes advantage of a wide range of local clinical sites such as Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute^, Williamstown Physical Therapy, and Williams College.
^Requires background check, no additional cost to the student.
Clinical Information and Careers
