Ph.D in Athletic Training/ Math minor

[betsimons11]

I'm new to this and I may be posting in the wrong section but here goes....

I am a freshman at an community college, but I will transfer to a university (GCSU) this fall and pursue a degree in Athletic Training with a minor in Mathematics. I have read that most ATC's have at least a masters, but there are not many accredited masters in athletic training programs out there. Would it matter if I either got my masters in athletic training at a non-accredited university or if I mastered in something like Applied Exercise and Health Science?

Also, I have been debating whether or not to get my Ph.D. in Athletic Training. I know UGA has a good Doctorate in Athletic Training program, but I really want to work in a high school near Atlanta as a full-time athletic trainer. I'm pretty sure I could still do that with a Ph.D., but will it make my salary that much better than if I stopped at a masters?

And lastly, I plan to minor in mathematics, but would love to get my bachelor's in math so that I can teach high school math while also being the athletic trainer at that school. Can I take the rest of the required math classes to get a bachelor's degree while I'm working on my masters in Athletic Training?

Any help would be appreciated

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[atstudent]

First of all, why would you want to get a PHD to work at a high school? Completely unnecessary and no you're paycheck will not reflect the advanced degree. Second, no your Masters Degree does not have to be from an accredited athletic training program as long as you graduate from an accredited program with your bachelors degree that allows you to sit for the BOC exam to become certified.

Lastly, having a math minor is not going to allow you to teach high school math. You'll need to get a teaching certificate to do so. That will likely require another degree...

Go get your bachelors in athletic training and make sure you like it before you start jumping off the deep end into the profession. And realize there is a Masters program at Columbus State for athletic trainers to get their Masters Degree along with a teaching certificate...

 

[betsimons11]

atstudent,

Thanks for your help! And I will check out CSU's program!

 

[CherokeeWahine]

Also, I have been debating whether or not to get my Ph.D. in Athletic Training. I know UGA has a good Doctorate in Athletic Training program, but I really want to work in a high school near Atlanta as a full-time athletic trainer. I'm pretty sure I could still do that with a Ph.D., but will it make my salary that much better than if I stopped at a masters?

A doctorate in athletic training? I heard a couple of years back that those degrees were in development, but I didn't realize they had started up yet. Does that give ATCs the right to autonomous practice? Or do they still have to work under the supervision of a physician or PT?

I agree with the post up above. I wouldn't waste time/money getting a doctorate just to work at a high school.

 

[wjs010]

My high school didn't even have an athletic trainer. I don't think lol. And it is a huge school with one of the best programs in the state. Op you should consider the college level. More money there and you're likely to be warranted for your masters by higher compensation. High school won't make you a lot of money


Sent from my iPhone using SDN Mobile app I will accept any pt school at this point. I cannot sleep

 

[atstudent]

A doctorate in athletic training? I heard a couple of years back that those degrees were in development, but I didn't realize they had started up yet. Does that give ATCs the right to autonomous practice? Or do they still have to work under the supervision of a physician or PT?

No a PhD would be more for teaching/research. It's not a clinical degree like a DPT.

 

[greco13]

First of all, why would you want to get a PHD to work at a high school? Completely unnecessary and no you're paycheck will not reflect the advanced degree. Second, no your Masters Degree does not have to be from an accredited athletic training program as long as you graduate from an accredited program with your bachelors degree that allows you to sit for the BOC exam to become certified.

Lastly, having a math minor is not going to allow you to teach high school math. You'll need to get a teaching certificate to do so. That will likely require another degree...

Go get your bachelors in athletic training and make sure you like it before you start jumping off the deep end into the profession. And realize there is a Masters program at Columbus State for athletic trainers to get their Masters Degree along with a teaching certificate...

Exactly. betsimons11, you could very well find out that AT is not the path for you. But maybe you'll love it. Just take one step at a time.

 

[betsimons11]

Thank you guys so much. I definitely need to slow down, but I just wanted to know some options once and/or if I get my degree in athletic training.