Applied Pre-Athletic Training
Prepare for your athletic trainer degree with Manchester University’s Applied Pre AT Degree in 3 track. Through applied coursework in rehabilitation sciences, injury prevention, and human movement, you’ll build the foundation to pursue graduate study and professional certification. Plus, you’ll be set up for success in Manchester’s Master of Athletic Training or other advanced programs.
Start Your Journey Toward an Athletic Trainer Degree at Manchester University
Manchester University’s Pre AT program prepares students for graduate-level study and certification in athletic training. As part of Clinical & Rehabilitation Sciences, this track offers a strong foundation in anatomy, injury prevention, and therapeutic rehab. Students can opt into Manchester’s AT Early Assurance Program—a structured pathway that reserves a seat in the Master of Athletic Training program for qualified students.
Program Information:
Accelerated or Traditional: Two Pathways to a Career in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Degree in 3-years
Manchester University gives you two clear pathways to graduation, so you can choose the timeline that fits your goals. Degree in Three is the first program of its kind in the state of Indiana, leading to an Applied Degree, and it lets you complete your bachelor’s degree in just six semesters.You’ll move through your courses at an intentional, accelerated pace, earning 90 or more credits and stepping confidently into a master’s program or the workforce.
Graduate in 4 Years
If you want the full four-year experience (more time for athletics, Esports, student activities, research, internships, or simply immersing yourself in campus life) you can follow the traditional timeline and complete 120 credits within MU’s Exercise Science – Clinical Rehabilitation Sciences Program. Both routes lead to the same high-quality Manchester degree; the choice is all about what works best for you.
Why Choose MU for Pre-Athletic Training?
Early Assurance Program
Expert Faculty Mentors
You Know the Future You Want
Students beginning the Degree in 3 program know they want to pursue culminate with a masters in athletic training degree. They also know they want to take the quickest route possible inside of 3 years for their undergraduate work.
What You Can Do with Your Applied Pre-Athletic Training Degree
Certified Athletic Trainer
Support injury prevention and rehabilitation for athletes at all levels.
Sports Medicine Specialist
Assist in diagnosing and managing injuries in active populations.
Rehabilitation Aide
Help patients recover in clinics, hospitals, or outpatient care centers.
Team or School Athletic Trainer
Promote athlete wellness at the high school or collegiate level
Average Starting Salary for Athletic Trainer Degree Holders
Athletic training is a fast-growing field with strong salary potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for athletic trainers was $53,840 in 2022, with top earners making over $78,000 annually. Those working in college and university settings earned an average of $56,930. With demand for certified professionals expected to grow 14% by 2032, Manchester graduates are well-positioned for stable, rewarding careers in sports, healthcare, and education.
How the Pre-Athletic Training Program Supports Your Growth
What Is an Applied Pre-Athletic Training Degree?
Students benefit by saving time and money—often graduating a year earlier and with significantly lower tuition costs.
Personalized Mentorship and Career Guidance
Faculty in the Pre-Athletic Training program bring real-world expertise to the classroom and are committed to your personal and professional growth. From one-on-one advising to support in preparing for MAT admission, you’ll receive guidance every step of the way. Whether planning your coursework, exploring graduate school, or preparing for certification, our faculty mentors are here to help you succeed.
Courses and Curriculum
Manchester University’s Pre-Athletic Training curriculum delivers a rigorous blend of science, clinical practice, and hands-on learning. Designed to meet Pre-MAT enrollment requirements, the coursework develops a deep understanding of the human body, injury prevention, and rehabilitation—while also preparing students for the Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program. Some example courses are:
- Human Anatomy with lab
- Human Physiology with lab
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics/Kinesiology
- Biology (no lab required)
- Chemistry (no lab required)
- Physics (no lab required)
- Statistics
- Nutrition
- Psychology
Total Credits for Pre-MAT Requirements: 58 +1
Students graduate with strong scientific literacy, problem-solving skills, and technical knowledge—ideal preparation for professional studies in athletic training.
Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will identify and master key concepts and principles of human performance (eg: General Physical Preparedness, General Fitness Markers, Nutrition, Strength and Conditioning, and enhancing Athletic Performance).
2. Students will apply fundamental human movement principles in the areas of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to a variety of exercise/fitness contexts and populations in order to design safe and effective training programs for a multitude of populations.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will analyze functional movement to identify pre-existing conditions in human movement and how to best navigate limiting factors and optimize performance.
- Students will evaluate and create safe and effective exercise and fitness programs for a multitude of athlete/client populations.
3. Students will demonstrate the knowledge of behavior strategies to enhance fitness and health behavior changes, specifically in the areas of general health, nutrition, mental health, and athletic performance.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will understand components of health and fitness plans in order to accommodate client and drive specific physical adaptations/goals.
4. Students will evaluate scientific literature to synthesize relevant information in exercise/fitness to be subject matter experts and contributing members of the field.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will conduct research, interviews, and engage in academic discourse to showcase their mastery of the content and ability to contribute to the field.
Meet the Faculty
Lucas Dargo
Program Director for MAT, Associate Professor of Athletic Training
Julie Lies
Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor of Athletic Training
Jeff Beer, Ph.D., ATC
Professor of Exercise Science and Chair of the Dept of Exercise Science
Teresa DeLellis
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Chair of the Dept of Pharmacy Practice
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Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process
Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.
Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.