Athletic Training Northern Illinois University

Overview

The Athletic Training programme at Northern Illinois University provides a comprehensive clinical education designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with extensive practical application to support diverse patient populations.

This professional degree focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency and chronic medical conditions. By combining classroom learning with immersive clinical rotations, the university ensures that graduates are ready to collaborate with physicians and other allied health specialists in various medical settings.

Why Athletic Training at Northern Illinois University?

The institution offers state-of-the-art laboratory facilities where students can hone their skills through mock evaluations and simulations using standardised patients. The programme is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), ensuring high educational standards.

A distinctive feature of this course is the diverse range of clinical sites available for hands-on experience. Students have the opportunity to work with prestigious organisations and events, including the Chicago Marathon, the Chicago Bears, and various NCAA Division I athletic teams across the country.

The teaching structure is uniquely designed for career readiness, with the first year focusing on practical skills in high schools and clinics. The second year transitions to a fully online didactic delivery, allowing students to complete immersive clinical placements worldwide to align with their specific career goals.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 956 per credit
• National fee: USD 568 per credit
• Local fee: USD 568 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a progression from foundational clinical skills to advanced healthcare administration. Modules may include:

Year 1

• Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis
• Therapeutic Interventions
• Emergency Services
• Clinical Curriculum

Year 2

• Healthcare Administration
• Immersive Clinical Experience

Careers with Athletic Training

Graduates are well-prepared for an in-demand career, with the industry expected to see significant growth over the coming decade. Alumni from the university have secured positions in prestigious sports programmes, hospitals, and military settings across the United Kingdom and the United States.

Common career destinations include roles within professional sports organisations, such as the Chicago Cubs or Chicago Fire, as well as positions in secondary schools and universities. Beyond traditional athletics, graduates find opportunities in physician practices, performing arts, and occupational health departments.

The programme also prepares students for roles in public safety, the armed forces, and rehabilitation clinics. Notable employers of past graduates include the U.S. Naval Academy, the Midwest Orthopaedic Institute, and various high-profile paediatric hospitals and healthcare systems.