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What colleges in Texas better for athletic training , or are there better out of state colleges that have an athletic training program that aren't too expensive?

Im currently trying to build my list of colleges I am wanting to attend but I am not sure if out of state colleges are better or In- state, I don't want to go far from family so I would really prefer staying in state.

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kim’s Answer

Texas A&M college,Texas State University, Baylor University
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Melissa’s Answer

Here are some of the top colleges in Texas for athletic training programs:

University of Texas at Austin: Famous for its outstanding athletic training program, UT Austin provides a thorough curriculum and top-notch facilities to help you succeed.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center: This university offers a highly respected master's program in athletic training, making it an excellent choice for those looking to advance their studies.

Texas Christian University: Situated in Fort Worth, TCU delivers a strong athletic training program, emphasizing practical experience and great student support to guide you on your journey.
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Charlotte’s Answer

Hi,
That’s a great question! If you’re looking to study Athletic Training and prefer to stay close to family in Texas, you’re in luck because Texas has some fantastic options. However, there are also a few out-of-state programs that are strong and not overly expensive. Let’s break it down:

Best In-State Texas Colleges for Athletic Training:
Texas State University (San Marcos, TX)

Program: Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)

Reputation: One of the top programs in Texas with a strong focus on hands-on clinical experience.

Why It’s Good: Offers excellent connections to sports teams and healthcare facilities in the region.

Cost: Affordable in-state tuition and good financial aid options.

Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)

Program: Master of Athletic Training (MAT)

Reputation: Known for a rigorous curriculum with a strong focus on evidence-based practice.

Why It’s Good: Access to Division I sports teams for hands-on experience.

Cost: Moderate in-state tuition, with opportunities for assistantships.

University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) (Arlington, TX)

Program: MSAT

Reputation: Well-rounded program with strong clinical rotations in local healthcare and sports settings.

Why It’s Good: Great location in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for internships and job opportunities.

Cost: Reasonable in-state tuition.

University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) (Austin, TX)

Program: Kinesiology and Health Education with a focus on Athletic Training

Reputation: Known for research opportunities and connections with professional sports teams.

Why It’s Good: High academic standards and great city for young professionals.

Cost: A bit higher than other public universities but offers in-state rates and scholarships.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Lubbock, TX)

Program: MSAT

Reputation: Offers a comprehensive curriculum with strong support for students entering healthcare fields.

Why It’s Good: Focus on rural and community healthcare, which can make you versatile.

Cost: Affordable for Texas residents.

Top Out-of-State Options (Affordable and Highly Ranked):
University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK)

Program: MSAT

Why It’s Good: Not far from Texas, strong connections with NCAA sports.

Cost: Offers scholarships to reduce out-of-state fees.

University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR)

Program: Athletic Training

Why It’s Good: Good clinical placements with college and high school teams.

Cost: Competitive tuition for non-residents, with merit-based aid.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette (Lafayette, LA)

Program: MSAT

Why It’s Good: Strong focus on community health and sports medicine.

Cost: Out-of-state rates are relatively affordable compared to other states.

University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)

Program: Athletic Training

Why It’s Good: Known for preparing students for both clinical and academic roles.

Cost: Reasonable for out-of-state students, with good financial aid packages.

Tips for Choosing Between In-State and Out-of-State:
Stay In-State If:

You want to save on tuition costs.

You prefer staying closer to family.

You’re looking for strong local networking opportunities in Texas.

Go Out-of-State If:

You find a program with unique strengths or specializations.

You’re okay with a bit more distance for a higher-ranked program.

The school offers good financial aid or scholarships to offset the out-of-state fees.
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Chiquria’s Answer

That's a fantastic question, and it's wise that you're considering your options early on. Staying close to home in Texas while pursuing a top-notch Athletic Training program is a smart move, and you've got some excellent in-state choices. Texas boasts several universities with CAATE-accredited programs, crucial for becoming a certified athletic trainer.

Top In-State Athletic Training Programs in Texas
Here are some highly regarded and often more budget-friendly Texas options:

Texas State University (San Marcos, TX)

Offers a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT).
Has strong clinical partnerships and great hands-on experiences.
Affordable tuition for in-state students.
University of Texas at Arlington

Provides a CAATE-accredited MSAT program.
Benefits from Dallas-Fort Worth healthcare and sports connections.
Texas A&M University – Kingsville

Features a smaller campus with personalized attention.
Renowned for strong support in health sciences.
Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, TX)

Offers a good mix of cost, quality, and campus life.
Accredited program with solid job placement rates.
Choosing in-state schools can save you a lot compared to out-of-state options.

Out-of-State Options (Still Affordable)
If you're open to exploring further, here are some affordable, high-quality programs outside Texas:

University of Arkansas

Offers strong health science programs with lower out-of-state tuition.
University of Northern Iowa

Hosts a nationally respected athletic training program, often more affordable than larger schools.
Remember to consider the total cost, including tuition, housing, travel, and potential scholarships.

Key Tips as You Build Your List:
Seek CAATE-accredited programs to ensure certification eligibility.
Connect with current students or alumni for insights into the program experience.
Explore early application and scholarship deadlines to enhance financial aid opportunities.
Need assistance finding scholarships for athletic training or Texas-based schools?

Learn more:

CAATE Program Directory
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Athletic Trainers
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Ben’s Answer

Hi Jaquelin –

As an athletic trainer myself, I think it is great that you are interested in pursuing this profession. It can be incredibly rewarding work!

I think the people who have responded ahead of me have given you some great information, but I want to highlight an important detail that might not have been emphasized enough: the athletic training profession can no longer be entered after the completion of a 4-year undergraduate degree. You now need to complete a master's-level education program from an accredited institution in order to become a certified athletic trainer (ATC). This shift reflects the increasing complexity and responsibility of the role, as athletic trainers today are expected to have a deeper understanding of clinical evaluation, rehabilitation, emergency care, and interprofessional collaboration.

There are some great benefits to the profession; being a part of an athlete’s recovery process, preventing injuries before they happen, and forming close bonds with teams and patients are just a few of the awesome ones! Right now there is a major push across the profession to increase our scope of practice so that there is an increase of understanding across broader healthcare settings about what ATs can do in the medical world, not just in the sports realm.

That said, there are also real challenges within the profession. The hours can be long, especially in traditional settings like high school and collegiate athletics, and it can sometimes be tough to balance work-life needs. Compensation is improving, especially in emerging clinical and industrial settings, but it still varies depending on location and role.

If you’re passionate about helping people, enjoy problem-solving, and thrive in dynamic environments, athletic training can be a truly fulfilling career path!

Ben
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