Is a 3+2 Athletic Training Program Right for You?

Even as a full time student, earning your bachelor’s and master’s degrees will take you a total of six years — but what if you could earn them both in five years? Not only will you be able to start your career sooner, you’ll also be able to save on tuition costs.

If you’re thinking of earning your athletic training degree, and those benefits sound appealing, read on for more details about how 3+2 programs work and what sets ours apart.

What is a 3+2 Degree Program?

A 3+2 program is a plan of study at a college or university where you earn a bachelor’s degree in three years instead of four, with the intent of transferring to another program to earn another degree in two years. There are two types of 3+2 programs, the dual-degree double bachelor’s program and the accelerated dual-degree bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

• The double bachelor’s program allows you to earn two different bachelor’s degrees, often from different schools. This is common when you want to supplement a liberal arts college education with a degree from a more research-heavy, technical school or university.
• The dual-degree bachelor’s and master’s program enables you to earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degree in a shorter timeframe than it would to earn the degrees separately. This version of the 3+2 program can be done in conjunction with different schools, or within a single school or college that offers both degrees.

In an accelerated bachelor/master program, you may be required to take a mix of undergraduate and graduate-level courses in your third year, which will count toward credit requirements for both degrees. Exactly when you earn each degree depends on the program, some will award your bachelor’s degree after completing all required bachelor of science (BS) credits (which may be around year four) while other programs will award both degrees after earning all credits at the end of year five.

Some programs may require that you schedule course overloads and complete summer coursework in order to earn the required amount of credits within the shorter timeframe.

What is a 3+2 Accelerated Degree Athletic Training Program?

Athletic training 3+2 programs are specialized pathways designed for students interested in becoming Certified Athletic Trainers (ATs). These programs combine undergraduate and graduate education, enabling students to earn both degrees in a total of five years, which is shorter than the traditional six-year timeline.

• Undergraduate Phase (First 3 Years): This phase includes general education requirements and prerequisite courses for the athletic training graduate program, including foundational coursework in related fields like kinesiology, exercise science or health sciences.
• Graduate Phase (Last 2 Years): Students transition into a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program that focuses on advanced athletic training coursework, clinical education and hands-on experience in various settings.

Successful completion of a 3+2 athletic training program will provide you with a Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, health sciences or a related field and an MSAT degree.

Benefits of a 3+2 Accelerated Program

A 3+2 athletic training program can be a more intense experience than a 4+2 program and can have stricter admission requirements — but the benefits are generally worth the extra effort. Here’s why:

• You save time. Not only will you be able to earn your master’s degree in 5 years instead of 6 (or more!) you are eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC) exam for athletic trainers a year earlier than students in traditional programs.
• You can improve your career prospects. Starting your master’s curriculum earlier gets you into clinical rotations faster, where you’ll get real life experience working with athletic trainers, physicians, physical therapists and other health care professionals. There’s also the opportunity cost of being able to enter the job market earlier. Completing an accelerated degree also looks good on your resume.
• You save money. In a 3+2 program, not only are you paying for fewer credits — so spending less money on tuition — some programs, such as Marshall University’s, allow you to earn graduate credits at a discounted undergraduate rate.
• You have a smooth progression between programs. Applying to a master’s degree program during or after your bachelor’s program can take extra time and money and require the submission of forms, transcripts and letters of recommendations. By enrolling in a 3+2 program, especially one with early assurance that can guarantee your acceptance into the master’s program, you greatly simplify that process.

Factors to Consider Before Enrolling in a 3+2 Program

The benefits of a 3+2 program are pretty clear, but there are some important details you’ll need to consider before enrolling:

• It’s a long-term career commitment. Enrolling in a 3+2 program is a focused and accelerated pathway toward a specific career — athletic training. This structure doesn’t allow for much flexibility if you decide to switch careers or explore a different field mid-program, so you’ll want to be certain about your chosen career path before committing.
• The program is academically rigorous. A 3+2 program compresses what would traditionally be six years of education into five. This requires you to master a lot of material in a shorter time frame, including graduate coursework, research and clinical rotations, which can be both intellectually and physically demanding.
• You’ll need to do extended financial planning. While a 3+2 program is more cost-effective than separate bachelor’s and master’s degrees, it’s still significant financial investment. You’ll also need to budget for five years of schooling instead of six, and you’ll have potentially reduced earning opportunities during that time if you’re taking on a full course load — or more.
• You’ll need to be ready for clinical and practical experience. Clinical education is a cornerstone of athletic training programs, requiring hands-on work with real patients in settings like schools, sports teams, clinics and hospitals. This begins during the undergraduate phase and intensifies in the graduate phase, so make sure you understand the clinical hours and hands-on requirements.
• Are you up for this learning style? A 3+2 program is five years of full-time study and research, as well as clinical hours and hands-on training. You’ll need to be sure you have the work ethic, time management and dedication to thrive in such a high-paced learning environment.

Who Might Thrive in a 3+2 Athletic Training Program?

If you believe you have the following qualities, then you could be a good fit for a 3+2 athletic training program:

• You’re highly motivated to learn and are excited about starting clinical work
• You’re career-focused and passionate about a career in athletic training
• You have a strong academic background and can maintain high grades under pressure
• You enjoy hands-on learning and are a goal-oriented planner

Comparing 3+2 Programs to Traditional Pathways

Career Opportunities After Completing a 3+2 Program

Why earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in athletic training? Your master’s degree provides you with advanced skills in injury prevention, rehabilitation and healthcare management. This level of instruction and hands-on practice prepares you for the national Board of Certification (BOC) exam for athletic trainers — ensuring you’re certified for advanced roles in a variety of settings, including:

• Public and private secondary schools, colleges and universities — You’ll work with student-athletes and collaborate with coaches, parents and healthcare providers to prevent, assess and treat injuries, ensuring a safe return to play.
• Professional and Olympic sports teams — You’ll provide elite athletes with injury management, rehabilitation and performance enhancement strategies.
• Youth leagues, municipal and independently owned youth sports facilities — You’ll focus on injury prevention, first aid and safe training practices for young athletes in recreational or competitive programs.
• Healthcare facilities — You’ll support patient recovery in hospitals, emergency rooms or urgent care centers by applying athletic training skills to rehabilitate injuries and manage musculoskeletal conditions.
• Police and fire departments, academies and the military — You’ll promote physical readiness, injury prevention and rehabilitation for public safety professionals and service members to maintain operational fitness.
• Corporate wellness programs and occupational health departments — You’ll design and implement workplace injury prevention programs, ergonomic solutions and health initiatives to improve employee well-being and productivity.
• Higher education — You’ll teach courses in athletic training or related fields, mentor future athletic trainers and contribute to research in sports medicine and injury prevention.

Here’s a small example of the job positions you can apply for with masters in athletic training:

• Certified Athletic Trainer — Provide injury prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services for athletes and active individuals. You’ll work in schools, professional sports teams, healthcare facilities or industrial settings to promote health and safety.
  Expected salary range: $58,000 – $98,000*
• Rehab Specialist — Develops and implements rehabilitation programs for individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries, focusing on restoring strength, mobility and functionality in clinical or athletic settings.
  Expected salary range: $118,000 – $132,000*
• Exercise Physiologist — Designs and monitors fitness and exercise programs tailored to improve clients’ cardiovascular and muscular health, often working with patients managing chronic conditions.
  Expected salary range: $53,000 – $70,000*
• Sports Performance Coach — Specializes in improving athletic performance through tailored strength, conditioning and agility training programs for athletes of all levels, from youth to professionals.
  Expected salary range: $54,000 – $82,000*
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialist — Focuses on workplace injury prevention and employee health, developing ergonomic solutions and wellness programs to reduce risks and enhance productivity.
  Expected salary range: $71,000 – $130,000*

*Salary ranges are estimates taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Salary.com in December 2024.

Is a 3+2 Athletic Training Program Right for You?

If you want to earn your athletic training degree as soon as possible, then a 3+2 athletic training program could be the right choice. Keep the following points in mind as you consider your options:

• These programs are ideal for individuals committed to pursuing a career in healthcare or sports medicine and who thrive in a structured, accelerated academic environment. If this sounds like you, then you’re on the right track.
• Take the time to evaluate your academic readiness and willingness to handle a rigorous curriculum that integrates foundational science courses with hands-on clinical experiences. A 3+2 program requires strong time management skills and the ability to balance coursework, clinical rotations and personal commitments.
• Reflect on your interest in working closely with athletes or active individuals, preventing and rehabilitating injuries and being part of a healthcare team. This is a long-term commitment, so you want to make sure you’re okay with being in it for the long haul.
• Be sure to consider your financial situation and whether you can commit to five consecutive years of education, factoring in the program’s cost and any financial aid opportunities.

If you’re passionate about athletic training, ready for the academic challenge and have a clear career vision, a 3+2 program is a great way to earn both your bachelor’s degree and your master’s at an accelerated and discounted rate.