UTPA offers an opportunity to pursue NATABOC certification via the internship route for those students beginning the program before or during the Fall of 2001 due to changes at the national level.

In order to sit for the national certification exam via the internship route, a person must hold a bachelor's degree which includes successful completion of at least one formal, single course in each of the following areas:

        (a) Health (i.e., Nutrition, Drugs/Substance Abuse, Health Education, Personal
            Health and Wellness), a course in Pathology is considered an acceptable substitution
        (b) Human Anatomy
        (c) Kinesiology/Biomechanics
        (d) Human Physiology
        (e) Physiology of Exercise
        (f) Basic Athletic Training
        (g) Advanced Athletic Training

In addition, the individual must have completed an internship in athletic training that:

        (a) consists of at least 1500 hours, 1000 of which must have been spent in a
            traditional athletic training setting at the interscholastic, intercollegiate, or
            professional sports level;
        (b) is completed over a period of time of at least two but not more than five
            years from the date of application;
        (c) is supervised by a NATABOC certified athletic trainer.

All applicants must hold current certification in standard first aid and adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

More information on NATABOC Certification can be found at the NATABOC Web Site.