Athletic Training: From Physical Education to Allied Health

Athletic training was spawned from physical education in the 1960s, and since that time has evolved into a recognized health care profession. The majority of accredited athletic training education programs (ATEPs) are housed within academic units of kinesiology. However, the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) has recommended that ATEPs be aligned in colleges of health-related professions. To set some context for the issue, this paper will review the history and evolution of athletic training education. NATA's rationale for alignment of ATEPs with the health-related professions will be presented, and the implications of this potential transition for kinesiology will be addressed. Finally, the challenges kinesiology administrators and faculty face in offering and retaining accredited ATEPs will be explored.