Berry and Atrium Health Announce New Athletic Training Degree

Berry College will expand its graduate offerings with a new degree in athletic training made possible by a $500,000 donation from Atrium Health Floyd.

The Master of Science degree in athletic training will focus on serving both rural and urban areas across Georgia with classes beginning in 2028. Berry’s program is building on its health science and athletics collaboration with Atrium Health Floyd in the region, across the state and in secondary and post-secondary schools.

“Working together with Atrium Health Floyd represents an exciting step forward for Berry College as we expand our graduate offerings to meet the growing healthcare needs of communities across Georgia,” said President Sandeep Mazumder. “Our upcoming master’s program in athletic training will build on Berry’s longstanding commitment to educating the head, heart, and hands, preparing students to deliver exceptional care in schools, clinics, and organizations throughout both rural and urban regions. This is Berry at its best—innovating, collaborating and investing in the people and places we are proud to serve.”

Athletic training is a recognized allied healthcare profession dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. National projections show strong demand, with job growth expected at 14% through 2032. In Georgia, employment levels and salaries exceed national averages.

The program builds on the college’s momentum in nursing, physician associate studies and exercise science, while enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration across health programs. The curriculum will require significant hands-on patient care experiences across diverse clinical settings, demanding strong partnerships and placement coordination.

“As demand for high-quality care continues to grow, it is critical that we strengthen the pipeline of skilled caregivers in fields such as athletic training,” said Kurt Stuenkel, president of Atrium Health Floyd. “Much like our support for Berry College’s Health Sciences Building, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to care and preparing the next generation of health professionals. We look forward to working together to create new opportunities for students and enhance access to high-quality care in our community.”

The Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation donated $2 million in 2024 which was used to support Berry College’s Health Sciences Building, which added classroom space, laboratories, an advanced simulation suite and student housing.

Berry and Atrium Health Floyd will collaborate with local schools and regional athletic organizations. Atrium Health Floyd athletic trainers currently serve a total of 3,800 high school athletes in Floyd County, Polk County, Chattooga County, Bartow County, Rome City and two private high schools in Rome. They also support the YMCA by providing coverage for soccer tournaments.

At the college level, Atrium Health Floyd trainers work with 1,200 athletes at Berry, Shorter University and Georgia Highlands College.