James Madison University has the only other certified program in Virginia. Commission representatives visited the program during spring semester 2000. Athletic training education is a demanding program at Longwood. To be accepted into the program, a student must complete 100 hours of directed experience, observed by the staff, in the college athletic training facilities. A student may then make formal application to the program during spring semester freshman year.
Majors work directly with student athletes under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer.
Students in the program are proud of its reputation for rigor. It's the most-respected major on campus. According to program director Sharon Menegoni, in the year 2004 athletic training programs will have to be accredited in order for their graduates to sit for the national athletic trainers board of certification exam.