Significance: The decision to ultimately leave one academic program for another or persist in an academic program may be based on any number of reasons. Research suggests that proper integration into a specific program/institution increases the chance for student persistence. Because potential athletic training students are also recruited by other allied health professions, it is critical to investigate reasons why students decide to leave athletic training education programs for other academic programs. Identifying variables associated with attrition and persistence in training programs may be beneficial in helping programs attract and retain quality individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate variables associated with attrition and persistence in athletic training education programs. Design: The study utilized a qualitative research design involving semi - structured interviews. Interview questions were designed to identify variables associated with attrition and persistence in athletic training education programs. The interview format was developed following a review of literature covering such topics as attrition and persistence, and athletic training. Three university researchers, each with prior experience in qualitative research, provided feedback on the interview format. In all, 16 individuals participated in the study. Participants included 11 undergraduate students formerly enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited athletic training education program, and 5 senior-level students who are currently enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited athletic training education program. Data were coded and analyzed using a constant-comparitive method as outlined by Glaser (1993). Results: Results identified six common variables influencing attrition from athletic training education programs: 1) big time commitment, 2) a bad clinical experience, 3) personal conflict/relationship with an ATC, 4) different expectation, and 5) desire to pursue a different major, 6) conflict with the athletic training lifestyle. Persistent students also identified that athletic training education requires sacrifices due to the time commitment. Persistent students appear to persist because of a strong desire to become certified as athletic trainers. The results from this study provide a profile that may be helpful in identifying potential problems and misconceptions as they relate to factors that discourage students from persisting in athletic training. Based on the results, it appears that student attrition may be prevented by providing clinical experiences that are conducive to proper integration into the athletic training major. However, the large time commitment required for both athletic training students, and practicing ATCs appears very detrimental for the retention of many potential athletic training students. Keyword(s): professional preparation