Program Description
The Master of Athletic Training Program is designed to prepare students to become certified athletic trainers (ATC). An ATC functions as a member of the sports medicine team under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care workers, athletic administrators, coaches and parents. Athletic trainers may be employed in high schools, colleges or universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs and other health care settings. An ATC is involved in the prevention, assessment or evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. In addition, they also have responsibilities in administration, education and counseling.
Our entry-level Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program is designed for students with minimal or no knowledge and experience in athletic training. Upon completion of this Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited program, students will be eligible to sit for the National Athletic Trainers' Associate Board of Certification (BOC) examination. Upon successful completion of this examination students will become a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer. Most states use the results from this examination to determine eligibility to practice athletic training.
Mission and Goals of the Program
The Athletic Training Education Program was founded on the premise that there is a need to prepare health care professionals who have the depth of knowledge and judgment to competently advance the art and science of their discipline.
The mission of the Athletic Training Education Program is to prepare highly qualified, ethical health care professionals in the management of health care problems in a physically active patient population who, in cooperation with physicians and other allied health care personnel, function as an integral member of the sports medicine team to develop and coordinate efficient and responsive, evidence-based health care delivery systems in a variety of settings.
Based on a strong foundation of scientific principles, graduates will advance athletic training within the interdisciplinary health care system to better serve the patients, the profession and the community.
Accreditation
The MAT program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE.)
Program Options
The MAT program is available in the following two options:
Option ONE: 3+2 year program (five years total). The first three years of this program are classified as "pre-professional" phase. Students will complete the MAT program prerequisites and degree requirements for a major in strength and conditioning. The “professional” phase will begin during the summer prior to the student's fourth year. At the end of the student's fourth year, he/she will receive a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in strength and conditioning. At the end of the student's fifth year, he/she will receive his/her Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree. This 3+2 program is intended for entering freshmen, transfer students or students who change majors late in their undergraduate education.
Option TWO: Two-year program. This program is only for those students who have already completed a bachelor's degree (in any major) and have met the admission requirements for the professional phase of the MAT program. This two-year program is intended for college graduates who have completed their bachelor's degree and who may want to change careers, athletes who didn't have time during their undergraduate years to major in athletic training and international students who want a career in athletic training.
Admission Requirements
The MAT program’s admission process is identical with both options. Due to the competetive nature of the program, students must meet additional admission criteria listed below. Admission is limited and not guaranteed to those meeting the minimum admission criteria. Only those who are formally admitted into the professional phase can continue with the academic and clinical education components of the program.
Students must have a “C” (2.0) or higher in the following prerequisite courses: BIOL 322/322L, 323/323L; CHEM 130/130L or 140/140L; HPE 100, 308; MATH 123; PHED 336; PHYS 250/250L and PSYC 100. Descriptions of these courses can be found in the undergraduate catalog.
Prospective students must also meet the following admission criteria:
1. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0.
2. Minimum of 75 observation hours under the direct supervision of a BOC-certified athletic trainer.
3. Completion of all program application materials.
4. Criteria such as quality of applicant essay (guidelines can be found on the application checklist) and recommendations (applicant evaluation forms) are also considered.
5. A bachelor's degree from a recognized accredited institution. (Option Two only).
6. Meet and retain technical standards established for the professional phase of the MAT program.
GRE scores are not required for admission into the MAT program.
All program admission materials and technical standards are available upon request from the program director or on the MAT program Web site.
Degree Requirements
The professional phase of the MAT program includes the following courses: ATTR 510, 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 530, 540, 541, 545, 550, 552, 561, 562, 564, 575 and 576; PHTH 547, 549 and 557; and HEPR 549. In addition, students must also complete a minimum of 880 volunteer clinical education hours while supervised by BOC-certified athletic trainers. For more up-to-date information pertaining to the MAT program, please contact the Athletic Training Program Director and visit the MAT program website. No more than two courses with a grade of “C+,” “C” or “C-” can be used to meet graduation requirements.
The Athletic Training Program reserves the right to make program and admission requirements changes without prior notice. For up-to-date information pertaining to the MAT program, please contact the Athletic Training Program Director and/or visit the MAT program Web site.
