Master of Science in Athletic Training

Study theory and practice skills necessary to grow your career as a vital member of a patient's medical team.

Athletic trainers with a football player

Through our Master of Science (MS) in Athletic Training curriculum, you'll combine rigorous academic study with supervised clinical practice in a variety of areas to gain the skills you need for a lifelong career as a healthcare professional.

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CAATE Accredited

Established in 1989 as a National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) approved curriculum, the program has since passed an extensive evaluation earning initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in 1998 and 2005. In 2010 and 2020, the program was granted continuing accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), 2001 K Street NW, Third Floor North, Washington, DC 20006 USA.

Upon successful completion of the MS in Athletic Training Program, students are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC), Inc. certification examination. Upon successful completion and compliance with the appropriate state regulatory agency, candidates are afforded a variety of employment opportunities to legally practice as a Certified Athletic Trainer in a variety of healthcare settings. Students in this program enjoy small class sizes that allow for optimal engagement and feedback from educators and opportunities to practice hands-on skills.

Purpose, Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Program Accreditation Information and Outcomes

View the Academic Catalog to further explore the curriculum.

View course offerings

View degree requirements

Program Quick Facts


UPCOMING START DATE	August 26, 2024
ESTIMATED PROGRAM LENGTH	2 years
CREDIT HOURS	57
COURSE LENGTH	16 weeks during Fall/Spring terms 8 weeks during Summer term
DELIVERY METHODS	On-site and Blended
COST PER CREDIT	$705
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS	View Admission Requirements
STUDENT HANDBOOK	Download the Student Handbook
CLINICAL OBSERVATION EXPERIENCE FORM	Download the Clinical Observation Experience Form

Integrated, Concurrent 3+2 Professional MSAT Program Option

Earn both the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science and Master of Science (MS) in Athletic Training degrees in just five years through this unique program. Students will enroll in our undergraduate Exercise Science Pre-Athletic Training curriculum and begin completing the pre-requisite courses necessary to apply to the Professional MSAT program, which they'll complete during their junior year, and be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam upon the Professional MSAT program completion. This route is intended for High School students entering into their freshman year of undergraduate schooling and/or students who do not yet possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.

Professional Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program Option

Receive direct entry into the two-year Professional MSAT program and be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam upon the Professional MSAT program completion. This route is intended for undergraduates in their senior year and/or students who already possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.

Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)
Mission, Purpose, Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Mission

The Waynesburg University MSAT Program seeks to prepare Athletic Training Students (ATSs) for successful careers by instilling a Christian identity with an in-depth study in Athletic Training. The program provides opportunities for students to achieve balance between academic scholarship and the acquisition of skills necessary for careers in athletic training and health care. The curriculum design provides opportunities for the development, synthesis and demonstration of cognitive competency and professional behavior. The curriculum is guided by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) 2020 Standards for Accreditation of Professional Athletic Training Programs along with the Christian principles on which the University was founded. The BOC Standards of Professional Practice and applicable institutional/organizational, local, state and federal laws, regulations, rules and guidelines guide our efforts to provide the means, inspiration and values that will enable our students to pursue successful, productive and compassionate lives of service.

Purpose

Goals

The goal of the MSAT Program is to:

Provide an educational program for students desiring to obtain Board of Certification (BOC) certification.
Develop competent and confident students entering the profession of Athletic Training as healthcare providers.
Provide students the ability to practice their knowledge, skills and abilities (learned in the didactic education) in the clinical setting under direct supervision of qualified healthcare Preceptors.
Incorporate leadership abilities through the Christian faith by fully engaging students in their clinical experiences and community service opportunities.
Provide opportunities for students to participate in the advancement of the athletic training profession.
Allow students to compete for scholarly awards, scholarships and grants.

Program and Student Learning Outcomes

The students, upon completion of the ATP, will be able to:

Demonstrate cognitive and psychomotor competence in the five (5) domains of athletic training. (G1,2,3)
Integrate communication skills, both written and oral, as a healthcare provider within the larger context of the healthcare system to be able to work collectively with other healthcare providers. (G2,3,5,6)
Construct and assess appropriate ethical, moral and legal behavior as an athletic trainer. (G1-3)
Manage patient care (based on the development of knowledge, clinical experience, critical thinking and evidence-based decision making) to integrate current technological and evidence-based approaches to effectively practice with diverse populations in a variety of clinical settings, and with various healthcare professionals. (G1-6)
Integrate the Christian tradition/mission to incorporate faith, leadership and service with and among others. (G2-4)
Analyze and generate research to enhance the quality of care within the athletic training field. (G1-6)