Waynesburg University and Thiel College recently partnered to create an accelerated 3+2 bachelor’s-to-master’s degree pathway in athletic training for Thiel College students.
Waynesburg’s accelerated bachelor's to master's in athletic training degree program not only saves students time and money but propels them towards success, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today's dynamic world of athletic training."
Through this accelerated program, after concluding their third year of classes, Thiel College students can complete a concurrent fourth year at Waynesburg University to finish the first year of Waynesburg’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program. After satisfying all coursework requirements to completion, these students can then transfer courses back to Thiel College to be awarded their Bachelor of Science degree from Thiel.
By completing a concurrent fourth year at Waynesburg University, students will be able to obtain their MSAT from Waynesburg in as little as one year.
“Waynesburg’s accelerated bachelor's to master's in athletic training degree program not only saves students time and money but propels them towards success, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today's dynamic world of athletic training,” said Dr. Andrew Palko, program director of Athletic Training, assistant athletic director for Sports Medicine and assistant professor of Athletic Training.
Programs such as this new 3+2 agreement offer students an array of benefits, according to Dr. Palko.
“A program such as this can offer several benefits to students, depending on their academic and career goals,” explained Dr. Palko. “One of the primary benefits is the accelerated timeline. This program allows students to complete both a bachelor's and master's degree in a shorter overall time frame than pursuing each degree separately. In addition, this program is designed to be more focused and streamlined, eliminating unnecessary coursework. This can be advantageous for those who have a clear career path and want to dive into advanced, specialized topics sooner, enter the workforce as an ATC faster, or reduce the total time and cost of their education.”
Waynesburg University’s MSAT is a two-year program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Traditionally, the first year of courses are taken on-site. The second year of the program is 100% online, allowing students to complete their internship requirements anywhere in the country. Students who complete the MSAT program are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam.
The Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training (BSAT) program at Waynesburg University was first approved by the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA) in 1989, receiving accreditation in 1998. In accordance with the strategic alliance of the NATA, the CAATE and the BOC, the University’s BSAT program transitioned to an MSAT program during the summer of 2018.
Waynesburg University's Athletic Training Program
Learn more about our bachelor's to master's in athletic training degree program by clicking the link below.
