9 Hybrid Athletic Training Programs

A hybrid athletic training program is one that combines online coursework with in-person practical training. It is best for those who have a busy schedule but still want to earn a degree probably for career advancement or for those who prefer learning online. This blog post provides information on hybrid athletic training programs you can enroll in. Keep reading to find the best one for you.

An athletic training program is an academic program that requires you to have practical skills because of the duties involved. As an athletic trainer, you will administer treatments, prevent injuries, and prescribe exercises and training routines to your patients who will mostly be athletes. You now see that these skills aren’t something you can just learn online.

In fact, to earn the licensure that will enable you to begin practicing as an athletic trainer, it is necessary that you take clinical training and laboratory practicals to enable you to develop relevant skills to treat patients. Due to the complexity of the profession, the athletic training program cannot be fully online. Rather they’d either be fully on-campus or hybrid.

This also applies to other related medical professions like online nursing programs and online DPT programs because you need to gain hands-on skills, they can’t be fully online.

Hybrid education is the combination of online instruction with in-person training to develop students to gain relevant skills and meet the requirements to graduate from that specific program, which in this case is athletic training.

Hybrid athletic training programs give you the opportunity to engage in online education, where you will complete course works online and then go to the campus, whether twice per semester depending on what the college says, to gain experiential skills and engage in practical training.

If you are a working professional who wants to advance your career in athletic training, probably through a master’s degree, then you should seek for a hybrid master’s degree in athletic training. This gives you the opportunity to study for your degree while working and earning money as well as carrying out your other responsibilities like hanging out with friends and the like.

Hybrid athletic training programs also come with flexibility, convenience to learning where you like, and saving money on expenses, unlike traditional students. There are certain online learning tools you need to engage in the hybrid athletic training program and get the best online learning experience.

Lastly, when you graduate from the program, your degree will be no different from one gotten on campus and it is also recognized by employers as long as it is accredited by the right accreditation body. However, if you want to become an athletic trainer through the traditional format, there are sports medicine colleges and other physical therapy schools in the US that offer the program just the way you like.

Having said that, let’s get into the main topic.

hybrid athletic training programs

Hybrid Athletic Training Programs

The following are hybrid athletic training programs leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees to help you find one that suits you best.

  • MS in Athletic Training – Neumann University
  • MS in Athletic Training – Montclair State University
  • Master of Science in Athletic Training – San Diego State University
  • Master of Athletic Training – Vermont State University
  • Master of Science in Athletic Training – The University of Idaho
  • Master of Science in Athletic Training – Lasell University
  • Master of Science Athletic Training Professional Preparation – Springfield College
  • Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) – The University of Alabama
  • Master of Athletic Training (MAT) – Immaculata University

1.     MS in Athletic Training – Neumann University

The Master of Science in Athletic Training offered by Neumann University is in a hybrid format best suited for people with a busy schedule. The program is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) therefore it meets licensure requirements and has a national reputation.

The MS consists of 43 credits and takes 2 years to complete. I’d also add that the school, Neumann University, is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts college located in Pennsylvania. So, if you are applying for this program, you have to live nearby or be available to travel so that you can go for the in-person instructions when required.

Link to Program

2.     MS in Athletic Training – Montclair State University

If you are seeking advanced education in the field of athletic training that won’t disrupt your schedule then you may want to consider the hybrid master of science in athletic training offered by Montclair State University. The program is CAATE-accredited, thus, meets the Board of Certification (BOC) exam licensure requirements for athletic trainers to earn their certification.

One of the perks of this program is its affordability. It is recently ranked as the best value in New Jersey as the cost of the program is the cheapest compared to others in the state.

Link to Program

3.     Master of Science in Athletic Training – San Diego State University

San Diego State University has been offering this program for more than 50 years and has aided in developing and producing professional licensed athletic trainers in the US and beyond. The program format includes didactic and clinical education offered in hybrid and in-person formats for students to choose the one that suits them best.

The cost of the program is $4,685 per semester for residents of California, which is where the school is located and non-residents pay $396 per unit. The number of students accepted per cohort is between 10-26, so, create a strong application for admission if you want to be considered.

Link to Program

4.     Master of Athletic Training – Vermont State University

Vermont State University is offering a reputable Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program that can be completed in as little as 24 months and prepares students for the BOC examination to earn their license and begin practicing as professional athletic trainers. The program is offered in online and in-person blended formats to enhance flexibility.

Students in the program learn from experienced clinicians at area colleges, high schools, and clinics in the state. Application requirements for entry into the program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, a 500-word statement of purpose, a resume, 2 letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Accepted students have a chance at scholarships.

Link to Program

5.     Master of Science in Athletic Training – The University of Idaho

 The University of Idaho is offering a hybrid and in-person Master of Science in Athletic Training degree program. Students can choose to go for any of the formats that suit them best but as a working professional with a busy schedule, the hybrid format will be best for you.

The program takes 24 months to complete, consisting of 6 semesters and 85 credits. The hybrid program is structured in such a way that you will learn online in the fall and spring and gain hands-on clinical experience at partner institutions while in Summer, you will come to the campus for practical training. The estimated total cost of the program is $22,995 covers tuition, course fees, and textbooks.

Link to Program

6.     Master of Science in Athletic Training – Lasell University

A Master of Science in Athletic Training will prepare you for career in sports medicine and one that is hybrid will give you the opportunity to earn a reputable degree while working. The MSAT offered by Lasell is in a hybrid model combining online and classroom learning, it is also accredited by CAATE.

You can complete the program in as little as 23 months and be eligible to take the BOC examination to get your certified athletic training license. Admission requirements into the program include an accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3.0 GPA, a grade C in all prerequisite courses, a resume, a personal statement, and a complete application.

Link to Program

7.     Master of Science Athletic Training Professional Preparation – Springfield College

The MS in Athletic Training at Springfield college is a hybrid program that blends online coursework with in-person practical training to prepare students for eligibility to take the Board of Certification (BOC) National Athletic Training Certification Examination. Passing this test will earn graduates their licensure and certification to become professional athletic trainers.

The MSAT hybrid program takes 2 years to complete. Requirements for admission into the program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, transcripts, and 20-50 observation hours.

Link to Program

8.     Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) – The University of Alabama

The MSAT degree program offered by the University of Alabama is offered in three different formats; on-campus, hybrid, and online classes paired with clinical education and experience. Students get to choose the format that suits them best. Note that the program requires didactic and clinical preparation.

Requirements for the program include a 3.0 GPA on a bachelor’s degree. basic life support and first aid certification, 60-hour observation experience, resume, three recommendation letters, and personal statement.

Link to Program

9.     Master of Athletic Training (MAT) – Immaculata University

Lastly is the MAT by Immaculata University, a degree program offered through hybrid course delivery. Coursework is completed online with only one week on-campus required for the first semester. In the fall and spring courses are offered in a hybrid format that blends hands-on practice and online learning.

Requirements for admission into the program include a bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0, 100 hours of observation with a licensed athletic trainer, a certificate in first aid, complete prerequisite courses with a minimum of B, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a goal statement.

Link to Program

These hybrid athletic training programs are recognized as well as the ones got the traditional way and employers recognize them as well. Whichever of these programs you go for will equip you with skills and knowledge, as well as, prepare you for licensure to practice as a certified athletic trainer.

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