9 Best Masters in Athletic Training Programs

If you are not satisfied with a bachelurate degree in athletic training, you can go further and earn a master’s degree in athletic training to learn more as there are programs that are specific for the degree

Athletic training is a very exciting profession and there is a lot to be learned to be well trained and qualified for the work as well as get the certification and license. To get this qualification, a lot of individuals opt for a master’s in the program, as there are places and people that they may wish to work with, but would not be able to if they don’t have a master’s degree in athletic training. To that effect, getting a master’s degree is paramount to gaining access to relevant fields of work. There are various accredited athletic training programs that one can enroll in and get the required knowledge in athletic training.

Athletic training is an academic major or graduate equivalent major program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The current minimum entry point into the profession of athletic training is the baccalaureate level, however, it was recently decided by the AT Strategic Alliance that the minimum professional degree level will be a master’s, a change to be implemented within the next several years. 

Benefits of Masters in Athletic Training

There are many benefits of getting a master’s degree in athletic training. An increased salary is one of the major benefits. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of jobs for athletic trainers will grow by 23% from 2020-2030, which may create plenty of job opportunities.

 Increased career opportunity is also one of the many benefits. More than 70 percent of athletic trainers hold a minimum of a master’s degree, according to NATA. Many athletic trainer positions require candidates to have a master’s degree, especially those at colleges and universities.

An advanced degree also prepares professionals for advanced clinical practice and research positions. Professionals with a master’s degree may have a competitive advantage over those without one, as they have received greater training in the field.

Master’s degree programs often provide an athletic trainer with the opportunity to specialize in an area of interest, such as epidemiology, nutrition, counseling, and educational psychology and administration. This allows professionals to expand their knowledge in a subject of interest and become subject-matter experts.

Masters in Athletic Training Program

 Masters in Athletic Training Program

There are quite several schools that offer different master’s programs in athletic training. I will be listing and talking briefly about these schools as well as the various master in athletic training programs that they offer. They are as follows;

  • The University of South Florida
  • George Washington University
  • University of Tulsa                                  
  • Appalachian State University
  • University of Houston
  • University at Buffalo
  • Sacred Heart University
  • Montclair State University
  • Moravian College     

1.      Master of Science in Athletic Training(MS) Major – University of South Florida 

This is the first school that offers a masters in athletic training program. The University of South Florida offers an MS in athletic training. The major is built around 60 credit hours of required course work to enable their students to be eligible to sit for the board of certification examination. Some of their major research areas are; Athletic Training, Rehabilitation, Biomechanics, and Prevention of Sudden Death in Athletics.

Students are expected to complete all 60 hours of didactic coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Thirteen (13) of these hours will be in Clinical Experience/Clinical Practicum. Students will complete at least 1000 hours of clinical education under an approved Preceptor

2.      Master of Science (MS) Exercise Science in Strength and Conditioning Program – George Washington University

This is the next school that offers a masters in athletic training program. The school offers an MS in Exercise Science and the program provides formal graduate-level academic instruction in the science and theory of resistance training, to improve athletic performance and the prevention of inactivity-related health disorders.

The majority of the MS, Exercise Science curriculum is taught via online instruction with synchronous (live) and asynchronous modules, however, students are required to be on campus for a 3-day capstone course held in the second year of the program.

3.      Master of Athletic Training – University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa graduate school offers a master of athletic training program. The program evaluates, treats, and rehabilitates musculoskeletal and athletic injuries. There are currently two routes to obtaining an athletic training degree from The University of Tulsa: a five-year accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s program, and a two-year Post-Baccalaureate master’s program.

Athletic training students of both programs gain experience under the direct supervision of faculty and professional staff, all of whom are BOC-certified and Oklahoma-licensed athletic trainers. These experiences take place in a variety of settings including Division 1 athletics at The University of Tulsa, orthopedic clinics, high schools, and occupational/industrial settings as a part of the required supervised practice. Students may also have the opportunity to work with professional sports teams and other special events.

4.      Master of Science in Athletic Training Program – Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University offers a Master of Science in Athletic Training Program, and the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and will challenge you with an innovative curriculum focused on problem-based learning to prepare you for employment in high school, collegiate, and professional sports settings, hospitals, physician offices, industry, rehabilitation centers, and more. At the end of this 2-year program, you will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification examination to obtain your credential as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).

5.      Master of Athletic Training – University of Houston

This is the next school on our list that offers a masters in athletic training program. At the University of Houston, students become eligible for BOC certification through an athletic training degree program (Bachelor’s or entry-level Master’s) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Students engage in rigorous classroom study and clinical education in a variety of practice settings such as high schools, colleges/universities, hospitals, emergency rooms, physician offices, and healthcare clinics throughout the degree program. Students enrolled in their final semester are eligible to apply for the BOC exam. The domains that students practice in are;

  • Injury and Illness Prevention and Wellness Promotion
  • Examination, Assessment, and Diagnosis
  • Immediate and Emergency Care
  • Therapeutic Intervention
  • Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility

6.      MS in Athletic Training – University at Buffalo

Under the School of Public Health and Health Professions, the University of Buffalo offers an MS in Athletic Training. This is another school that offers a masters in athletic training. The two-year Master of Science in Athletic Training program is designed to promote a comprehensive education both in the classroom and in clinical experiences.

Graduates will become clinicians focused on patient-centered care, life-long learners, and leaders who are advocates for the profession and are committed to service. They have two options to pursue a degree in athletic training; a standalone MSAT or a combined BS/MS (accelerated 3+2) resulting in a BS in Exercise Science and an MS in Athletic Training.

7.      Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program – Sacred Heart University

This is another school that offers a masters in athletic training program. The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at Sacred Heart University is a full-time, five-semester graduate program beginning during the Summer II term. The MSAT program utilizes didactic coursework, problem-based learning practicums, and exciting clinical education experiences to foster students’ ability to critically think, analyze information and communicate effectively as they develop into high-quality clinicians.

With an extensive clinical education focus, the MSAT program provides a substantial hands-on opportunity to reinforce knowledge and skills in the clinical environment before transitioning to professional practice. Upon successful completion of the MSAT program, students are eligible to sit for the national Board of Certification (BOC) examination and obtain licensure as a healthcare provider in their respective state of practice.

8.      MS in Athletic Training – Montclair State University

This is the next school on the list that offers an athletic training program. The Athletic Training Program at Montclair State University provides a high-quality, state-of-the-art educational program consistent with the professional and ethical requirements of the profession of Athletic Training.

Students will be able to learn in a dynamic and challenging professional preparation program geared toward preparing them for certification and practice as certified athletic trainers. The faculty and staff are committed to providing the highest quality professional education in a nurturing environment for a diverse student population.

The program is a rigorous, challenging educational program that is designed to prepare students for the profession of Athletic Training by the accreditation requirements of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs (CAATE). Upon successful completion of the program, students are prepared to successfully meet the Board of Certification Examination requirements.

9.      MS in Athletic Training – Moravian College

The Moravian University athletic training program is a full-time, two-year, entry-level, professional practice program. After two years of classroom and clinical education, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification to become certified athletic trainers.

The School of Rehabilitation Sciences, which houses the Athletic Training Program, focuses on inter-professional education and preparing students to become healthcare practitioners in a multi-disciplinary healthcare environment.

The program emphasizes student involvement in:

  • Clinical Research
  • Scholarship & Professional Presentation
  • Leadership Development
  • Professional Engagement

Conclusion

These schools that I have mentioned above all offer and accept students that are interested in acquiring a master’s degree in athletic training. You can start enrolling now, if interested.

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