Athletic Training (MS)

The MS in Athletic Training program offers two concentration areas:

1. Professional Program - for those seeking a CAATE-accredited program in preparation for taking the Board of Certification examination in athletic training 
2. Post-Professional Program - for those Certified Athletic Trainers seeking combined clinical and teaching roles in Athletic Training higher education.

Athletic Training, Professional

The CAATE-accredited Professional concentration is designed to provide students interested in the field of athletic training the opportunity to develop the necessary skills and knowledge through classroom experiences and clinical rotations to meet the competencies required of CAATE (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education) programs. During each semester, for four semesters, students will complete clinical rotations in an athletic training setting. During the clinical rotation, students will be placed under the supervision of a clinical preceptor. Students must earn a minimum grade of B in the following core courses:

1. Lower Extremity Assessment,
2. Upper Extremity Assessment,
3. Spine, Posture, and Function,
4. Therapeutic Interventions I and II.

The Professional concentration is a two-year program that begins each fall.  PSU also offers a 3+2 option for Undergraduate students to complete a bachelor’s and masters in Athletic Training in 5 years.  Students interested in the 3+2 option should apply for the BS in Allied Health Sciences with an option in 3+2 Athletic Training.

Athletic Training, Post-Professional in Higher Education

The MS in Athletic Training Post-Professional master’s program provides students the opportunity to further develop skills and knowledge through research and advanced courses in athletic training and education. The Post-Professional program is designed to prepare certified athletic trainers for a variety of teaching and leadership roles in higher education.

Athletic Training, Professional

Admission Requirements

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but since enrollment is limited, we encourage prospective students to apply as early as possible. This is a cohort program that begins in the fall semester of each year. Admission is competitive, limited, and is not guaranteed even to those who meet the minimum requirements. Students must verify that they can comply with the program’s Technical Standards. Technical Standards are available to all interested students and can be obtained by visiting the Athletic Training website at https://www.plymouth.edu/academics/graduate-academic-programs/masters/athletic-training/athletic-training/professional-program-in-athletic-training/.

Prerequisites

• Baccalaureate degree from accredited institution
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Comprehensive statement of professional goals
• Three letters of recommendation
• Minimum of 50 hours observation under direct supervision of a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer. Original letters of documentation must be submitted as part of the application.
• Completed Health Screening within the last 6 months with proof of immunizations
• Current CPR/BLS for Healthcare Providers certification
• Minimum grade of B in the following college or university courses (must be taken within the past seven years):
  • Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab): 4 credits
  • Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab): 4 credits
  • Kinesiology: 3 credits
  • Exercise Physiology: 3 credits
  • Physics: 3 credits
  • Biology: 3 credits
  • Chemistry: 3 credits
  • Nutrition: 3 credits
  • Exercise Prescription: 3 credits
  • Current First Aid and CPR/AED certification

Athletic Training, Post-Professional

The application deadline for admission into the master’s program is January 15 of each year. This is a cohort program that begins in the fall semester of each year. Athletic Training candidates must submit a completed graduate program application, have BOC certification and one year of experience (preferred) as a certified athletic trainer (ATC), and provide proof of current CPR/AED certification.

Students interested in Athletic Training will select either the Professional or Post-Professional Option. For students who have completed their bachelor's degree in Athletic Training should select the Post-Professional option. Students who are seeking a CAATE accredited program in preparation for taking the Board of Certification exam in Athletic Training should select the Professional option.

Athletic Training, Professional

Athletic Training, Post-Professional

Any student admitted to the MS in Athletic Training, Post-Professional program must have NATABOC certification prior to coursework.

• risk management, injury prevention, planning and implementation of prevention strategies
• pathological mechanisms in the development, progression and epidemiology of injuries, illnesses and diseases
• recognition, clinical examination, diagnosis, appropriate referral and management of common risk factors, orthopedic injury, and illnesses in the physically active individual
• providing appropriate care and referral for injuries and illnesses in the physically active individual
• planning, implementing, documenting and evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic modalities in the treatment of injuries and illnesses
• planning, implementing, documenting and evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic exercise programs for the rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries and illnesses
• pharmacologic applications and governing regulations relevant to the treatment of injuries, illnesses and diseases
• recognize, intervene and refer patients with sociocultural, mental, emotional and psychological behavioral problems and issues
• provide appropriate nutritional advice for active individuals
• development, administration, and management of a healthcare facility for the physically active individual
• professional responsibilities and avenues for professional development in the promotion of athletic training
• exhibit the use of clinical best practices and evidence-based medicine.
• demonstrate use of technological resources in gathering and disseminating educational and professional information
• apply the skills required of an entry-level position or advanced graduate work

Athletic Training prepares you to pursue a career in athletic training where you will prevent, care for, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate injuries that happen within the active population.