Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Athletic trainer?

Athletic trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their education and training and the states' statutes, rules and regulations. As a part of the health care team, services provided by ATs include injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions¹.

Where are athletic trainers employed?

• public and private secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional and Olympic sports
• youth leagues, municipal and independently owned youth sports facilities
• private physician's practices, physical therapy clinics and other professional medical settings
• rural and urban hospitals, hospital emergency rooms, urgent and ambulatory care centers
• clinics with specialties in sports medicine, cardiac rehab, medical fitness, wellness and physical therapy
• occupational health departments in commercial settings, which include manufacturing, distribution and offices to assist with ergonomics
• police and fire departments and academies, municipal departments and branches of the military
• performing arts including professional and collegiate level dance and music studios² 
  

What kind of salary can I expect as an athletic trainer?

According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association 2018 Salary Survey³, the national average salary for certified/licensed athletic trainers grew 4 percent in 2018. Certified/licensed athletic trainers are making, on average, $2,371 more than in 2016. This average also represents a 10-year high, up more than $12,000 since 2008. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2018 average from survey respondents is lower than the 2017 median annual salary for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations at $64,770, but higher than the 2017 median annual wage for all occupations at $37,690.

Who is Manchester’s MAT program for?

For students who’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in a different discipline and are looking to earn the credentials for a career in athletic training, Manchester offers a full-time, two-year accredited, professional master’s degree program. MAT infuses the classroom and laboratory with a diversity of knowledge and a wider variety of backgrounds and experiences. It gives our graduates enhanced versatility in the job market, and it enriches the overall breadth of the athletic training profession.

Manchester also offers an accelerated program for Manchester undergraduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a field other than athletic training. In this 3+2 program, students can complete their bachelor’s degree in as little as three years in a major such as exercise science and fitness and earn their MAT in another two years. Students may also choose to take four years to earn their bachelor’s degree.

What does the curricular structure look like?

The Master of Athletic Training degree (MAT) is a 58-semester-hour program spanning two full academic years, including a summer session.

For full course listings and course descriptions visit https://www.manchester.edu/mat

What changes are occurring in athletic training education?

Beginning in 2026, one must hold a master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited athletic training education program to be eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. After the beginning of the fall semester, 2022, no students can enroll in a bachelor’s degree program to meet requirements for certification.

How is Manchester University responding to these changes?

Manchester University has had both bachelor’s and master’s CAATE-accredited athletic training education programs since 2010.  The undergraduate program, established in 1984, has not admitted first-year students since 2016 in anticipation of this degree requirement change. The master’s program (MAT) is well-established, graduating 43 students beginning in 2012, and has received full accreditation from CAATE through 2026. The MAT program is located on MU’s beautiful Fort Wayne campus.

Where do classes take place?

Classes for the MAT program take place at Manchester University Fort Wayne Campus . 

How would you describe the class environment?

The class sizes are small. The goal is to remain small to ensure that there is significant interaction, collaboration and teamwork among all faculty and students.

What is the cost of tuition and fees for the MAT program?

Tuition and fees for Manchester’s MAT Program are among the lowest in the region. For specific information see MAT tuition and fees  .

What are the MAT program admission requirements?

To be considered for admission, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• 3.0 cumulative undergraduate grade point average
• acceptable reference recommendations
• completion of Manchester University's health form and vaccination record
• evidence of successful completion of program prerequisites
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission 

When is the timeline to apply?

Applications for admission are accepted any time after Sept. 15 of the cohort year for which you are applying. Visit Master of Athletic Training Admissions for complete information and links to online applications.

MU is a participating member of the Athletic Training Centralized Application System™ (ATCAS). ATCAS allows applicants to upload all application information one time, and then that information is shared with the programs to which applicants are applying. 

Is there a fee to apply?

When using the Athletic Training Centralized Application System™ (ATCAS) to apply, there is an initial fee plus a per application fee.

Do I need to take the GRE for admission to the program?

No, we do not require students to take the GRE to be considered for the MAT program at Manchester University.

What sort of references are preferred?

Please provide professional references, such as professors or supervisors from related work and efforts.

Can the MAT program be completed online?

Because of the required clinical education component, students must be in residence for two years. The curriculum is a mix of classroom, laboratory, and off-site clinical experiences.

Can I visit campus?

Register for a visit here.

Does Manchester University provide housing for graduate students?

Manchester University does not provide housing to graduate students. Click here to view local housing resources.

Are graduate assistantships available?

At this time, there are no graduate assistantships available for this program.

Are there internships or jobs available?

This is a full-time program. Keeping in mind the best interests of the students, outside employment during the program is not recommended.

Can I take other courses at the same time as I am enrolled?

This program is a full course load. We advise that you do not take courses outside of the program.

If I have more questions about the MAT program who should I contact?

Email gradadmissions@manchester.edu and a team member from the Office of Graduate Admissions will get back to you, usually within 24 hours. If you would like to reach out directly to the Program Director, please contact Dr. Lucas Dargo at LDDargo@manchester.edu. 

¹ https://www.nata.org/about/athletic-training/athletic-training-glossary

² https://www.nata.org/about/athletic-training/job-settings

³ National Athletic Trainers’ Association 2016 Salary Survey

*The Manchester University Master of Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).