Master of Athletic Training

Administration of Graduate Programs

The administrative officer responsible for graduate programs works with the Graduate Council to determine graduate program policies. Each graduate program is directed by a program director.

Master of Athletic Training

 Department Brochure
The Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree is designed to prepare students to become certified athletic trainers (ATC). Athletic trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities.

 

The MAT program is “entry-level,” meaning it is designed for students with minimal knowledge and experience in athletic training. Individuals who are graduates of CAATE-approved programs are not eligible for admission. Upon successful completion of all clinical and didactic components of the MAT program, students are eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC) examination in athletic training. Passing the BOC examination leads to awarding of the credential ATC.

The mission of the MAT is to prepare individuals who are educationally well-rounded, critical thinkers, good citizens, and active professionals, as well as competent allied health professionals. The program’s goal is to prepare qualified entry-level athletic trainers for the profession of athletic training and is guided by these objectives:

1. To produce quality athletic training professionals for potential employment in appropriate health care settings;
2. To prepare students to pass the BOC examination in athletic training through a CAATE-accredited education program;
3. To promote professional and ethical conduct at all times;
4. To provide an exemplary classroom and clinical learning environment in which students can develop appropriate cognitive and psychomotor competencies, as well as clinical proficiencies for an entry-level athletic training professional; and,
5. To continually update the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) in order to provide the latest information related to the art and science of athletic training.

The MAT may be completed using one of the following options:

Option ONE: Five-year program. The first three years of this program are classified as the pre-professional phase, during which time students will complete the MAT program prerequisites and requirements for an undergraduate major. The professional phase will begin during the summer prior to the student’s fourth year. A maximum of four undergraduate courses may be completed during the fourth year and will be applied toward the undergraduate degree requirements. The Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree will be awarded at the end of the final year. This option is intended for entering first-year and transfer students, or students who choose to pursue the MAT degree late in their undergraduate education. Completing the MAT degree in this manner MAY affect undergraduate financial aid availability in the student’s fourth undergraduate year.

Option TWO: Two-year program. This program is for persons who have completed a baccalaureate degree in any major (other than athletic training from a CAATE-accredited program) and have met the admission requirements for the professional phase of the MAT program.