The Professional Practice Master of Science degree in Athletic Training is designed to enable the post-baccalaureate student the opportunity to demonstrate entry-level competency as an athletic trainer while exhibiting scholarship and advanced competency in specific areas of the sports medicine community.
A primary outcome of the Professional Practice Program is to prepare the student to challenge credentialing as an athletic trainer through Board of Certification (BOC®) and appropriate state regulatory bodies. Furthermore, there may be opportunities to acquire other value-added knowledge and skills within the program that would allow for potential candidacy of specialty certifications through the National Athletic Trainers' Association and other health, orthopedic, and fitness-related associations.
The Master of Science in Athletic Training Professional Practice Program will pursue entry-level accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Athletic Training: Professional Practice Program will:
The didactic aspects of this program (i.e. course sequencing and scheduling) have been designed with sensitivity for the post-professional learner. Courses may be delivered on ESU campus or at ESU's Lehigh Valley Center in Bethlehem, PA. The program's coursework will be delivered through the traditional academic semester. The Professional Practice Program contributes to an innovative, convenient and flexible pedagogical format aimed towards degree completion and certification eligibility as a certified athletic trainer.
Candidates for the M.S. in Athletic Training (Professional Practice Program) must successfully complete the following pre-requisite coursework:
Admission requirements and deadlines
- Admission is competitive and is limited to those meeting minimum admission standards. Student must complete admission application to the Graduate College.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum undergraduate GPA 2.50 (4.00 scale)
- Admission to the ESU Graduate College
- Submit scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Letter of intent and statement of professional goals with resume or curriculum vitae
- Three letters of recommendation
- Minimum of 50 hours of direct observation of Certified Athletic Trainers in at least two different settings
- Proof of professional liability insurance
- Proof of Act 34 & 151 (Criminal Record and Child Abuse Clearances) and Act 114 (Fingerprinting)
- Reliable transportation
Core Performance Standards for Admission & Progression
Applicants and students admitted into the Athletic Training Program offered through the Department of Athletic Training must possess the necessary intellectual, physical, emotional, social and communication skills to provide safe and effective athletic training services. Core performance standards for the Athletic Training Program at East Stroudsburg University are listed below. These examples are not inclusive of all expected abilities.
Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Professional Practice Program must demonstrate:
- The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, and integrate concepts and to problem-solve, to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
- Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
- Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.
- The ability to communicate and function well during periods of high stress.
- The tactile dexterity, visual and auditory abilities necessary to observe, monitor, assess and treat patients.
- The appropriate effective skills, demeanor and conduct that relate to professional education and quality patient care.
Compliance with these core performance standards does not guarantee a student's admission into the program, or eligibility for the BOC® certification examination. During the initial advising period, students must verify they understand and meet those core performance standards, or, that they believe with certain accommodations, they can meet these standards. The Office of Disability Services will review the student's documentation and discuss any accommodation requests. Students should contact the Office of Disability Services at 570-422-3954 for additional information or to schedule an appointment.
Clinical Education Plan
Clinical education represents the athletic training student's formal acquisition and practice of the entry-level athletic training clinical proficiencies. The Field Experience and Internship plan requires an average of 20 hours/week. All athletic training students will be assigned to a Clinical Preceptor during their directed field experiences. Students are required to fulfill a clinical experience with exposure to upper extremity, lower extremity, equipment intensive and general medical experiences of both genders.
Students enrolled in this program will work closely with a clinical preceptor who will assist the student in their efforts to integrate theory into practice.
Athletic Training Professional Organization
The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is the professional membership association for certified athletic trainers. Founded in 1950, the NATA has grown to more than 30,000 members worldwide today.
The Eastern Athletic Trainers' Association (EATA) formed in January 1949 when a few athletic trainers in the northeast decided to gather and share information. Today, the EATA encompasses all members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association who reside in either District I or District II. The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society (PATS) is a progressive organization of health care professionals who work under the direction of a licensed physician.
Certified athletic trainers working in the Commonwealth protect and enhance the health and welfare of our clients through prevention, recognition, management, and rehabilitation of injuries.
For more information, contact: Dr. Keith A. Vanic at 570-422-3314 or kvanic@esu.edu.