Athletic Training M.S.

The Athletic Training Department offers the Master of Science in Athletic Training with two degree programs:

Master of Science in Athletic Training - Advanced Clinical Practice
Master of Science in Athletic Training - Professional Practice Program

The M.S. in Athletic Training - Advanced Clinical Practice is intended for individuals who have met eligibility requirements to challenge the BOC® certification examination. The program is designed to advance the student's knowledge and clinical skills to enhance the quality of health care services for the physically active.

The M.S. in Athletic Training - Professional Practice Program is intended for the post-baccalaureate student interested in obtaining the entry-level competency as an athletic trainer. The program is designed to prepare the student to challenge credentialing as an athletic trainer through the Board of Certification® and appropriate state regulatory agencies.

Advanced Clinical Practice

36 credits - Thesis Option

36 credits - Non-thesis Option

Purpose of degree:

The Advanced Clinical Practice Master of Science degree in Athletic Training is intended for individuals who are certified as athletic trainers by the Board of Certification® (BOC®) or individuals that have met eligibility requirements to challenge the BOC® certification examination.

A primary purpose is to enhance the quality of health care services for the physically active through the post-professional preparation of advanced practice clinicians and to make the student a potential candidate for specialty credentials through the National Athletic Trainers' Association and other health, orthopedic, and fitness-related associations. Graduates of this program will be ideal candidates for leadership in clinical service, research, education, and administration.

Outcome expectations of students and degree completion:

Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Athletic Training: Advanced Clinical Practice Graduate Program will:

demonstrate through examinations, on-campus laboratories and clinical evaluations advanced knowledge and understanding of the learning objectives for each course. Advanced knowledge and clinical proficiency in clinical anatomy, therapeutic agents, manual therapies, orthopedic practices and physician extender competencies is required
demonstrate mastery and clinical proficiency of advanced skills in the affiliated clinical sites (advanced clinical practicums) with the support of qualified clinical preceptors
demonstrate knowledge and advanced clinical skills that will position them for career advancement and/or acceptance into graduate and/or professional degree programs
demonstrate the ability to design, construct and assess the results of meaningful, evidence-based research
demonstrate an understanding of the central issues and current evidence-based research in the field and effectively communicate this knowledge in both written and oral projects
demonstrate appropriate professional and ethical behavior in relation to the NATA Code of Ethics, BOC® Standards of Professional Practice and state regulations and statutes

Special Resources/Conditions:

The didactic aspects of this program have been designed to be delivered using a variety of innovative and traditional pedagogical methodologies.

Students must be capable of learning in a web-based and hybrid classroom environment. Students must have access to a computer that meets the technological demands for web-based learning.

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.

Students in the regional cohort must have reliable transportation and be able to meet the demands of traveling to Advanced Clinical Practice sites.

Program of Study

Undergraduate prerequisites required:

Candidates for the M.S. in Athletic Training must be a graduate of a CaATe-accredited Entry-Level Athletic Training Program (Bachelor’s or Master’s Entry-Level) and be BOC®-eligible.

Typical time to finish:

13 months

Required plan of study:

Summer I: 6 credits

ATEP 510	Clinically Oriented Anatomy	3 credits
ATEP 544	Current Athletic Injury Prevention and Management	3 credits

Fall Semester: 12 credits

ATEP 515	Pathomechanics of Musculoskeletal Disorders	3 credits
ATEP 570	Introduction to Research	3 credits
ATEP 587	Advanced Clinical Practicum I	3 credits

Spring Semester: 12 credits

ATEP 513	Applied Statistics and Analysis in Athletic Training	3 credits
ATEP 574	Research Practicum	3 credits

Summer II: 6 credits

ATEP 588

Advanced Clinical Practicum II

3 credits

Final graduation requirement

Completion of thesis and oral comprehensive examination OR written comprehensive examination.

Admission requirements and deadlines

Admission is limited to those meeting minimum admission standards. Student must complete admission application to the Graduate College.
Bachelor’s degree from a CaATe accredited institution
Undergraduate grade point average of 2.50 Cumulative GPA, 3.00 Major GPA
Statement of professional goals with resume or curriculum vitae
Submission of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Letter of Intent for the Master of Science in Athletic Training Advanced Clinical Practice Track
BOC® certification or BOC® eligible (must have challenged examination once before enrollment)
Three letters of recommendation (One from Athletic Training Program Director)
Proof of professional liability insurance
Proof of Act 34 & 151 and Fingerprinting (Criminal Record and Child Abuse Clearances)
Proof of Pennsylvania Licensure -- State Board of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine. (Permanent or Temporary Licensure is required BEFORE starting the program.)

Graduate Assistantships:

Graduate Assistantship (GA) positions are available through the department. Graduate Assistantships, including stipend and variable tuition waivers are available and will be awarded based on qualifications and experience. The GA position will be directly related to the academic course work and clinical preceptorship experience. The GA may work with a variety of allied health care professionals (i.e., orthopedists, physician extenders, emergency room personnel, and physical therapists) in diverse health care settings.

For more information, contact: Dr. Gerard D. Rozea at 570-422-3065 or by e-mail at grozea@esu.edu.