Athletic Training (MS)

Program Director: Megan Granquist
Coordinator of Clinical Education: Russell Muir

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program prepares students to become certified athletic trainers who are compassionate global citizens and leaders from diverse backgrounds and who possess the skills necessary to be competent, ethical, collaborative, and accomplished healthcare providers. This degree program was designed in response to the decision by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), the Board of Certification (BOC), and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) to transition all undergraduate athletic training degrees to entry-level master’s degree as a requirement for certification eligibility. The MSAT prepares students for the BOC examination by addressing the required educational standards through a challenging curriculum that integrates didactic knowledge and clinical application.

Grounded in evidence-based practice, the first year focuses on critical knowledge and skills grouped by body areas (e.g., fall semester is lower extremity, spring semester is upper extremity and head/spine) and the second year focuses on patient care. Students’ final semester includes the CAATE mandated ‘immersive’ experience where students have a minimum of 4 weeks full-time (i.e., no in-class meetings) at a clinical site. The curriculum also intentionally reflects our University’s and Program’s values of diversity and inclusivity.

The MSAT is a cohort-model program beginning in August of each year. The program is delivered over two academic years (Fall-January-Spring-Summer-Fall-Spring). The MSAT is a rigorous and intense program. The Technical Standards establish the essential qualities considered necessary for admitted students to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer and meet the expectations of the CAATE. All students must meet the Technical Standards to be admitted to and continue within the MSAT. In the event a student is unable to fulfill the Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, they will not be admitted to or retained in the MSAT.

Athletic Training: 3+2 Program

The Athletic Training 3+2 program is designed for students interested in becoming certified athletic trainers and allows students to complete their Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and Masters of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) in 5 years. Athletic trainers are healthcare providers who work with patients in a variety of settings including: college and universities, high schools, hospitals and rehabilitation clinics, performing arts centers, fitness and recreation sports centers.

Please refer to the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program for MSAT admission requirements and additional information.

Application and Admissions

Early Admission deadline: November 15
Regular deadline: May 15

Applicants who apply by November 15 for early admission and by March 15 will have full consideration to enter with the Fall cohort. Students admitted will have two weeks to confirm their intent to enroll. Subsequent applications will be considered on a space-available basis through May 15 and these students will have two weeks after their admission decision is released to confirm their intent to enroll. Admitted students who do not confirm their intent to enroll by the stated deadlines may be placed on a waitlist pending space available.

Applications will be accepted through the Centralized Applications System for Athletic Training (ATCAS): https://atcas.liaisoncas.com

Application requirements include:

• Professional resume
• 500 word personal statement summarizing why the applicant desires to be a Certified Athletic Trainer and why the applicant wants to attend the University of La Verne
• Three letters of recommendation (preferably at least one letter from a Certified Athletic Trainer)
• Verification of at least 50 hours of observation, under a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer

Prerequisite courses for admission (Grade of ‘C’ or better):

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Psychology
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Prevention & Care of Athletic Injuries (also known as: Introduction to Athletic Training; Foundations of Athletic Training)

Recommended courses for admission:

• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Accepted students will need to submit the following materials:

• Signed declaration of understanding and ability to meet MSAT Technical Standards for Admission and Retention
• Signed declaration of understanding and all MSAT Program Policies
• Evidence of current certifications in First Aid and Emergency Cardiac Care (including Adult, Pediatric, and 2-person CPR; AED; airway obstruction, & barrier devices)

Enrolled students may need to submit the following materials before clinical site placement:

• Evidence of completed background check
• Evidence of completed immunizations (full COVID-19 immunization) and a negative Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test (also known as the tuberculin or PPD test)
• Provide a copy of current health insurance card or proof of coverage
• Other procedures as delineated in the MSAT Policies and Procedures Manual

Additional Requirements:

• Enrolled students are required to attend MSAT Orientation in August on campus before classes begin
• Practicum I-IV requires students to complete a minimum of 12 weeks and 200 hours at the clinical site for course and clinical experience completion
• Practicum IV includes the Immersive Experience and requires students to participate in the day-to-day and week-to-week role of an athletic trainer for a minimum of a continuous four-week period)

COVID-19 Policy:

The University of La Verne MSAT follows the CDC recommendations and requirements for healthcare providers with regard to all immunizations.  The current recommendations for COVID-19 immunization can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/hcp.html.  Not having recommended vaccines may affect your ability to participate in clinical rotations that require vaccines for placement. Graduation and successful completion of the Program is dependent on completion of all required rotations.

Total Semester Hours: 55  

Degree Requirements

Plan of Study Grid

Fall 1		Semester Hours
AT 500	Emergency Care and Acute Injuries and Conditions in Athletic Training	3
AT 510	Orthopedic Assessment of Lower Extremity Injuries and Conditions	3
AT 511	Therapeutic Modalities	3
AT 519	Practicum in Athletic Training I	1
	Semester Hours	10
January 1
AT 521	Inter-Professional Care I	1
AT 552	Sports Nutrition	3
	Semester Hours	4
Spring 1
AT 530	Orthopedic Assessment of Upper Extremity and Head/Neck/Spine Injuries and Conditions	3
AT 531	Therapeutic Exercise	3
AT 532	Applied Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Athletic Training	3
AT 539	Practicum in Athletic Training II	1
	Semester Hours	10
Summer 1
AT 540	Pharmacology in Athletic Training	3
AT 541	Patient Care: Diversity/Inclusivity	3
	Semester Hours	6
Fall 2
AT 520	General Medical Conditions in the Physically Active	3
AT 550	Advanced Rehabilitation Techniques in Athletic Training	3
AT 551	Psychosocial Aspects of Injury and Rehabilitation	3
AT 559	Practicum in Athletic Training III	1
	Semester Hours	10
January 2
AT 561	Inter-Professional Care II	1
AT 571	Patient Care: Varied Patient Populations	3
	Semester Hours	4
Spring 2
AT 560	Ethics, Management, and Professional Issues in Athletic Training	3
AT 570	BOC Examination Preparation	1
AT 572	Evidence Based Practice & Clinical Application in Athletic Training	3
AT 579	Practicum in Athletic Training IV	4
	Semester Hours	11
	Total Semester Hours	55