This is a professional preparation program for aspiring athletic training healthcare professionals.
The program provides students with a strong foundation of the competencies and proficiencies (knowledge, skills and attitudes) and clinical practicum education experiences that comply with the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) standards for professional athletic trainer preparation. Because of increasing employment opportunities in youth athletic leagues and school settings, students also engage in pediatric sports medicine coursework to address the special needs of this patient population. Students will deliver care to diverse patient populations at a variety of clinical practicum education sites.
Successfully completing the program will prepare a student to become a nationally certified, athletic training Board of Certification (BOC®), Virginia Board of Medicine licensed athletic trainer.
Admissions
Application Requirements
- Completed Application for Graduate Study or Application through ATCAS
- Personal goals statement (up to 500 words), covering the following items: academic and occupational background, the development of your interest in athletic training, reasons for wanting to enter this program, qualities you possess which will enhance functioning as an athletic trainer, career objective(s)
- Two recommendations from professional references
- Grade of "C" or better in the following courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology | 6-8 | |
| Exercise Physiology | 3 | |
| Basic Nutrition | 3 | |
| Medical Terminology | 3 | |
| Biology | 3 | |
| Chemistry | 3 | |
| Physics | 3 | |
| Psychology | 3 | |
| Statistics | 3 | |
GMU students that have a 3.0 GPA and a grade of "C" or better in all of the prerequisite courses are eligible for direct admission to the MSAT program. Students that meet these criteria are to meet with the MSAT program director before initiating an application for directions to complete the direct admission process.
Policies
For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 65
All courses should be taken at Mason. Transfer credit requests will be evaluated on an individual basis. Students wanting to transfer courses into the MSAT must meet with the MSAT program director to engage in an evaluation of courses. Course transfers are at the discretion of the program.
The MSAT requires a grade of B or higher in all MSAT required coursework. In the first nine credits of the program, one course with a grade of B- or C may be allowed. Students must maintain current Health Care Provider Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) and First Aid certifications.
MS Core Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ATEP 510 | Advanced Functional Anatomy | 3 |
| ATEP 520 | Therapeutic Interventions Foundations | 3 |
| ATEP 525 | Athletic Training Foundations | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Professional Phase
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ATEP 530 | Emergency Procedures for Athletic Trainers | 4 |
| ATEP 540 | Lower Body Physical Assessment | 3 |
| ATEP 545 | Athletic Training Clinical Techniques 1 | 3 |
| ATEP 550 | Lower Body Therapeutic Interventions | 3 |
| ATEP 555 | Athletic Training Clinical Techniques 2 | 3 |
| ATEP 560 | Upper Body Therapeutic Interventions | 3 |
| ATEP 565 | Athletic Training Clinical Techniques 4 | 3 |
| ATEP 570 | Upper Body Physical Assessment | 3 |
| ATEP 575 | Athletic Training Clinical Techniques 3 | 3 |
| ATEP 600 | Pathopharmacology | 3 |
| ATEP 650 | Administration and Management in Athletic Training | 3 |
| ATEP 660 | Pediatric Sports Medicine | 3 |
| ATEP 670 | Post Rehabilitative Therapeutic Interventions | 2 |
| ATEP 680 | Athletic Training Organization Professional Responsibility | 3 |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
Practicum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ATEP 566 | Athletic Training Practicum 1 (high school/university; 150 hours) | 2 |
| ATEP 656 | Athletic Training Practicum 2 (rehabilitation clinic; 75 hours) | 1 |
| ATEP 676 | Patient Centered Athletic Training Practice (university/high school; 300 hours) | 5 |
| ATEP 686 | Advanced Athletic Training Practice (450-600 hours) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Special Requirements
Fees and Expenses
ATEP course fees are published on the Mason Student Accounts website (see College of Education and Human Development Courses Fees). All tuition and fees are handled through the Student Accounts Office. For additional information on housing, transportation, and other costs please see the Admissions Paying for College website.
Technical Standards
After admission to the MSAT, students must submit a technical standards certification statement, located on the MSAT website, indicating that they have read, understand, and can meet the technical standards for athletic training students, either with or without accommodation. These standards outline the essential functional tasks that students must be able to perform to enroll in and complete the program. Students requiring special accommodations are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services.
Health Examinations and Certifications
Athletic training students are required to have evidence of completion of the three hepatitis B immunizations, a titer report indicating positive immunity, or a signed waiver. Students choosing not to complete hepatitis B immunizations will be required to sign a declination waiver. Some practicum sites require proof of tuberculosis screening in accordance with current U.S. Public Health Service recommendations. Students will be responsible for any costs associated with such screenings. All MSAT students must complete annual blood-borne pathogens and infectious disease exposure training offered in the practicum courses. All students must have proof of current Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR/AED Certification at the level of a Healthcare Professional (e.g. American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals, the Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI)) and First Aid Certification. For additional information about MSAT academic policies and procedures refer to the MSAT website and individual course syllabi.
Background Check
Students will be required to undergo a criminal background check at the student's expense, upon admission to the MSAT. Most practicum sites require an additional background check before engaging in patient treatment. These may also be at the student's expense, and the cost may vary. The Clinical Education Coordinator will provide instructions to complete the background check. If a criminal background check fails to meet the requirements of a student's assigned practicum site, the student will be withdrawn from the practicum site and if a new site cannot be found due to failing the criminal background check the student will be prohibited from completion of the MSAT curriculum. Students are encouraged to disclose any criminal background incidences to the MSAT Director and Clinical Education Coordinator prior to beginning the MSAT program, to determine if the incidence(s) might be detrimental to placement at a practicum site.
Transportation Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the MSAT student to arrange transportation to and from their assigned practicum course sites. It is recommended that students have personal transportation. A limited number of sites are accessible via public transportation. In the case that a practicum site is not accessible by public transportation and the student does not have a car, it is suggested the student take public transportation as far as possible and then take a taxi to the site. The student is responsible for all transportation fees including but not limited to gas, parking, bus, metro, taxi and other transportation expenses. Students that have financial difficulty are encouraged to meet with a financial aid advisor to seek additional assistance.
Summer Courses
Students are required to engage in MSAT summer courses on-line and face-to-face on campus. Housing and travel arrangements are the responsibility of the student.