Master of Science in Athletic Training

Why complete a master’s degree in Athletic Training at SRU?

We prepare athletic trainers with the professional skills employers want. The AT Graduate Program at Slippery Rock University is a combination of rigorous academic instruction and authentic clinical experience. The program prepares proficient healthcare practitioners who will collaborate with other medical professionals to optimize the activity and wellness of patients and clients in sport, work, and life. Students are fully engaged in the science of athletic training focused on patient-centered injury and illness prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Specifically, the SRU AT Graduate Program emphasizes a distinct concentration on advanced therapeutic rehabilitation interventions.

We prepare athletic trainers with the professional qualities employers want. The AT Graduate Program is guided by the athletic training professional standards and core program values of professionalism, respect, compassion, interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based practice and student-centered learning. Students develop communication, organization, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making skills necessary for proficient practice with a diverse population.

We prepare athletic trainers to pass the BOC examination. Students successfully completing the AT Graduate Program are eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. Graduates who pass the BOC examination are qualified to deliver quality healthcare in various employment settings, such as high schools, colleges, professional sports, industrial, military and performing arts. Graduates are also prepared to contribute to the global medical community by reducing healthcare costs, improving healthcare accessibility, preventing and managing diseases, and promoting wellness.

What will you learn?

The SRU AT Graduate Program is structured to provide students with real-world learning experiences and clinical reasoning. For example, the knowledge and skills related to evaluation and rehabilitation were traditionally taught in separate courses. However, at SRU, essential professional knowledge and skills are integrated together into combined courses.

• The coursework emphasizes content in advanced therapeutic rehabilitation interventions
• The graduate program is committed to providing diverse, authentic, and immersive clinical experiences
• Essential opportunities are provided for intentional collaboration of learning and clinical practice with students in other healthcare programs at SRU

REQUIREMENTS

To apply, complete the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS) application. Applications will be accepted beginning July 1 until the cohort seats are full. All applications completed by November 15 will receive priority consideration for admission to the program.

Admissions requirements include the following:

1. Official Transcripts (Undergraduate/Graduate) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. (Students with a GPA below 3.0 may apply for conditional admission).
2. A minimum of a baccalaureate degree (4+2) or completion of the first three years of an approved 3+2 Pre-Athletic Training Concentration AND the following prerequisites (taken within the past 5 years) earning "C" or better:              
   1. Anatomy & Physiology I with lab (3-4 credits)
   2. Anatomy & Physiology II with lab (3-4 credits)
   3. Kinesiology or Biomechanics (3-4 credits)
   4. Physics I with lab (3-4 credits)
   5. Exercise Physiology (3-4 credits)
   6. Nutrition (3 credits)
   7. Psychology (3 credits; introductory, developmental or abnormal)
   8. Statistics (3 credits)
   9. Medical Terminology (at least 1 credit)
   10. Chemistry (3-4 credits)
   11. Biology (3-4 credits)
3. Two letters of reference:
   1. One reference should be from an academic advisor or instructor. 
   2. One reference should be from a health care provider; an Athletic Trainer is preferred. 

4. Evidence of 50 hours of clinical observation/shadowing with an athletic trainer. You can upload your own documentation or use the one provided here 

MSAT Technical Standards

• A candidate for the Master of Science in Athletic Training degree at SRU must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to complete the core educational requirements, defined in the Slippery Rock University Athletic Training Technical Standards.  All students must meet the SRU AT Program Technical Standards with or without accommodation. These standards are not intended to deter any candidate from applying, for whom reasonable accommodation will allow for the successful completion of the program. Candidates and current students, who after review of the SRU AT Program Technical Standards, determine that he/she/they require accommodation to fully engage in the program, should contact the Office of Disability Services to confidentially discuss the needed accommodation.
• The ability to meet the SRU AT Program Technical Standards (with or without reasonable accommodation) is a requirement for admission, retention, promotion, and graduation.

Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are verified in ATCAS.  It is recommended that applicants complete their required content and submit all materials prior to November 15. 

For more information on the Athletic Training graduate program, please visit SRU Athletic Training's About the Graduate Program page.

Note: Upon formal admission to the program, the applicant is required to confirm the ability to meet the Technical Standards of the program. In addition, the student must provide (1) valid proof of professional healthcare provider CPR/AED certification, (2) First Aid certification, (3) inoculations current with OSHA requirements for healthcare providers, and (4) criminal background checks prior to participating in clinical experiences.

Note: Regardless of citizenship, if you are a non-native English speaker, you may be required to submit scores that show proficiency in the English language.

Note: The SRU MSAT program utilizes a cohort model and does not offer advanced placement or accept athletic training graduate tranfer credit(s).

Additional Information

Criminal Background Check and Screening Policy:

• Criminal background check and screening requirements including fingerprinting, child abuse clearance, and drug screening (clinical site dependent) are required to matriculate into the program, participate at clinical sites, and progress through the program. Students are financially responsible for this process which may be repeated annually or more frequently as required by clinical sites. Adverse results at any time can prevent a student from matriculating into the program, progressing through the program, or attaining placement at clinical sites. Results including felony and misdemeanor convictions can limit the ability for clinical experience, national certification, or state licensure.
• Students who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor may be denied certification and/or licensure as a healthcare professional. Information regarding certification eligibility may be obtained from the Board of Certification. A student must self-report to the program director within 3 business days of any charges or any legal action taken against them outside of traffic violations.

Careers in Athletic Training

Athletic training graduates can work in more than just sports. Graduates also find careers as athletic trainers in schools, businesses, medical facilities, and the performing arts. This industry typically pays well, especially for those with graduate degrees. The state of Pennsylvania features one of the highest employment rates for athletic trainers in the country.

Graduates have gone on to work with organizations such as Boeing and the Atlanta Falcons. There are also many high-level internships both locally and across the country.

ACCREDITATION

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the  Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE

All students successfully completing the AT program are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC), Inc. examination. Additionally, athletic trainers must hold licensure credentials in the state they practice.  As regulations vary by state, please check the proper state regulatory credentials.

PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS (ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS)

SRU has partnered with several universities and colleges to create the opportunity for select students successfully completing prerequisites at their respective institutions to continue their path to becoming an athletic trainer.

• Penn West University
• Dominican College
• Grove City College
• Millersville University of PA
• Seton Hill University
• Thiel College
• Central Penn College
• North Carolina Wesleyan University

Earn your Master’s in Athletic Training degree at SRU!

Slippery Rock University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program offers many hands-on clinical experiences that allow students to pursue careers in the particular niche that interests them. Want to learn more? Request more information today!