Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalogue 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Catalogue Archived Catalogue

Athletic Training, M.S.


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Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Steven Zinder

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) will prepare entry level professionals to enter the field of Athletic Training.  The degree is built around 60 credit hours of required coursework to satisfy the eligibility requirements for the students to sit for the national Board of Certification examination.  The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  Graduates from the program establish successful careers as Athletic Trainers in secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports programs, sports medicine clinics, and other athletic health care settings.

Program Student Learning Outcomes


Graduates of the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program will:

  1. Be prepared for an entry-level position in Athletic Training in a variety of settings with a wide range of athletic populations
  2. Demonstrate specific knowledge in the field of Athletic Training as demonstrated by passing the national Board of Certification (BOC, Inc.) examination for athletic trainers
  3. Be recognized as prepared for entry-level positions or advanced study in Athletic Training by external constituencies, program faculty, potential employers, and self-evaluation
  4. Find ready employment in the field of Athletic Training

Program Goals


  1. Develop the critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills necessary for success in Athletic Training, allied health care, and a broader spectrum of professions in today’s society
  2. Expose students to hands-on experiences, clinical settings, and professionals representing a wide range of allied and medical health care professions
  3. Provide a foundation for success predicated on both a didactic and clinical knowledge base.
  4. Provide an effective and interactive learning environment for students wishing to pursue a career in Athletic Training
  5. Create an environment consistent with quality health care for the athletes/patients in the clinical setting, while achieving the educational goals of the student and the program

Admission Requirements


Students must meet University admission requirements, as well as requirements for admission to the degree, listed below.

  • Meet the technical standards for admission or show potential for accomplished tasks
  • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Minimum of 3.0 GPA from undergraduate coursework
  • Personal statement in 1000 words or less describing primary career goals, most direct influence on choice to become an Athletic Trainer, your attributes related to the field of Athletic Training, and why you should be selected to the Athletic Training major
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation
  • Personal interview with the UNCW Athletic Training faculty and staff (via Zoom or in person)
  • Must complete a secondary application with ATCAS: https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/logi
  • Applicants must demonstrate completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C” of at least one course at the undergraduate or graduate levels in each of the following subject areas:

–Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II (labs ARE required) or 1 semester of Human Anatomy
  and 1 semester of Human Physiology
–General Chemistry I (lab preferred not required)
–General Physics I (lab preferred not required)
–General Biology I (lab preferred not required)
–Medical Terminology
–Exercise Physiology
–General Psychology
–Biomechanics/Kinesiology (recommended not required)
–Technical Writing (recommended not required)

Degree Requirements (60 credit hours)


A total of sixty (60) graduate credit hours are required for the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) degree.  Twelve (12) of these hours will be in Clinical Practicum, where students will complete at least 1000 hours of clinical education under the supervision of an approved Preceptor.  All graduate study must be completed in residence.  An MSAT student must have a “B-” or better in each required course. If a student earns a “C” or below, he/she must repeat the course and must earn a “B-” or better to progress. This will delay matriculation for one academic year.  A student will only be allowed to repeat one course. A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

The program has no language requirement.

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