Athletic Training, Master of Science

Salem State University began educating athletic trainers in the fall of 1980 as one of the first accredited programs in Massachusetts. Since the program’s inception, we have continuously adapted to meet the needs of our students, while evolving to support the demands of contemporary evidence-based clinical practice. The Professional Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program is designed to prepare students for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and a career as a licensed athletic trainer in a variety of clinical settings. Salem State University’s MSAT Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

CURRICULUM

The MSAT Program combines evidence-based coursework with extensive hands-on patient care experiences. The program requires 60 credit hours and 1,040 hours of direct patient care experiences under the direct supervision of a licensed athletic trainer. We proudly offer a comprehensive, student-centered, and fully integrated approach to athletic training education. The MSAT program uses a cohort model which starts each fall and takes two years to complete.

Admission Requirements

 

ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum combined undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• Minimum C+ in the following undergraduate courses:
  • Anatomy and Physiology I with Laboratory (4 Credits)
  • Anatomy and Physiology II with Laboratory (4 Credits)
  • Biology (3-4 Credits)
  • Chemistry (3-4 Credits)
  • Physics (3-4 Credits)
  • Statistics or Equivalent Testing/Measurement course (3 Credits)
  • Psychology (3 Credits)
  • Exercise Physiology (3-4 Credits)
  • Nutrition (3 Credits)
  • Kinesiology or Biomechanics or Functional Anatomy (3-4 Credits)
  • Medical Terminology (certificate or for college credit
• Documented 30 observation hours under the supervision of a licensed athletic trainer
• Professional Interview with the MSAT Program Faculty/Staff
• Professional Essay/Writing Sample/Statement of Purpose

Three professional references. 

• 1-2 references from a college professor
• 1-2 references from a certified athletic trainer [preferred], or healthcare professional, or former supervisor, or other professional reference. (Family and friends are not appropriate sources of references.)

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR RETENTION:

The following criteria must be satisfied to remain in good standing and progress through the MSAT Program. Failure to meet any of the following criteria will result in dismissal from the program. To remain in good standing and matriculate to the subsequent semester in the MSAT Program the student must:

1.  Earn a C+ or better in the following courses

• ATR700 Functional Anatomy for the AT
• ATR702 Principles of AT & Emergency Care
• ATR704 Neurological Exam & Immediate Care
• ATR706 Taping, Bracing, and Protective Equipment
• ATR708 Clinical Exam & Diagnosis I: Lower Extremity
• ATR710 Clinical Exam & Diagnosis II: Upper Extremity
• ATR712 Electrophysical Agents
• ATR714 Therapeutic Exercise
• ATR716 Evidence-Based Practice
• ATR800 Research Methods I
• ATR802 Clinical Path & Pharm
• ATR804 Administration & Professionalism in Healthcare
• ATR806 Manual Therapy
• ATR808 Clinical Decision Making
• ATR812 Seminar in Athletic Training
• ATR814 Research Methods II

2. Earn a B- or better in Athletic Training Clinical Experience courses

• ATR718 Clinical Experience I
• ATR720 Clinical Experience II
• ATR810 Clinical Experience III
• ATR816 Clinical Experience IV

3.  Maintain a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA

4.  Earn no more than two C+ course grades throughout the curriculum

5.  Students will be expected to follow the academic plan and course sequence outlined

6.  Remain in good standing under the policies and procedures outlined in the MSAT Program handbook

7. Satisfactory completion of all competencies, evaluations, and professional behavior assessment from faculty and preceptors

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION:

For a student to matriculate through the MSAT Program and be eligible for graduation, the student must meet the following requirements. Failure to meet the following criteria will prohibit or delay graduation from the MSAT Program. 

1. Earn a C+ or better in all ATR didactic and laboratory courses
2. Earn a B- or better in all clinical experience courses; ATR 718 Clinical Experience I, ATR 720 Clinical Experience II, ATR810 Clinical Experience III, and ATR 816 Clinical Experience IV (complete a minimum 1040 patient care hours)
3. Maintain a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA
4. Earn no more than two C+ course grade throughout the curriculum
5. Remain in good standing under the policies and procedures outlined in the MSAT Program handbook.
6. Satisfactory completion of all competencies, evaluations, and professional behavior assessments from faculty and preceptors.

EXPECTED TIME FOR ADMISSIONS TO GRADUATION:

The MSAT program is completed in 5 semesters over two full academic years, cohorts start every fall.