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:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Minimum 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 Credits)
- Nutrition (3 Credits)
- Kinesiology or Biomechanics or Functional Anatomy (3 Credits)
Documented 20 observation hours under the supervision of a licensed athletic trainer [observation hours form]
Professional Essay/Writing Sample (see prompt)
Two professional references/letters of recommendation
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
To remain in good standing, progress through, and ultimately graduate from the MSAT Program, each student must satisfy the following criteria. Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in dismissal from the program. To advance to the next semester and maintain good standing in the MSAT Program, students must:
- Maintain a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA
- Earn a C+ or better in the following courses [no more than two C+ course grades]:
- ATR 700 Functional Anatomy for the Athletic Trainer
- ATR 702 Principles of Athletic Training
- ATR 704 Emergency Care in Athletic Training
- ATR 708 Clinical Exam & Diagnosis I
- ATR 710 Clinical Exam & Diagnosis II
- ATR 712 Electrophysical Agents
- ATR 714 Therapeutic Exercise
- ATR 802 Clinical Path & Pharm
- ATR 804 Administration & Professionalism in Healthcare
- ATR 806 Manual Therapy
- ATR 808 Seminar in AT I
- ATR 812 Seminar in AT I
3. Earn a B- or better in the following courses (complete a minimum of 800 clinical experience hours):
- ATR 718 Clinical Experience I
- ATR 720 Clinical Experience II
- ATR 810 Clinical Experience III
- ATR 816 Clinical Experience IV
4. Earn a B- or better in the following courses:
- ATR 719 Evidence-based Decision Making I
- ATR 721 Evidence-based Decision Making II
- ATR 811 Evidence-based Decision Making III
- ATR 817 Evidence-based Decision Making IV
5. Students will be expected to follow the academic plan and course sequence as outline.
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
EXPECTED TIME FOR ADMISSIONS TO GRADUATION:
The MSAT program is completed over two full academic years, cohorts start every fall.
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