Athletic Training, Master of Science (M.S.)
Dr. Matthew Sabin, Director
www.athletictraining.eku.edu
(859) 622-8149
General Information
MS in Athletic Training Description
Eastern Kentucky University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MS in AT) Program is an accredited, professional program that prepares students to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and certification as an athletic trainer. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program is a full-time, 2-year program (including summers) that provides athletic training students with a balance of skill and theory integration during an effective blend of evidence-based didactic experiences and clinical learning opportunities. As a graduate-level academic program, the integration of research evidence into didactic and clinical instruction is a defining characteristic of the EKU AT Program, teaching students how to critically think while making clinical decisions as a healthcare professional. Clinical education experiences are integrated through the entire curriculum and culminate with multiple full-immersion, clinical experiences that guide students towards autonomous practice.
Students interested in applying to the program should check MS in AT’s website for the most current information regarding the application requirements and process, curriculum, latest news and other program information.
Mission Statement
The EKU MS in AT Program exists to educate each student about the theoretical and clinical skills necessary to work as part of an interprofessional, patient-centered healthcare team to prevent, evaluate, diagnose, and treat all aspects of injury and illness.
Program Goals and Objectives
Specific program and student learning outcomes for the EKU MS in AT Program can be found on the program’s website (www.athletictraining.eku.edu).
Admission Procedures and Requirements
Admission Process
Students may apply to EKU's MS in AT Program in the application cycle immediately before completion of an undergraduate degree or as part of EKU's 3+2 B.S. Exercise and Sport Science to M.S. in Athletic Training 3+2 accelerated dual degree program. Application to EKU’s MS in AT Program will occur through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS) (www.caate.net/apply-now/), provided by the CAATE. The current deadlines for application submission, admissions requirements and application process are outlined on the program website (www.athletictraining.eku.edu). Admissions decisions will be made based on the ATCAS application, which demonstrates completion of the requirements, and accepted students will be required to apply to EKU’s Graduate School and complete specific post-acceptance requirements which are outlined on the program’s website (www.athletictraining.eku.edu).
Though not required, it is recommended that students applying to the program visit campus and either attend 1 of 2 scheduled open houses or schedule an appointment with one of the AT faculty for a campus tour and to discuss the program. Dates of upcoming open houses will be listed on the website.
Admission Requirements
Students applying for acceptance in the program through ATCAS must demonstrate the following:
- Submission of the ATCAS application
- Completion of the following prerequisite courses:
- Basic Anatomy (3) and Human Physiology (3) or A & P I (3hrs) and A & P II (3hrs)
- Exercise Physiology (3hrs)
- Biomechanics or Kinesiology (3hrs)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Maintain an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or better, a minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.75 and a minimal grade of “C” in all prerequisite courses
- Completion of a minimum of 50 hours of direct observation with an athletic trainer within 2 years prior to application. Hours under a physical therapist do not count unless the individual is dual-credentialed and the hours were obtained in a traditional athletic training facility or field setting. Verification must be submitted on EKU’s MS in AT Directed Observation Verification Form found in ATCAS or on the program’s website (www.athletictraining.eku.edu).
Students applying for acceptance in the program through EKU's 3+2 B.S. Exercise and Sport Science to M.S. in Athletic Training 3+2 accelerated dual degree program must also apply through ATCAS. All undergraduate requirements, except the total number of required hours, must be met prior to enrollment. Students must complete the application, all pre-requisite courses, and the required observation hours, however, they must demonstrate an overall undergraduate GPA equal to or greater than a 3.0 in accordance with Graduate School policy. For additional information regarding admission criteria and process for EKU’s 3+2 B.S. Exercise and Sport Science to M.S. in Athletic Training 3+2 accelerated dual degree program, please see EKU’s Undergraduate Catalog and/or the program’s website (www.athletictraining.eku.edu).
Post-Acceptance Requirements
A description of post-acceptance requirements as well as the MS in AT Program’s policies and procedures can be found in the MS in AT Program Handbook and website (www.athletictraining.eku.edu).
Program Requirements
CIP Code: 51.0913
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MS in AT Program Requirements | ||
| ATR Core Courses | ||
| ATR 802 | Practicum II | 3 |
| ATR 803 | Practicum III | 3 |
| ATR 804 | Practicum IV | 1 |
| ATR 807 | Foundations of Clin Pract i | 3 |
| ATR 808 | Applied Palpation Anatomy Lab | 3 |
| ATR 809 | Foundations of Clin Prat II | 3 |
| ATR 810 | Advanced Clinical Practice | 3 |
| ATR 812 | Ortho Asmnt Lower Extremity | 3 |
| ATR 812L | Ortho Asmnt Lowr Extremity Lab | 1 |
| ATR 813 | Orthopedic Assess Up Extremity | 3 |
| ATR 813L | Orthopedic Assess Up Ext Lab | 1 |
| ATR 815 | Preventative Care in AT | 1 |
| ATR 830 | Therapeutic Interventions I | 3 |
| ATR 830L | Therapeutic Intervent I Lab | 1 |
| ATR 835 | Therapeutic Interventions II | 3 |
| ATR 835L | Therapeutic Intervent II Lab | 1 |
| ATR 842 | Organization and Admin of AT | 3 |
| ATR 843 | Seminar in AT | 2 |
| Field Experience – Internship – Capstone Course | ||
| ATR 805 | Field Experience I in AT | 9 |
| ATR 806 | Field Experience II in AT | 9 |
| Total Hours | 59 | |
Exit Requirements
Completion of Field Experience Report & Presentation and registering for and attempting the Board of Certification Exam