Athletic Training

CIP Code

26.0908

Master of Science in Athletic Training

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program is a full-time, graduate, professional-level Athletic Training Program committed to the preparation of quality healthcare professionals. The curriculum is based on a solid liberal arts and science foundation designed to foster the development of human values, effective interpersonal skills and an evidence-based foundation for the practice of athletic training. Consistent with the goals and objectives of liberal arts and science tradition, the MSAT program prepares students through both didactic and clinical educational experiences.

The MSAT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). In 2017, the program earned 10 years of re-accreditation status. The program will complete its next comprehensive review for re-accreditation in 2026-2027.

The goal of the didactic and clinical components is to provide students with a well-rounded base of knowledge relative to the profession of athletic training. Concurrently, the program fosters the student’s ability to critically think, analyze information, and communicate both verbally and in written format in an intelligent and effective manner. The program’s clinical experience also enables students to develop interpersonal skills, and provides opportunities to shape and develop associated moral and ethical behaviors. Additionally, the Athletic Training program seeks to develop knowledge and clinical skills needed to prepare for professional and personal development.

The MSAT Program will prepare graduates to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships of the various components of athletic training as they relate to a comprehensive wellness team
Exhibit appropriate proficiency in oral and written communication
Demonstrate an ability to critically analyze published research
Design, conduct, and report scholarly activity
Demonstrate critical thinking skills and formulate appropriate clinical decisions
Demonstrate mastery of athletic training education competencies
Effectively and respectfully provide patient care for people of diverse cultural backgrounds
Demonstrate safe and effective clinical decision-making in athletic training practice in a manner that integrates quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and patient-oriented outcomes.
Contribute to the profession through the development and participation in new ideas and insights.

Admission Requirements

Students entering the MSAT program must have completed an undergraduate degree in the discipline of their choice and all prerequisite courses prior to the start of the MSAT program. Students are admitted to the program on a competitive basis.

Internal SHU Undergraduates and Students of Affiliated Programs must submit the online application materials via the SHU Application System.

External applicants must submit the online application materials via the ATCAS System.

Admissions requirements include:

Earned Bachelor’s degree
Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
Complete all pre-requisite courses below with a grade of “C” or better

Personal statement (1-2 pages) on why you are pursuing the field of athletic training
Documentation of a minimum of 10-15 hours of observation under direct supervision of a Certified Athletic Trainer
Two recommendation forms; one from an academic source who can attest to the applicant's academic performance and preparation for graduate studies
Ability to meet the MSAT Program's physical and technical standards, certified via the program's Technical Standards and Verification of Health Status forms.

Prerequisite Courses

• Anatomy & Physiology I w/lab

• Anatomy & Physiology II w/lab

• Physics w/lab

• Statistics

• General Psychology

• General Biology w/lab

• Chemistry

• Kinesiology or Biomechanics

• Exercise Physiology

• Nutrition

Early Decision Deadline December 31, 2024*
This deadline is non-binding
Final Deadline - May 1, 2025*

*The MSAT Program utilizes rolling admissions for both deadlines

Courses

AT 500	Emergency Care in Athletic Training	3
AT 502	Gross and Functional Anatomy	3
AT 532	Evidence Based Practicum I	3
AT 533	Evidence Based Practicum II	3
AT 552	Principles Of Evaluation and Treatment	3
AT 554	Advanced Lower Extremity Injury Mgmt	6
AT 555	Advanced Upper Extremity Injury Management	6
AT 576	Clinical Decision Making: Neurological Pathologies	2
AT 577	Social and Behavioral Health	2
AT 600	Clinical Practice in Athletic Training	2
AT 622	Seminar: Leadership & Professional Development	2
AT 634	Evidence Based Practicum III	3
AT 635	Evidence Based Practicum IV	3
AT 647	Management Strategies In Healthcare	2
AT 656	Clinical Decision Making in Athletic Training	2
AT 657	General Medicine Topics in Athletic Training	3
AT 698	Masters Capstone Preparation	2
AT 699	Masters Capstone Completion	2

Notes:

Clinical education provides students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge with clinical experience. All clinical experiences, traditional and non-traditional, are under the direct supervision of Athletic Trainers or other healthcare providers. Students are exposed to a variety of clinical settings such as public, private, and preparatory high schools, varying levels of collegiate athletics, physicians’ offices, and rehabilitation facilities. The clinical education program requires students to amass a minimum number of clinical hours per semester, as outlined in the syllabi of each Practicum course. All students will complete at least one clinical rotation at an off-campus site. Students are responsible for providing transportation to off-campus sites.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

As a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), Sacred Heart University is authorized to offer distance programs in all states and United States Territories that participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).