Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 General/Graduate Catalog - Expires August 2027 
    
2021-2022 General/Graduate Catalog - Expires August 2027 [Archived Catalog]

Athletic Training (MAT)


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Affiliation: School of Health Sciences & Education

The graduate program in Athletic Training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The CAATE has been offering the entry-level Master of Athletic Training degree since 2006. Accreditation standards of athletic training degrees were first developed in 1993. For the best preparation for graduate work in athletic training, the prerequisite courses are required as foundation work. Building on this background, the graduate program provides the specialized coursework and practicum experiences that prepare and qualify successful candidates for careers in athletic training.

The main components of the program include: 1) advanced coursework in the assessment and treatment of injuries; 2) advanced clinical practicum experiences with a diverse athletic and active population; 3) a sequence of major projects that provide opportunity for students to demonstrate knowledge and expertise through both oral and written presentation; and 4) professional activities that promote athletic training. The Truman graduate program in Athletic Training is characterized by high academic and professional standards, close collaboration between students and faculty, and professional preparation.

Students who wish to pursue graduate study in athletic training should contact the Program Director in Athletic Training for information. Students who are interested in the graduate program of study are encouraged to obtain information early, so that appropriate plans can be made to meet the prerequisites.

MISSION STATEMENT

It is the mission of Truman State University entry-level Athletic Training Master’s program to develop critically thinking athletic training students, who can meet the diverse demands of and provide service to the profession.

GOAL

It is the goal of the MAT program to prepare the athletic training students for the Board of Certification exam through progressive clinical experiences. It is the goal of the MAT program to provide the athletic training students with the skills necessary to perform the duties of a certified athletic trainer.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM

  1. To prepare students for the Board of Certification Exam.
  2. To provide students, through a program of progressive clinical experiences, the skills necessary to perform the duties of a certified athletic trainer.
  3. To furnish students with the clinical and academic skills to work in the variety of venues employing certified athletic trainers.
  4. To prepare students who are proficient in all content areas designated by the National Athletic Trainers Association competencies. The candidate performs the clinical proficiencies designated by the National Athletic Trainers Association competencies essential to athletic training at a professional level.
  5. To continue to determine and assess the effectiveness of athletic training course content and clinical experiences.
  6. To understand the subject matter and have learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful to him/her.
  7. To ensure that all program graduates meet the rigorous requirements for obtaining eligibility for the Board of Certification exam.
  8. To provide academic and clinical experiences, in accordance with program accreditation standards, that prepare graduates to provide comprehensive athletic training program services.
  9. To model and promote ethical principles and procedures in the conduct of clinical practice, academic achievement, and research.
  10. To model and promote professional values which include a respect for diversity and the importance of lifelong learning.

SPECIAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES

All of the facilities are Truman State University approved clinical sites and meet CAATE accreditation standards. All student rotations are provided under the supervision of professionals who are licensed and maintain current and “good” standing professional certification. Students are supervised by preceptors at all times during practicum hours.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  1. The student must be recommended for admission to graduate study by the program’s Admission Committee and Dean.
  2. Program Criteria are:
      a. Minimum GPA score of 3.0 overall or 3.0 GPA on the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate work.
      b. Earn a grade of a “C” or better for the following undergraduate courses:
    1. Nutrition
    2. Physics
    3. Chemistry
    4. Biology
    5. Human Anatomy with lab
    6. Human Physiology with lab 
    7. General Psychology 
    8. Statistics

c. Signed observation hours (75) under direct supervision of certified athletic trainer.
d. First Aid/CPR - must hold current professional rescuer certification upon entry and upload documentation

  3. No student is permitted to transfer graduate level coursework toward the degree in athletic training in which a grade lower than a “C” was achieved.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Before graduation, the student desiring an MAT must complete the following:

  1. Athletic Training curriculum.
  2. The academic and practicum experience requirements.
  3. A master’s research project.
  4. Present research project at the university level.
  5. Register for the Board of Certification exam.
  6. Pass all competencies distinguished by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.
  7. The specified requirements of the Office of Graduate Studies pertaining to grade point average, prerequisite requirements, residence, course number, time limitations, repeat courses, and examinations.

CLINICAL HOUR REQUIREMENT

As part of the MAT program, students are required to complete a minimum of 100 clock hours under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer as a component of each Athletic Training Clinical course. These hours must be documented and verified by the certified athletic trainer.

FIELD EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

AT 649G - Athletic Training Field Experience  is a course designed for the student to gain a full immersion athletic training experience in a minimum of four consecutive weeks and under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. The selected site must meet the Truman State University MAT program requirements to become an affiliated site.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:


PREREQUISITE UNDERGRADUATE COURSES


Students who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in Athletic Training must have an earned Bachelor’s degree and meet the prerequisite course requirements for admission consideration unless the student is pursuing the Truman ES/AT 3+2 program. The following Truman courses satisfy these requirements:

REQUIRED COURSES (59 credits):


The Master of Athletic Training degree consists of three (3) components: Athletic Training, Exercise Science, and Clinical Practicum. Each student must complete all three components.

MINIMUM GRADE POLICY

Throughout the duration of the program enrollment, the student must maintain a 3.0 GPA and must earn a letter grade of ‘C’ or better in all required courses.

Truman 3+2 MAT option:


The professional phase of the Truman ES/AT 3+2 program requires 59 credits of graduate coursework that is completed over the course of two years and requires continuous enrollment. The curriculum is sequenced to allow for the greatest amount of depth in both content and clinical application.

During the three pre-professional years of study, students focus on University general education requirements, liberal studies, core courses in exercise science, and courses required in the Truman ES/AT 3+2 concentration. The curriculum design allows students to become fully immersed in the liberal arts experiences while gaining valuable insights into the exercise science culture to enhance patient care experiences in athletic training.

Degrees Awarded: Students enrolled in the Truman ES/AT 3+2 option will complete 159 credit hours in five years to earn both the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and the Professional Master of Athletic Training degree. This enrollment option is designed for the traditional residential college student interested in a liberal arts experience combined with the professional education in athletic training.

  • The BS in Exercise Science (Truman ES/AT 3+2 concentration) will be granted in May of the 4th year of study and after completion of the Exercise Science senior exam during the Spring semester of that year; whereas students will have completed all of the general education and exercise science major requirements by the end of the 3rd year of study (97 credit hours). The remaining credit hours required to earn the BS degree (120 credits) will be earned through graduate level courses in athletic training taken in the summer between the 3rd and 4th year of study.
  • The Master of Athletic Training degree is awarded at the end of the 5th year of study and the completion of additional graduate credits in athletic training to complete the 59 credit hour program requirement.

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