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Athletic Training, MS

Master of Science in Athletic Training

A career in athletic training and sports medicine offers you more opportunities than ever, but completion of a master’s degree in athletic training is now a requirement for athletic trainers. At the University of Central Missouri, we provide the education and training you need to be eligible for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam and state licensure. Learn how our Master of Science in Athletic Training degree is designed to help you not only start your career but also stand out in the field.
 
What makes UCM one of the best athletic training master’s programs?
 
At the University of Central Missouri, we have a rich history in helping students fulfill athletic training degree requirements. UCM’s Athletic Training program has held full accreditation at the bachelor’s level from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) for over 14 years. With that foundation of excellence, our master’s program was launched in 2021 and is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
 
Another way we remain committed to your success is by ensuring your personal interaction with UCM’s faculty. Whether in the classroom or through clinical experiences, you’ll receive a high level of attention not found in many athletic training master’s programs. At UCM, you’ll get a high-quality education at some of Missouri’s most affordable tuition rates from our master’s program in Athletic Training.

 

 

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Accredited by the CAATE

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Ranks among state schools for low tuition

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50+ years’ history in athletic training

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Low student-to-faculty ratio

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Preparation for the BOC and ASOP exam

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Athletic Training Student Association

 

 

What you will study

Coursework for UCM’s Athletic Training master’s degree begins on our Warrensburg campus. Our small class sizes allow for interaction with other AT graduate students with diverse backgrounds. 

You’ll also have personal interaction with UCM tenured and tenure-track faculty who hold doctorate and master’s degrees. They’ll help you develop critical-thinking skills that keep you engaged in a dynamic and integrated health care environment and instill a passion for lifelong learning. They’ll also guide you in your professional development — helping you make industry connections and to be prepared for the job on day one following graduation. 

The path to your master’s degree in Athletic Training

Whether your undergraduate degree is in Kinesiology or another field of study, you can expect to complete UCM’s Athletic Training master’s degree program in two years.

The Master of Science degree in Athletic Training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) to ensure your eligibility for the BOC exam. With guidance from UCM’s program steering committee, including current students, we continue to ensure we’re meeting high industry standards and student needs to prepare you for your athletic trainer career. Topics you may study include:

  • Emergency care
  • Orthopedics assessment
  • Therapeutic intervention

You’ll also get hands-on experience in four clinical practicum courses and an internship in athletic training. The goal is to teach you evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes and keep people safe.

 

Excellence in Athletic Training 

  • The University of Central Missouri offers you tradition, longevity and our unwavering commitment to be among the region’s best athletic training master’s programs despite a continually evolving health care environment. When you choose UCM for your master’s degree in Athletic Training, you’re choosing a program that values you as a person.

 

Unique learning opportunities in athletic training

To prepare you for the hands-on work of an athletic trainer, the UCM master’s program in Athletic Training offers hands-on experiences both on and off campus.

  • On-campus clinical experiences: Put your learning to practice using modern equipment and tools. Inside our 6,000-square-foot VanDam facility, the Athletic Training program has 2,000 square feet dedicated to student learning. The rest of the facility is shared with intercollegiate athletics and hosts areas for treatment, rehabilitation, hydrotherapy and cardio, as well as taping stations, clinical staff offices and an exam room.
  • Athletic trainer preceptors: Be assigned to one of UCM’s preceptors within Intercollegiate Athletics as part of a staff of medical personnel and board-certified physicians. Starting your second semester and continuing until your internship, you’ll be assigned to high schools, physician offices, rehab clinics, hospitals or other athletic organizations where you’ll complete off-campus training. 
  • Internship: Put all of your learning into practice while interning your last semester of the master’s program in Athletic Training. You’ll get on-the-job experience in the daily activities of an athletic trainer to prepare you for your future career.  
  • Student associations: Join UCM’s Athletic Training Student Association to learn and meet other future sports medicine professionals. Take part in service-based events that allow you to assist disadvantaged individuals and fundraising events that help offset costs for athletic training conferences.
  • Other events: Expand your knowledge and your network when you attend state, regional and national conferences and meetings, such as the Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Association.

 

What can you do with a master’s degree in Athletic Training from UCM?

Because of UCM’s CAATE accreditation, you will be eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. Graduates are also eligible to take the American Society of Orthopedic Professionals (ASOP) exam, if you’re interested in becoming a registered orthopedic technologist. 

When you successfully pass either exam and are in compliance with state regulations, you’ll be ready to embark on an exciting career in athletic training and sports medicine. Graduates with a master’s degree in Athletic Training may choose to work with athletes at any level, provide services to performing artists, work in a doctor’s office or support public safety and military personnel. You may also decide to continue your education, whether in a residency or a doctoral program.

Navigate your opportunities with an Athletic Training master’s degree

The support of UCM’s program faculty — academically and professionally — is one big reason to consider us in your search for the best athletic training master’s program. They are passionate about your success inside and outside of our classrooms and committed to your professional development and career preparedness.
UCM’s Career Services Center is also available to assist with your employment. Take advantage of workshops and job fairs as you build your resume and search for jobs. The interactive tool below provides a look at the types of opportunities that await you as you get excited for the future.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for your Athletic Training master’s degree

Completing your master’s degree in Athletic Training is the key to your future as a member of a sports medicine team. To help you achieve your goals, the University of Central Missouri offers some of the lowest tuition costs among the state’s athletic training master’s programs. At UCM, we also offer resources to help finance your education that include loans, grants and scholarships.

Scholarships for the master’s degree in Athletic Training program

In addition to general scholarships available through UCM, you may also qualify to apply for opportunities specific to the Athletic Training master’s degree program. These include:

  • Dr. Ronald VanDam Athletic Training Student Scholarship: Named after our program founder and awarded to a student who embodies his spirit
  • The MSAT Admissions Scholarship: Available to a master’s degree Athletic Training program student

Learn more about these scholarships and others at the UCM Scholarship Finder.

 

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Explore programs related to athletic training.
 

As you plan your career path, you may also want to explore other UCM master’s degrees related to athletic training:

 

 

Admissions Criteria

The admission criteria for the Athletic Training Program include:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum 3.00 GPA (based on a 4.00 scale)
  • Minimum 3.00 GPA (based on a 4.00 scale) on the following prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C” or higher:
    • General Biology and lab - 3-4 credit hours
    • Human Anatomy, Physiology and Lab - 4-8 credit hours
    • Chemistry and Lab - 3-4 credit hours
    • Nutrition - 3 credit hours
    • Statistics - 3 credit hours
    • General Psychology OR Lifespan and Development - 3 credit hours
    • Exercise Physiology - 3 credit hours
    • Physics OR Biomechanics - 3 credit hours

 

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