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Master of Science in Athletic Training

College of Education and Human Performance

Dr. Cathy Monteroso, Dean

Program Advisor: Dr. David Hanna, PT, ATC, Program Director david.hanna@westliberty.edu

The Master of Science in Athletic Training strives to generate a quality graduate equipped with the knowledge and expertise as set forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), who displays the professionalism and values expected by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and its Code of Ethics as a healthcare professional in today's workforce.  Students will be challenged to understand and apply competencies and skills related to the field of athletic training while exploring and broadening skills in research that reflect evidence-based practice.  Students will perform research, become aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, and develop a solid foundation in factual and conceptual mastery in the study of athletic training. They will also be encouraged to participate in, and learn to appreciate, the application of scientific research to real-world problems and/or provide service for the benefit of the community with consideration of relevant moral and ethical issues. The program aims to develop well-rounded individuals who have an appreciation for all patients and health care practitioners in a variety of settings.

** This program will begin in Fall 2022

Program Goals:

  1. To prepare graduates with a full understanding and appreciation for the field of athletic training and equip them with the necessary skills to succeed in the profession.
  2. To provide students with a solid foundation in research methods and strategies in education and the profession to assist the advancement of Athletic Training.
  3. To produce graduates who can demonstrate the ability to educate the community in a variety of healthcare settings and work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals while successfully delivering quality services to patients of various populations.
  4. To produce graduates who have the ability to develop a body of knowledge and seek additional information independently and efficiently in all domains of athletic training as determined by CAATE and the BOC.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the MSAT program, the graduate will be able to:

  • utilize effective communication skills in various athletic training and health care settings;
  • demonstrate Evidence-Based Practice in a variety of applied settings;
  • apply ethical decision-making regarding patient care and the daily management of various athletic training and healthcare settings;
  • evaluate the importance of patient-centered values and care among patient populations;
  • advocate for the profession of athletic training in various settings and display leadership, work ethic, and mentorship qualities as a healthcare provider; and
  • demonstrate mastery of all knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined by the current CAATE standards.

Admission Requirements

Application does not guarantee acceptance into the MSAT program. Students must complete the online graduate application for admission to West Liberty University. Students must also complete and submit the following items to the Graduate Admissions office: 

  • Submit official transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0 and successful completion of Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree from a 4-year accredited institution. 

    • Undergraduate degrees should be in a healthcare or science-related field such as Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Pre-Healthcare profession or equivalent

  • Submit Athletic Training Observation Form to be completed by a supervising Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). More than one form may be submitted and must account for at least 50 observation hours completed with the supervision of an ATC from at least 2 different AT settings (i.e. college/university, high school, outpatient clinic, hospital clinic, performing arts, military)

  • Submit a 1-2 page essay describing why choosing Athletic Training as a profession and discussing knowledge of Athletic Trainers in the workforce

  • Submit 3 letters of recommendation (2 from individuals outside the WLU Exercise Physiology major if a WLU graduate)

  • Complete the Technical Standards form 


Prerequisites for Admission

Applicants to the Master of Science in Athletic Training must be currently enrolled or have completed the following courses when applying to the program. West Liberty University students currently enrolled in the Exercise Physiology Pre-AT Track must complete all core coursework and track coursework (Physics and Chemistry) by the end of their 3rd year. All applicants must complete the following prerequisite coursework:

  • BIO124/125 or Biology equivalent

  • Chemistry 

  • Anatomy and Physiology

  • Psychology

  • Physics

  • Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science

  • Nutrition

  • Kinesiology or Biomechanics

  • Personal Health/Wellness

  • Statistics

  • Medical Terminology 


Once officially accepted into the Program, students will be required to have the following documentation completed and submitted before classes begin:

  • Completed WLU Student Health Forms

  • Provide documentation of immunization requirements to include:

    • Measles, Mumps, Rubella  

    • Hepatitis B

    • Tuberculosis 2-step 

    • Varicella or Titer if had chicken pox or no immunization shot

  • Complete a Certified Background Check and 10-panel drug screen, with acceptable results (applicants are required to use CastleBranch)

    • A passcode for CastleBranch will be provided to students to begin this process

    • Students are responsible for the cost of background check

  • Provide documentation of current First Aid and CPR/AED for the Healthcare Provider or equivalent certification (American Heart Association or American Red Cross)

  • Provide copy of proof of health insurance


The above items are to be submitted to the AT Program Director or Coordinator of Clinical Education.

 

International Student Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed above, please submit:

  1. Proof of English Proficiency: Please submit one of the following test results that has been completed within the past three years: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Minimum acceptable scores 595 (paper test), 195 (computer based test) or 70 (internet test) for graduate study or Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) – The minimum acceptable score is 82% for graduate study or a minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for graduate study.
  2. Credit Certification: Have all your coursework and credits from institutions outside of the United States evaluated by a credential evaluation service provider [e.g., World Education Services (WES), Global Credential Evaluators (GCE), Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE), American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), etc.]

Graduation Requirements:

The 43 credit hour requires:

  • Complete coursework with at least a B in each course

The Master of Science in Athletic Training is a 43 credit hour degree program.

Fall Term Year 1

AT 510AT Simulation Practicum 1

3
AT 513Advanced Concepts in Rehab

3
AT 514Org and Ad in AT

3
AT 515Concepts in Therapeutic Modalities

3

Spring Term Year 2

AT 520Supplemental Clinical Practicum II

2
AT 521Advanced Orthopedic Assessment I

3
AT 522Problem Based Learning in Athletic Training I

3
AT 523Theory and Practice in Rehabilitation I

2
AT 524Best Practices in Athletic Training

2

Fall Term Year 2

AT 530Professional Clinical Practicum III
AT 531Advanced Orthopedic Assessment II

3
AT 532Problem-Based Learning Concepts in Athletic Training II

3
AT 533Theory and Practice in Rehabilitation II

2

Spring Term Year 2

AT 540Professional Clinical Immersion

3
AT 544Research Capstone

2
AT 545General Medical Conditions Athletic Training

2
AT 547Movement Restoration

2

Total Credit Hours: 43