M.S. Degree in Athletic Training
Description
The 3+2 Master's of Science in Athletic Training program is a unique combination degree, offering students an opportunity to obtain an Exercise Science undergraduate degree and a Master's degree within a 5-year time period. The course track for the 3+2 MSAT program is highly prescribed for students interested in pursuing the combination degree, mapping a very specific set of LASC, core curriculum exercise science, and master's level athletic training (AT) courses. The primary focus for year one, two, and three of the 3+2 program is to complete all foundational LASC courses as well as the majority of Exercise Science core curriculum classes. Year three marks the "candidacy period" for the aspiring MSAT student. Year four offers a blend of undergraduate exercise science courses in conjunction with a variety of Master's level interdisciplinary coursework, while year five is exclusively mapped for a student to complete the remaining required Master's level courses. Completion of the prescribed coursework confers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science following year four, and a Master's of Science Degree in Athletic Training following year five of the MSAT program.
Unique aspects of the MSUM 3+2 MSAT program provide students with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to become a competent athletic trainer and health care provider. Students will receive a quality interdisciplinary education from experienced professors of exercise science, health, athletic training, health care administration, and nursing. The clinical education component associated with the 3+2 MSAT program will take place in reputable local, regional, and national clinical education sites.
Students who have recently completed a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from MSUM or another four-year health/science-related degree from a qualifying institution of higher education may be eligible to complete the MSAT program over a two-year period. All MSAT two-year candidate transcripts would require review by the MSAT Program Director prior to program admission.
Admission Requirements
Summer: April 1st (flexible deadline*)
*We encourage applicants to submit their applications early. Submitting an application and/or prior to the deadline does not guarantee admission. Applicants are ranked on admission criteria and program seat availability. Applications are often accepted after the deadline posted above when space is available. Please contact the Graduate Studies Office or the Athletic Training Program Director if you have questions.
Admission Requirement and Instructions:
1. Online Graduate Application - Submit the Graduate Online Application.
2. $35 Non-refundable application fee for all graduate applications - After you complete the Graduate Online Application: Log in to eservices with your star id. Click on Bills and Payment, and you will be able to pay the application fee using a credit card or debit card.
3. Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Contact all the colleges and universities you have attended and have your transcripts sent to: Graduate Studies Office, MSU Moorhead 1104 Seventh Avenue South Moorhead, MN 56563. You do not need to order transcripts from MSUM or other MinnState institutions. See Transcript Policy for more details.
4. Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or higher). Additionally, a 3.25 GPA based on upper division (300 level courses or higher) Exercise Science or Health Science-related courses may also be acceptable. The Graduate Studies Office and the Health & Physical Education Department will check this item once we have received all of your transcripts.
5. Student must meet the specific 3+2 MSAT requirements below:
- Exercise Science declared major
- Earned a minimum of 60 credits towards undergraduate degree (Exercise Science) or a previously earned degree in Exercise Science or related degree
- CPR/FA certification (Health Care Provider or BLS)
6. Students must earn a passing grade in the following courses:
7. Professional Resume, including 3-5 references. Prepare a resume that includes education, work experience, volunteer activities, reference phone numbers and emails, etc. Please put your name on all pages - Log in to the Self Service Center site (allow 24 hours after application submission before logging in). Select the "Application" tab, where you will see your graduate application listed. Select "Summary" to see a list of all program requirements and corresponding statuses. Upload document by selecting the "Upload" link under the respective "Action" column.
8. Meeting with Athletic Training Faculty - A Zoom or in-person conversation with MSUM Athletic Training faculty is required as part of the application process. In this meeting we will discuss the program and give you a chance to ask questions. You will receive a link for scheduling this conversation as part of the online application.
9. Preferred Athletic Training Observation - 25 hours.
10. Background check - A background check will be required of all students prior to starting in the summer. This is not a part of the application but will need to be completed prior to the summer start.
Student Learning Outcomes
Exercise Science Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will apply knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, risk factors, health appraisal, fitness assessments, orthopaedic exercise, nutrition, weight management, test administration, exercise programming, and metabolic calculations to personal fitness and sports performance training.
- Students will implement the optimum performance training model to design exercise programs that are safe, effective, maximize performance and optimize health.
- Students will apply basic competencies required of a fitness professional in a sports medicine, cardiac rehabilitation, fitness center or sports training facility.
Masters in Athletic Training Student Learning Outcomes:
Athletic training students will demonstrate knowledge using a competency-based approach in both the classroom and clinical setting, using a medical-based education model within the five domains of Athletic Training:
- Prevention;
- Clinical evaluation and diagnosis;
- Immediate and emergency care;
- Treatment and rehabilitation; and
- Organization and professional health and well-being.
Athletic training students will demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities along with a broad scope of foundational behaviors of professional practice in:
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Prevention and Health Promotion
- Clinical Examination and Diagnosis
- Acute Care of Injury and Illness
- Therapeutic Interventions
- Psychosocial Strategies and Referral
- Health Care Administration
- Professional Development and Responsibility
Also, within the core competencies as required by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE):
- Patient Centered Care
- Interprofessional Practice and Interprofessional Education
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Quality Improvement
- Health Care Informatics
- Professionalism
- Patient/Client Care (Care Plan; Evaluation, Diagnosis, & Intervention; Prevention; Health Promotion & Wellness; and Health Care Administration)
Students will complete an extensive clinical immersive learning experience and complete a variety of clinical learning experiences.
Students will employ proficient critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills within the practice domains of Athletic Training.
Students will be able to communicate effectively, through verbal and written modalities, with patients and other health care professionals.
Students will provide athletic training services within the ethical, professional, clinical, and legal parameters of the Board of Certification Standards of Professional Practice and/or state practice acts.
Students will demonstrate and appreciation for community involvement and citizenship as a health care professional.
Program Delivery Mode
Land plus: face-to-face where some online courses may be available or required
Core Requirements
( 40 credits )
Students will complete the Exercise Science Core Requirements, along with the following electives:
AT 220 Care & Prevention of Injuries and Illnesses (3)
HLTH 110 Personal Health & Wellness (3)
AT 225 AT Emergency/Immediate Care (3)
HLTH 305 Introduction to Nutrition (3)
HLTH 330 Disease Prevention (2)
EXS 202 Strength & Conditioning Exercise Techniques (1)
EXS 302 Strength & Conditioning Program Design (2)
EXS 310 Sport and Play in the USA (3)
EXS 311 Motor Learning (2)
EXS 320 Anatomical Kinesiology (3)
EXS 321 Human Physiology (3) or BIOL 349/BIOL 349L Human Physiology (4)
EXS 365 Exercise Program Design (3)
EXS 402 Strength & Conditioning Practicum (1)
EXS 420 Biomechanics (3)
EXS 421 Physiology of Exercise (3)
EXS 469 Exercise Science Internship (2)
EXS 473 Exercise Testing and Interpretation (3)
AT 210 Medical Terminology (1)
BIOL 111/BIOL 111L Cell Biology (4) and/or BIOL 115/BIOL 115L Organismal Biology (4)
BIOL 323/BIOL 323L Human Anatomy (4)
CHEM 150/CHEM 150L General Chemistry I w/Lab (4) or CHEM 110 Fundamentals of Chemistry (3)
PHYS 160 Physics I with Algebra & Lab (4)
Graduate Athletic Training Core Requirements (40 credits):
AT 600 Athletic Training Techniques (3)
AT 610 Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Intervention I (4)
AT 615 Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Intervention II (4)
AT 620 Athletic Training Research Seminar (3)
AT 625 Athletic Training Clinical Experience I (2)
AT 626 Athletic Training Clinical Experience II (2)
AT 627 Athletic Training Clinical Experience III (3)
AT 692 Athletic Training Clinical Immersion/Capstone (4)
MHA 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (3)
MHA 628 Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement (3)
MHA 638 Health Information Systems (3)
NURS 635 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment for Nurse Educators I (3)
NURS 636 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment for Nurse Educators II (3)
Program Requirements
The Exercise Science Major has six credits of required Program Requirements. These six credits will be substituted within the 3+2 MSAT Program by eight credits.
Exercise Science Program Requirements:
AT 321 Orthopedic Clinical Assessment (3)
AT 324 Therapeutic Exercise (3)
3+2 MSAT Program graduate courses that will substitute for the above six credits include:
AT 610 Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Intervention I (4)
AT 615 Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Intervention II (4)