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Masters of Science in Athletic Training

Description

The Masters in Athletic Training degree is a 63-hour, professional athletic training degree which provides graduate students with the knowledge, values, skills and clinical education necessary to successfully practice as certified athletic trainers.  Graduates of this program will be prepared to successfully pass the Board of Certification Inc. (BOC), certification examination.  The program is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree but are seeking entry into the athletic training profession through a graduate program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  This program is not intended for students who already have an undergraduate athletic training degree from a CAATE accredited institution or are currently eligible for the BOC certification examination.

Master of Science Athletic Training Degree Program Admissions Requirements:

Applicants are required to meet the following criteria for consideration for admission: 

  1. Applicants to the Professional Master of Science Athletic Training (MAT) degree program must have a baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average (GPA) is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 
  2. Application Form to be filled out on ATCAS  
  3. A criminal history background check will be conducted at the applicant’s expense. Clinical sites may have additional requirements, e.g., immunizations, a second background check and/or drug screen at the student’s expense. Admission to and/or progression in the program may depend on your compliance and/or the results of these checks.
  4. References: References should use the designated form to submit three letters of reference.  At least one of the references must be from a healthcare provider and one must be a previous faculty member who can speak to your capacity to do graduate level work.
  5. Prerequisite Courses: 
    1. Anatomy with lab              4 credits
    2. Physiology with lab           4 credits
    3. Nutrition                            3 credits
    4. General Psychology         3 credits
    5. Kinesiology                       3 credits
    6. Biomechanics                   3 credits
    7. Exercise Physiology         3 credits
    8. General Statistics             3 credits
    9. Biology with lab                4 credits
    10. Chemistry with lab           4 credits
    11. Physics with lab               4 credits

    Students are required to have a grade of B or better in these pre-requisite courses as a foundation class for success in professional level graduate work in the MSAT program.             
  6. Curriculum Vitae: Other aspects of an applicant’s record, such as educational achievement, professional experience and clarity of career goals should be reflected in a curriculum vitae in determining admissibility. Generally, admissions decisions are based on an overall assessment of the adequacy of an applicant’s preparation and desire for the successful completion of a graduate course of study in Athletic Training.
  7. Deadline for Application: We have a decision deadline of December 1 for all application materials including the interview with the faculty. Those applying after December 1 will be considered on a seat available basis. Decisions regarding the acceptability of applicants for the Master of Science Athletic Training program will be made by the admissions committee after evaluation of all pertinent application materials. Applications cannot be accurately reviewed until all application materials are received and requirements have been met. New applications are required for those who defer a year or miss the cutoff date for admissions.
  8. Technical Standards: The Master of Science Athletic Training program is a rigorous and intense program that places specific physical requirements and demands on each student enrolled in our program. The primary objective is to prepare graduates to enter various employment settings and to render care to a wide range of individuals engaged in physical activity. The MSAT technical standards document establish the qualities necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of a professional certified athletic trainer, as well as to meet the expectations of the programs accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). All athletic training students applying to the MSAT must meet the technical standards and expectations in order to gain acceptance into our program. In the event an athletic training student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, student will not be admitted into the program.

Athletic Training Program Post-Admission Standards

The following documentation must be current and on file with the program director prior to beginning classes.

  1. Signed declaration of understanding and ability to meet AT Program´s Technical Standards for Admission and Retention.
  2. Signed declaration of understanding and acceptance of all Program Policies and Procedures as delineated in the AT Program Student Policies and Procedures Handbook.
  3. Background checks are required during the first semester (summer I) of the IWU MSAT program. Students are responsible for the fee associated with the completion of the background check. Additionally, all students are required to inform the MSAT Director of Clinical Education Coordinator if any changes take place between initial background check and any planned rechecks (all pending legal matters e.g., felony, misdemeanors, etc.). If in doubt, report it and proceed from there.
  4. Evidence of current liability insurance coverage. (http://www.hpso.com is the most cost effective to date)
  5. Evidence of NATA Student Membership
  6. The following tests and vaccinations must be on file with the MSAT program director by the start of their first term in the program (or in process to receive the vaccinations – HBV). 
    1. Tuberculin Skin Test: If the TB test results are positive, a chest x-ray must be done.  A yearly TB test is required, and written results are given to the MSAT program director to be added to that student’s file.  
    2. Hepatitis B Vaccination:  Applicants must demonstrate that they have been vaccinated with the Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV).  A sum of three injections in a six-month period is required for this vaccination.  
    3. Physical Examination: Applicants must have a physical examination completed by a physician and on file with the MSAT program director. 
Students are responsible for all costs associated with their own health care and when obtaining immunizations and health certifications. 

Athletic Training Program Retention Policy

To remain in the Athletic Training Program as an athletic training student, the student must achieve the standards listed below. Failure to meet these standards each semester could result in probation or program dismissal. The standards for retention are as follows:

  • Earn at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA (B-)
  • Earn a B- or above in all MSAT coursework.
  • Be in good standing with the University (e.g., no citizenship probation)
  • Participate in FERPA, OSHA, HIPAA and BBP training each academic year
  • Complete a criminal background check prior to required clinical rotations
  • Maintain CPR-PR/AED & First Aid certification while enrolled at IWU
  • Show progress through clinical instruction and learning over time
  • Show a professional attitude and character in all areas of AT, both academic and clinical

Students who earn a grade below a “B-” in certain courses may need to retake the course which may prevent the student from continuing with their cohort.  If in good or probationary academic standing with Indiana Wesleyan University and MSAT, the ATS will often be able to continue with their cohort academic sequence and will re-take that course the next time it is offered in the MSAT. 

 

Athletic Training Program Probation Policy

Any athletic training student within the professional program may be subject to a probationary status. A probationary status will be assigned if an athletic training student does not abide by the standards of the IWU Athletic Training Program as identified in the ATP Student Handbook. The athletic training program director is the only authority that can administer a probationary status or remove a probationary status within this program. The athletic training program director may also remove athletic training students from the program for infractions of divisional and university policies. Once placed on probationary status a student has one semester to meet the requirements assigned by the program director. If the situation remains unresolved the student may be dismissed from the program.

Athletic Training Program Dismissal Policy

Dismissal from the AT Program may be recommended if the student:

  1. Fails to register for one semester in the AT program curriculum with failure to file and obtain an official leave of absence.
  2. Has an overall GPA less than a “B-” average (equivalent to 2.75 on a 4.0 scale).
  3. Automatic disqualification may occur if this happens for more two consecutive semesters.
  4. Has earned a grade lower than a “C” in any course (this must be reported to the Director of Athletic Training Program within one week of the release of course grades). Failure to disclose this information will result in immediate probation from the AT program and possible dismissal.
  5. Has a GPA that indicates the inability to meet the 2.75 required for graduation.
  6. Makes unsatisfactory progress in mastering clinical rotation objectives, competencies, or clinical proficiencies (e.g., does not complete all clinical competencies, fails to make appropriate progress on CIPs, does not pass clinical education course final exams, etc.).
  7. Receives unsatisfactory clinical evaluations from assigned preceptors or is unable to complete clinical experience requirements for any reason (e.g., failed background check,
    etc.).
  8. Is dismissed from an affiliated clinical site for inappropriate conduct or failure to fulfill required responsibilities.
  9. Shows evidence of unethical or immoral conduct as outlined by the NATA Code of Ethics, BOC Professional Standards of Practice, or IWU standards (e.g., Code of Conduct).
  10. Engages in conduct which violates the Indiana Athletic Training State Practice Act Appendix C) or the Practice Act of the state in which the student’s clinical assignment takes place.
  11. Fails to comply with the AT Programs’ Technical Standards
  12. Fails to comply with IWU Policies/Handbooks (e.g., MSAT, University, etc.).

Athletic Training Student Health Policy

Athletic training students must have the appropriate health forms and records on file with the athletic training program director to be considered for admittance to the Athletic Training Program. In addition, athletic training students will be required to have the following tests and vaccinations by the start of their first semester in the major (or in process to receive the vaccinations – HBV). 

  • Tuberculin Skin Test. If the TB test is positive, a chest x-ray must be done. A yearly TB test is required, and written results are given to the athletic training program director to be added to that student’s file.  The athletic training student may have this test done at the IWU Health Center.
  • Hepatitis B Vaccination.  Athletic training students are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated with the Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV). A sum of three injections in a six-month period is required for this vaccination.  Each injection will vary in cost depending on where you obtain the vaccination.  A waiver must be signed and in the athletic training student’s permanent file if he/she chooses not to obtain the vaccination.
  • Physical Examination. Athletic training students will have a physical examination conducted a physician. This physical should be submitted to the program director after being admitted to the program.

 

Degree Requirements

Requirements (63 credit hours)

ATR-510Preventative Strategies and Emergency Management

3
ATR-501Athletic Training Clinical Education: Experience I

3
ATR-515Introduction to Evidence Based Interventions and Interpretation

1
ATR-520Orthopedic Evaluation and Diagnosis I

3
ATR-520LOrthopedic Evaluation and Diagnosis I Lab

1
ATR-502Athletic Training Clinical Education: Experience II

3
ATR-521Orthopedic Evaluation and Diagnosis II

3
ATR-521LOrthopedic Evaluation and Diagnosis II Lab

1
ATR-525Therapeutic Interventions I: Physical Agent Modalities

3
ATR-525LTherapeutic Interventions I: Physical Agent Modalities Lab

1
ATR-516Research Methods I

3
ATR-526Psychosocial Issues in Athletic Training Clinical Intervention

3
ATR-530Athletic Training Seminar I

2
ATR-548Health Care Administration in Athletic Training

3
ATR-503Athletic Training Clinical Education Experience III

3
ATR-535Therapeutic Interventions II Rehabilitative Exercise

3
ATR-535LTherapeutic Interventions II: Rehabilitative Exercise Lab

1
ATR-531General Medical Conditions And Nomenclature

3
ATR-545Strength and Conditioning

3
ATR-545LStrength and Conditioning Lab

1
ATR-504Athletic Training Clinical Education Experience IV

3
ATR-540Therapeutic Interventions III: Pharmacology

3
ATR-549Seminar in Sport Medicine

3
ATR-517Research Methods II

3
ATR-577Structural Anatomy

4

Indiana Weselayan