Kinesiology and Health

Master of Athletic Training

photo of students observing other students in a gym

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Why Choose Athletic Training?

You can choose a rewarding career field helping others stay healthy and safe by earning a Master of Athletic Training from Wright State University. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of athletic trainers is expected to grow 23 percent between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

You will learn to prevent, diagnose, and treat orthopedic injuries and medical conditions/illnesses. However, you will acquire more knowledge and be part of a unique learning atmosphere at Wright State. You will:

  • Be part of Wright State’s athletic training program’s long history of producing graduates who have been successful in the athletic training field and become significant leaders in the profession
  • Learn from well-established faculty members who have a wealth of experience in the field and in the classroom
  • Gain knowledge of preventing, diagnosing, and managing orthopedic pathologies as well as recognizing mental health concerns among student-athletes and how to refer them to the appropriate professionals.
  • Acquire newly required skills for the athletic training profession (casting, suturing, intramuscular injections, etc.)
  • Be aware of current trends in utilizing evidence-based practices to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

CAATE accreditation seal

The WSU ATP has Continuing Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE - 2001 K Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20006). The most recent comprehensive accreditation review was in 2016-2017 and the program was awarded 10 years of accreditation.  The next comprehensive review will be in 2026-2027. For more information regarding the program's outcomes, see CAATE Program Information and Outcomes

Careers

Wright State athletic training graduates have found gainful and meaningful employment in the following athletic training settings:

  • Professional sports
  • Collegiate sports
  • Sports medicine clinics and high school outreach
  • Orthopedic physician practices
  • Military and industrial settings
     

Real-World Experiencesphoto of students in a class in a gym

You will experience a high level of experiential learning in Wright State’s athletic training program. Be part of immersive clinical experiences with our highly qualified preceptors. You will have the opportunity to gain on-the-job training at the high school level, collegiate level, general medical setting, and a final immersive clinical rotation that will coordinate with your career goals.
 

Academics and Curriculum

The mission of the Wright State University athletic training program is to educate students in the domains of athletic training, preparing them to assume the role of a healthcare professional in a variety of employment settings and to optimize the quality of health care provided to patients of all ages and physical capacities, thereby maximizing their health-related quality of life.

Athletic Training Policies and Procedures Manual

Here is a sample academic plan if you decide to pursue your master’s degree in athletic training at Wright State:

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

 

Summer B Term

Summer A & B Term

ATR 7000 (3): Orthopedic Anatomy

ATR 7600 (3): Neuroscience in AT (A)

ATR 7100 (2): Essentials of Athletic Training

ATR 7700 (3): Clinical Reasoning (B)

ATR 7200: (3): Emergent & Acute Care

ATR 7550 (2): Clinical Practice III (A & B)

Total Credits (8)

Total Credits (8)

 

Fall Term

Fall Term

ATR 7300 (5): Orthopedic Assessment

KNH 7530 (3): Biomechanics

ATR 7400 (5) Therapeutic Interventions

ATR 7810 (3): Foundations of Clinical Ethics

ATR 7150 (2): Clinical Practice I

ATR 7750 (2): Clinical Practice IV

 

CNL 7000 (3): Counseling Theories & Techniques for Healthcare Professionals

Total Credits (12)

Total Credits (11)

 

Spring Term

Spring Term

KNH 7800 (3):  Research Methods

ATR 7800 (3): Administrative Concepts

ATR 7500 (5): Medical Conditions & Interventions

ATR 7950 (4): Clinical Practice V

ATR 7350 (2): Clinical Practice II

 

Total Credits (10)

Total Credits (7)

Overall Total Credit Hours (56)

*During the last week of summer B term (3rd week in July), students will be assigned to a 4-week preseason clinical experience until fall class resume (4th week in August).  The students will be supervised by a preceptor from one of our local healthcare partners.  This clinical experience will be tied to ATR 7100 (1st year) and ATR 7550 (2nd year) in terms of credit hours (i.e. student will receive an incomplete at the end of summer B term which will be converted to a grade following completion of the clinical experience).

 

Admission

Admission Process

Application Information

Early consideration deadline: December 1 (decision by December 15)

Regular application deadline: March 1 (decision by March 15)

Students who meet the minimum requirements will be considered for direct, unconditional, admission to the program for Summer B Term each year. 

PRIMARY APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale
  • Completion of prerequisite coursework with a minimum grade of C (see below list)
  • Statement of purpose for pursuing the master’s degree in athletic training
  • Two letters of recommendation; suggested sources:
    • Former/current educator who can attest your academic ability
    • Former/current employer or supervisor who can attest to your personal characteristics/abilities
  • Observation hours are not required but recommended

SECONDARY APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

After initial acceptance, you must complete the following additional requirements:

  • Ohio BCI and FBI background check
  • Review of and sign off on Policies and Procedures Manual, including communicable disease policy and vaccination requirements
  • Technical Standards form
  • Physical examination within the past three months affirming your ability to meet the physical demands of the profession
  • Provide proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

PREREQUISITE COURSEWORK

Required Courses WSU Course Equivalent
Strength & Conditioning OR Therapeutic Exercise ATR 3020 or 3030
Personal Health HED 1230
Kinesiology OR Biomechanics KNH 2530
Exercise Physiology KNH 2550
Nutrition KNH 2620
Anatomy & Physiology course(s) covering all body systems, preferably utilizing cadaver dissection ANT 2100/2120 or ANT 3100/3120
General Biology I with associated lab, preferably cells & genes BIO 1120
General Chemistry I with associated lab CHM 1210
General Physics I with associated lab PHY 1110
General/Introductory Psychology PSY 1010
Abnormal Psychology PSY 3110
Basic Statistics STT 1600 or 2640
Suggested Additional Courses WSU Course Equivalent
Introduction to Allied Health Care Professions ATR 2610
Emergency Medical Response/First Responder. Includes EMT, AEMT, paramedic, AHA, ACLS ATR 2620
Pharmacology ATR 4820
Medical Terminology BIO 1010

General Chemistry II with associated lab

CHM 1220
Adapted Physical Education or Working with Special Populations HPR 2120
Motor Development &/OR Motor Learning HPR 2430
Course-related to Drug & Alcohol Abuse &/or Addiction RHB 3620

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