Master of Science in Athletic Training | Spalding University Catalog

Master of Science in Athletic Training

Program Overview
The professional Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program facilitates the development of dynamic athletic training leaders who exemplify professional accountability across diverse service delivery contexts. Students engage in rigorous classroom study and clinical education in a variety of practice settings over the course of degree program.

Athletic Trainers are health care professionals who work in professional and collegiate sports, secondary and intermediate schools, sports medicine clinics, hospital emergency rooms and rehabilitation clinics, occupational settings, fitness centers, and physician offices. Athletic trainer services comprise injury/illness prevention and wellness protection, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, treatment and rehabilitation, and organizational and professional health and well-being. Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited athletic training curriculum. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. Spalding University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program has been placed on Probation as of February 1, 2019, by the CAATE, 6850 Austin Center Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3184 (512) 733-9700.  

Programs
The MSAT program at Spalding University offers two entry points for individuals seeking a career in athletic training.

Professional Program
The MSAT Program at Spalding University offers two primary entry points for individuals seeking a career in Athletic Training.
1. A combined Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) – Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) degree can be earned by individuals who have not completed an undergraduate degree. Students will begin studies as an undergraduate in the BSHS degree tract. Upon completion of the University Studies’ requirements for the BSHS degree in addition to completion of MSAT Program prerequisite coursework, the student can enter the MSAT Professional Program. To do so, they must apply and be admitted into the MSAT Professional Program. The undergraduate BSHS degree is then completed at the end of the first year of the MSAT Professional Program and the MSAT degree is completed at the end of the second year of the MSAT Professional Program. The entire MSAT Professional Program can be completed on a full-term basis in two years. Upon successful completion of the BSHS undergraduate coursework (120 credit hours, including 35 credit hours in the MSAT Professional Program), the student will be awarded a BSHS degree. After successful completion of the remaining 32 credit hours in the MSAT Progression Program, the MSAT degree will be awarded. Students who pursue the Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences (BSNS) degree who meet University Studies’ requirements for the BSNS degree in addition to completion of MSAT Program prerequisite coursework may also be considered for MSAT Professional Program entry. To do so, they must apply and be admitted into the MSAT Professional Program. The undergraduate BSNS degree is then completed at the end of the first year of the MSAT Professional Program and the MSAT degree is completed at the end of the second year of the MSAT Professional Program.
2. Students with a completed bachelor’s degree in a field of study other than athletic training who have completed the prerequisite coursework may directly enter the two year MSAT Professional Program (67 credit hours) at the graduate level and earn the MSAT degree at program completion.

Program Accreditation and Examination Eligibility
Spalding University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program has been placed on Probation as of February 1, 2019, by the CAATE, 6850 Austin Center Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3184 (512) 733-9700. MSAT graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination for the athletic trainer administered by the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) exam (telephone: 402-559-0091; http://www.bocatc.org ) located at 1415 Harney Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68102.

Professional Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training Program Admission Policy
Students may enter the MSAT Professional Program in one of two ways. Spalding University undergraduate students may pursue a combined BSHS/MSAT or with permission of the Associate Dean a combined BSNS/MSAT course of study leading to the Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training. Similarly, students from Ritsumeikan University in Japan, which has a partnership agreement with Spalding University, that apply to the MSAT Professional Program and who are admitted into the MSAT Professional Program, will complete the Bachelor of Sport and Health Science Degree through Ritsumeikan University after completion of the first year of the MSAT Professional Program and will be awarded a Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training from Spalding University.

Students who apply from outside Spalding University who have completed a bachelor’s degree and who have completed prerequisite coursework may directly enter the two-year MSAT Professional Program. All applicants must complete the MSAT Professional Program admission process. Spalding University undergraduate students and applicants planning to enter after completing an undergraduate degree are eligible to apply to the MSAT Professional Program when at least nine prerequisite courses are completed with documented grades posted on official transcripts and the applicant has registered for all remaining prerequisite course(s). Program admission procedures are consistent with university policy. Please refer to the University Catalog for university undergraduate and graduate admission policies.

I. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

    1. The MSAT Admission Committee is responsible for deciding on all MSAT Program candidates and recommending applicants to the Graduate Committee for admission into Spalding University's Graduate School. MSAT Admissions Committee composition includes all full-time athletic training program faculty.
    2.  Each applicant must submit a completed MSAT Program application prior to being considered for official admission to the MSAT Program.
    3. Application deadlines for each admission cycle are posted on the university's website under Academics—Athletic Training--How to Apply.
    4. Program admission is on a competitive basis based on an applicant's CORE GPA, overall GPA, interview, and recommendation letters. CORE GPA is calculated based on grades earned in pre-requisite courses.
    5. The completed application will include essential information regarding the student, official transcripts from all previous schools attended, a summary of all pertinent coursework in preparation for the program, three letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes signed across the seal, evidence of completion of observation hours, and all other items requested within the application packet and/or posted on the Spalding University's web site.
    6. All application materials must be completed at Application.
    7. The student must meet the basic entry level standards published in the university catalog and on the university web site. These criteria must be successfully met in order for the application to be considered.
    8. Successfully meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the MSAT Program. Admission decisions are based on a competitive ranking process.
    9. Applications received after the stated deadline will NOT be considered for the admission cycle.
    10. Selected applicants who withdraw or drop any pre-requisite courses registered for at time of application will lose his/her program seat.
    11. Selected applicants who, after completing all prerequisite courses, have a core GPA that falls below the 3.0 minimum standard may lose his or her program seat.
  1. APPLICATION REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
    1. Initial Review of Application

      This review will be based on the items required for admission into the MSAT Program.  For further information about the application process to the MSAT Program, please refer to the MSAT Program website: https://spalding.edu/academics/athletic-training/apply-msat-program/

  2. APPLICATION SELECTION

    Based upon the program's enrollment capability, the most highly ranked applicants will be offered admission to the MSAT Program.

  3. COMMUNICATION TO APPLICANTS

    Each applicant will be notified in writing as to his or her Spalding University admission status and acceptance into the MSAT Professional Program by the MSAT Professional Program Director. Applicants must acknowledge and accept the cohort slot within the timeframes communicated on the acceptance letter. A timely written response and tuition deposit is required from applicants to confirm their acceptance of an MSAT Professional Program slot. If the applicant does not actively accept conditions of admission within the stated timeframe, the acceptance offer will be removed and the next qualified applicant will be considered.

    For more information about the MSAT Professional Program Mission, Goals, and Objectives, please refer to the MSAT Program Website https://spalding.edu/master-of-science-in-athletic-training/ 

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN ATHLETIC TRAINING MISSION ALIGNMENT POLICY AND RUBRIC

Spalding University is a diverse community of learners dedicated to meeting the needs of the times in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth through quality undergraduate and graduate liberal and professional studies, grounded in spiritual values, with emphasis on service and the promotion of peace and justice. The MSAT Professional Program facilitates the development of dynamic athletic trainers who exemplify professional accountability across diverse service delivery contexts. MSAT students are actively engaged with faculty, peers, and others in their learning and are constantly evolving into skilled practitioners with the ability to lead and promote the development of the community and profession. Program graduates possess the ability to select, adapt, and create the knowledge necessary to:

  • Problem-solve through increasing healthcare system complexities
  • Critically appraise evidence to drive higher quality healthcare and outcomes research
  • Display leadership and collaborative inter-disciplinary healthcare teamwork
  • Demonstrate professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes
  • Gather, analyze and synthesize information and ideas into patient-centered care applications
  • Integrate ethical principles and values to the knowledge and decision-making process

Admission to the MSAT Program is awarded on a space available basis. Spaces are assigned according to the current year Athletic Training Program Admission Policy. If admitted, students must submit a tuition deposit, an admission acceptance statement, a signed statement of professionalism, and commit to completing healthcare related compliance activities prior to program start in order to reserve their position in the program.

For more information about the MSAT Program Mission / Goals / Objectives please refer to the MSAT Program website https://spalding.edu/academics/athletic-training/msat-program/

Prerequisite Courses for the Professional Program
The following CORE courses (or equivalent) must be completed with a Core GPA of 3.0 or higher prior to officially entering the professional phase of the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program:

ENG 109 College Writing I 3
COM 201 Effective Speaking 3
PHIL 154 Ethics 3
CHEM 106 Chemistry for Allied Health 3
MATH 113 College Algebra 3
PSY 103 Psychological Systems 3
BIO 261 Human Anatomy 3
BIO 262 Human Anatomy Lab 1
BIO 263 Human Physiology 3
BIO 264 Human Physiology Lab 1
MATH 231 Introduction to Statistics 3
PHYS 204 Physics for Rehabilitation Science 3
HS 301 Medical Terminology 3

Any course substitutions are at the discretion of the Athletic Training Program Director.

Academic Requirements
A minimum grade of B is required in all professional program courses for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students completing the BSHS or BSNS degree tracts must meet the graduate admission GPA requirements (3.0 or higher) prior to entry into the MSAT Professional Program. Continuation within the entire professional program follows Graduate School Policies.
Students within the MSAT Professional Program who are unable to complete the course curriculum progression as outlined, must join the next available cohort course offerings. Independent study courses to accommodate students who must drop out of the MSAT Professional Program are not permitted. For additional information about MSAT Professional Program retention, student status, and remediation policies, please contact the Program Director or Clinical Education Coordinator.

Professional Program Assessment

All professional evaluation/intervention and clinical education courses are competency-based and must be successfully completed in a sequential pattern. After successful completion of all MSAT Professional Program requirements and degree conferral, the student is eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the athletic trainer administered by the BOC. The certification examination evaluates the professional athletic training practice domains related to injury/illness prevention and wellness protection, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, treatment and rehabilitation, and organizational and professional health and well-being. The MSAT Professional Program graduate must also make application to state regulatory boards in jurisdictions where they plan to work as a licensed athletic trainer.

Appeals
Students have the right to appeal decisions related to admissions, progression or continuation to the Athletic Training Program Admission and Continuation Committee. A written letter of appeal (per University policy as found at the Academic Status and Appeals link of the Spalding University Online Catalog) is submitted by the student to the committee.

Technical Standards
All students applying for admission to the Athletic Training Program and subsequently for progression through the MSAT Program must be able to meet all course performance outcomes.  The MSAT Program Technical Standards can be found on the MSAT Program website, in the MSAT Applicant Resources.  https://spalding.edu/academics/athletic-training/apply-msat-program.

Additional Program Costs
There are program costs associated with the MSAT Program at Spalding University beyond tuition and standard fees.  For the MSAT Estimated Schedule of Costs please refer to the MSAT Program website.

Program Sheets
Bachelor of Science in Natural Science: Athletic Training
Bachelor of Science in Natural Science/Master of Science: Athletic Training
Bachelor of Science in Health Science Athletic Training
Master of Science in Athletic Training