Master in Athletic Training

Apply Now

Program Link:
https://education.wsu.edu/undergradprograms/athletictraining/
Program Handbook:
https://education.wsu.edu/documents/2015/06/atprogramhandbookfall14.pdf/
Student Learning Outcomes:
https://education.wsu.edu/athletictraining/learningoutcomes/
Total Graduate Faculty in Program:
3
Total Core Graduate Faculty in Program:
3
Graduate Students in Program:
16
Priority Deadlines:

Campus:

  • Pullman

International Student English Proficiency Exams

International students may need to surpass the Graduate School’s minimum English language proficiency exam scores for this program. If the graduate program has unique score requirements, they will be detailed below. Otherwise, please refer to the Graduate School’s minimum score guidelines.

Degree Description:

The mission of the Athletic Training Program (ATP) at Washington State University (WSU) is to provide future athletic trainers with the highest quality of education, knowledge, and skills to enhance the health and well-being of physically active populations throughout our community and the world. Students who graduate from the program will be well-prepared for the Board of Certification (BOC) Examination and a future in helping all individuals safely participate in physical activity.  As faculty, we educate our students with the most current evidence-based and practical knowledge while providing an example of expert, professional, and compassionate service.

The Athletic Training Program (ATP) is a professional program which contains both an undergraduate degree (BS in Sports Medicine) and graduate degree (Master’s in Athletic Training).  The combined program length is 5 years and all courses required for AT specific standards must be taken at WSU.  Once a student is formally admitted to the AT Program, the combined program length is 8 semesters and must be completed consecutively.  This includes a pre-clinical semester and a summer session.  Please see the AT website for all information relating to the AT program.

Admission Requirements:

The Master’s in Athletic Training degree is a 5- year program at WSU.  Admission to the degree actually starts during the undergraduate portion of the degree (BS in Sports Medicine) and then concludes with the MAT degree.  These two degrees together will allow the student to sit for the national certification exam (BOC) in order to become a certified athletic trainer.  You CANNOT complete only the MAT portion of the degree at WSU, the entire 5 year program must be completed at WSU.  Students will typically apply fall of their sophomore year for admittance into the AT program.  Students will begin the professional athletic training program their junior year, followed by the senior year, and then a graduate year.  This graduate year includes a summer session.  See below for the admission requirement details.

 

Application into the Athletic Training Program

Acceptance to the ATP is based on a competitive application process. Contact katy.pietz@wsu.edu for information on the application. The following are required to apply:

1.       A grade of C or better in Human Anatomy (KINES 262) and Techniques in Athletic Training (Ath T 267)

2.       Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 including the semester of application

3.       Minimum of 50 course credit hours earned including the semester of application

4.       Typed application form and written responses to Applicant Questions

5.       Three letters of recommendation

6.       Completed technical standards document

7.       15 hours of observation in the WSU Athletic Medicine facility (see the Clinical Education Coordinator for details)

8.  Alumni interview- After completion of the application, each applicant will be contacted for an interview. The student interviews will be evaluated in the areas of personal attributes, maturity, and motivation for athletic training.

Additional application notes:

1.       There is room for ~18 students to be admitted into the clinical experience each fall.  Total points earned on the application and interview will determine selection.

2.       Applicants will be informed in writing as to the selection committee’s decision in late December.

3.       Applicants who are selected should plan to matriculate beginning fall of the next academic year, and expect to remain in the clinical program for six semesters.

4.       Applicants who are selected will be required to complete and/or show proof of current vaccination requirements.

5.       During the 2nd year, transportation to/from off-campus clinical education experiences will be at the students’ expense.

6.       Students will be expected to purchase liability insurance each year at their own expense.

7.       Athletic training students will be required to become members of the NATA for professional development purposes.

8.       Applicants who are selected will be required to maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and achieve a B or better in all core athletic training classes, and show progressive clinical development to remain in the ATP.

9.       Applicants who are not selected may re-apply the following year. Observation hours will not need to be redone.

Student Opportunities:

Our program includes a minimum of ~2,100 hours of clinical education. Your clinical assignments will rotate each of six semesters for a well-rounded experience during which you will average 15-30 hours per week (increase clinical experience as you progress through the program). There will also be an immersive clinical experience between your 2nd and 3rd semesters.  Students will be responsible for purchasing personal professional liability insurance each year.

  • Semester 1: You will have an opportunity to become oriented with all of the athletic training facilities and staff certified athletic trainers as you rotate through assignments with most of the sports offered on campus.
  • Semester 2: You will be assigned a staff certified athletic trainer as a mentor and will gain valuable experience working with the sports to which your mentor is assigned.)
  • Clinical Immersion (4 week minimum) – off-campus rotation
  • Semester 3 and 4: These rotations include time spent in a physical therapy clinic, high school, general medical clinic, local NAIA college, and the University of Idaho. Transportation to and from the off-campus clinical education experiences will be at the students’ expense.
  • Semester 5 and 6: Your third year in the program you will be assigned as the senior student to a mentor and assist with the daily responsibilities of providing treatment and care for the teams to which your mentor is assigned as well as gaining familiarity with the administrative duties for which your mentor is responsible.
  • Hosting: Throughout your clinical education you will have opportunities to “host” visiting teams. This includes setting up the sidelines and being available to assist visiting athletic trainers and student-athletes.
  • Other Opportunities: Students may have opportunities to work with special events in the area such as high school state tournaments and the NAIA World Series

Career Opportunities:

WSU has had an AT program since 1974 and the alumni base is enormous.  We have had graduates go into all settings and levels within the sporting world (collegiate/professional/recreation).  In addition we have a number of graduates employed in the industrial settings, performance settings and high schools.  We have alumni that are in faculty roles within higher education.  Chances are if you want to work in that setting there is a Cougar who has been there!

Contact Information: