COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Learn more about the Master of Science in Athletic Training.

About the Program

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) degree is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training and prepares students to become certified athletic trainers who are at the forefront of clinical practice and education. This degree program was designed in response to the decision by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), the Board of Certification, and the National Athletic Trainers' Association to transition to an entry-level master's degree as a requirement for certification eligibility. These groups all recognize the increasing scope of practice for athletic trainers.

Temple University established the professional MSAT degree as it phased out the BSAT. As a leader in the education of future and current certified athletic trainers for more than 30 years, Temple secured its position by implementing a program in 2016, ahead of the curve, given that the master's degree was not required until 2022. Temple's geographical location, access to quality field experiences, alumni network, cutting-edge healthcare research, and dedicated faculty provide a unique and competitive educational experience.

Students graduating from the MSAT program are able to:

  • clinically apply the foundational behaviors of professional practice;
  • demonstrate knowledge and competency within the content areas of athletic training;
  • serve as leaders and advocates to enhance clinical and patient outcomes;
  • practice with cultural competence and professional integrity;
  • advance the athletic training profession;
  • effectively communicate with peer healthcare professionals, patients and athletic program administrators; and
  • apply evidence-based decision-making to clinical practice to increase patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 5 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: Students are expected to complete their two years of coursework on a full-time basis.

Interdisciplinary Study: Interdisciplinary study is available within the department and through other departments in the University.

Ranking: While rankings of individual programs and the department are not conducted in the profession, the programs at Temple University have excellent reputations.

Accreditation: The MSAT degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Areas of Specialization: The Athletic Training Practice Domains, as identified by the Board of Certification, encompass five main areas:

  1. Injury/illness prevention and wellness promotion
  2. Examination, assessment and diagnosis
  3. Immediate and emergency care
  4. Therapeutic intervention
  5. Healthcare administration and professional responsibility

As a result of the uniqueness of Temple University's College of Public Health and its research areas, areas of distinctiveness also include:

  • Advanced concussion education
  • Evidence-based practice components

Job Prospects: Graduates are prepared to work as entry-level clinical certified athletic trainers in various traditional settings (e.g., high schools, universities, clinics, hospitals); to apply for advanced research-based education (e.g., PhD) or clinical education (e.g., DAT); or to practice in an emerging area (e.g., dance, military).

Licensure/Certification: Graduates of the MSAT degree program are eligible to take the Board of Certification examination to become a certified athletic trainer. For more information on the certification process, see https://www.bocatc.org/. For more information about state regulatory processes, see https://members.nata.org/gov/state/regulatory-boards/map.cfm.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students are welcome to take classes in the department, assuming they have the requisite knowledge to be successful in the coursework.

Financing Opportunities: For information on financial aid, contact the Office of Student Financial Services at sfs@temple.edu or 215-204-2244.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Summer II: June 1

All applicants to the MSAT program must apply via the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS). The system can be accessed at https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 2

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from evaluators, typically college/university faculty or an immediate work supervisor, who can provide insight into the applicant's aptitude for graduate study. These should be submitted at https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: Required coursework includes:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Exercise Physiology
  • General or Sport Psychology
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (8 credits)
  • Nutrition
  • Physics
  • Statistics

Prerequisites are not required to have been taken while an undergraduate. The courses may be completed at a local community college or any accredited institution of higher education. Prerequisites may be in progress at the time of the initial application, but must be completed and verified on one’s ATCAS application by June 1 of the year for which application is made. Questions regarding prerequisite work should be directed to the Program Director.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree.

Statement of Goals: A statement of one to two pages should be clearly written and well-thought-out. It should be submitted at https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Optional. If submitted, scores must be sent directly to ATCAS.

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

  • TOEFL iBT: 79
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5
  • PTE Academic: 53
  • Duolingo: 110

Resume:  A current resume that includes the applicant's undergraduate GPA and any relevant clinical and/or research experiences, if applicable, is required to be submitted at https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/.

Interview: Selected applicants are invited to interview via video chat at a mutually convenient time for the faculty interviewer(s) and the applicant.

Laptop: All incoming students in the College of Public Health are required to have a laptop. Academic programs in the college are technology intensive. They incorporate statistical and database analyses; utilize specialized tools for athletic training, kinesiology and physical therapy; stream audio and video for communication sciences; facilitate online interactive counseling for social work; and foster clinical experiences and online assessments. The laptop requirement enables the College of Public Health to improve opportunities for active learning and provide greater access to specialized software and required tools in and out of the classroom, better preparing students for the workforce. Learn more about device specifications and suggested vendors. Students can use excess financial aid (i.e., funds that are reimbursed after all tuition and fees are paid) to meet student needs, including the purchase of a laptop. Scholarships may also provide funding.

Transfer Credit: At the discretion of the Program Director, relevant graduate courses taken at other accredited universities may be considered for transfer credit to the student's program. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 6.

Clearances: The Athletic Training MSAT program requires students to complete clinical/field education experiences at facilities both on and off Temple University’s campuses. These placements require students to have a physical exam, immunizations with titers, and a PPD test. Many placements also require criminal background checks, Act 33/34 clearances, and perhaps a drug screen. Students may also be required to maintain personal health insurance. The results of these requirements may limit and potentially eliminate placement options for the student, thus resulting in their inability to meet graduation requirements. The College cannot ensure clinical field placements if the individual fails to meet the requirements or maintain health insurance. Additionally, conviction of a misdemeanor, felony, or felonious or illegal act may prevent the student from becoming certified to practice athletic training.

Other: Students must submit the following items in preparation for the Fall practicum courses after admission to the program but prior to August 1:

  • Emergency Cardiac Care Certification
  • FBI Fingerprint Check
  • PA Criminal Background Check
  • PA Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse Clearance
  • Proof of Physical Examination, including blood titers/boosters where applicable
  • PPD Skin Test for Tuberculosis Exposure

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required to Earn the Degree: 53

Required Courses:

College Core Course
HRPR 5001Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions 10
MSAT Core Courses
ATHT 5142Foundations of Athletic Training4
ATHT 5143Orthopedic Assessment I3
ATHT 5244Orthopedic Assessment II3
ATHT 5245General Medical Conditions in Athletic Training4
ATHT 5247Leadership for the Entry-Level Athletic Trainer1
ATHT 5287Practicum in Athletic Training I3
ATHT 5443Organization and Administration in Athletic Training3
ATHT 5444Therapeutic Interventions in Athletic Training5
ATHT 5445Considerations for Healing4
ATHT 5487Practicum in Athletic Training II3
ATHT 5644Applied Research in Athletic Training3
ATHT 5645Board of Certification Examination Preparation2
ATHT 5687Practicum in Athletic Training III2
ATHT 5808Advanced Sport Concussion3
ATHT 5851Current Trends in Athletic Training3
ATHT 5852Transition to Athletic Training Clinical Practice3
ATHT 5888Immersive Clinical Practice in Athletic Training (2 terms)2
ATHT 5988Advanced Immersive Clinical Practice in Athletic Training2
Total Credit Hours53
1

This common College Core course is required of all incoming graduate students in the College of Public Health. It is available completely online and designed such that students can complete the modules at their own pace over the course of their degree program.

Recommended Course of Study Outlined by Year and Term

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Summer IICredit Hours
ATHT 5142 Foundations of Athletic Training 4
ATHT 5143 Orthopedic Assessment I 3
HRPR 5001 Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions 1 0
 Credit Hours7
Fall
ATHT 5244 Orthopedic Assessment II 3
ATHT 5245 General Medical Conditions in Athletic Training 4
ATHT 5247 Leadership for the Entry-Level Athletic Trainer 1
ATHT 5287 Practicum in Athletic Training I 3
 Credit Hours11
Spring
ATHT 5444 Therapeutic Interventions in Athletic Training 5
ATHT 5445 Considerations for Healing 4
ATHT 5487 Practicum in Athletic Training II 3
 Credit Hours12
Year 2
Fall
ATHT 5443 Organization and Administration in Athletic Training 3
ATHT 5644 Applied Research in Athletic Training 3
ATHT 5645 Board of Certification Examination Preparation 2
ATHT 5687 Practicum in Athletic Training III 2
ATHT 5888 Immersive Clinical Practice in Athletic Training 2 1
 Credit Hours11
Spring
ATHT 5808 Advanced Sport Concussion 3 3
ATHT 5851 Current Trends in Athletic Training 3
ATHT 5852 Transition to Athletic Training Clinical Practice 3
ATHT 5888 Immersive Clinical Practice in Athletic Training 4 1
ATHT 5988 Advanced Immersive Clinical Practice in Athletic Training 5 2
 Credit Hours12
 Total Credit Hours53
1

This common College Core course is required of all incoming graduate students in the College of Public Health. It is available completely online and designed such that students can complete the modules at their own pace over the course of their degree program.

2

ATHT 5888 is scheduled to be taken in August in the Fall "Early Term Start" academic period. See the official academic calendar on the Office of the University Registrar website.

3

ATHT 5808 is scheduled to be taken midterm of the Spring term in the 7-week "7B" academic period. To determine the first day of class, see the official academic calendar on the Office of the University Registrar website.

4

ATHT 5888 is scheduled to be taken December to January in the Spring "Early Term Start" academic period. See the official academic calendar on the Office of the University Registrar website.

5

ATHT 5988 is scheduled to be taken at the start of the regular Spring term in the 7-week "7A" academic period.

Minimum Grade to be Earned for All Required Courses: B-

Culminating Event:
Fieldwork Practica:
Students in the MSAT program are assigned by the program to a clinical education site and preceptor (i.e., a certified athletic trainer or physician who has successfully completed preceptor training offered by program faculty) each Fall and Spring academic term. Affiliation agreements with over 30 clinical education sites and 60 approved clinical preceptors currently are in place. Immersive clinical education experiences may also be completed outside of the Greater Philadelphia region. 

Contacts

Program Web Address:

https://www.temple.edu/academics/degree-programs/athletic-training-msat-hp-atht-msat

Department Information:

Dept. of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

230 Pearson Hall

1800 N. Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19121-3302

215-204-2153

Submission Address for Application Materials:

https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

CPH Office of Admissions

cph@temple.edu

215-204-5200

Director of Athletic Training Education:

Jamie Mansell, PhD, LAT, ATC

jmansell@temple.edu

215-204-2153