Athletic Training DAT

About the Program

The Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) program is offered online by the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in the College of Public Health at Temple University, which has been a leader in athletic training education for more than 30 years. Establishing the DAT keeps Temple University ahead of the curve in athletic training education as the master's becomes the entry-level degree in 2022.

Offering the DAT online increases student access to a unique and innovative world-class graduate education. The combination of outstanding faculty, administrative support, and online instructional resources allows Temple University to provide an excellent education to an ever-growing market of students seeking quality graduate education. Students seek advising and complete or update advising contracts with the Program Director. Faculty work closely with students to select courses, develop an evidence-based project question, and complete the capstone project.

The DAT is designed to enhance clinical decision-making by allowing the practicing certified athletic trainer to utilize evidence-based techniques, including the identification and interpretation of current literature to improve patient outcomes. Delivering the program exclusively online allows a greater audience to be reached and collaboration with people from diverse backgrounds and with varied experiences to occur.

The DAT is geared toward advancing clinical knowledge of currently practicing certified athletic trainers. It targets those interested in the clinical application and education of advanced athletic training concepts and practice, not original research. For individuals interested in athletic training research, Temple University offers a PhD in Kinesiology with a concentration in Athletic Training. The PhD degree is research-based and trains professionals to be independent investigators who may go on for postdoctoral training.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 5 years

Campus Location: Online

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: While not recommended, the degree program can be completed on a part-time basis. This must be approved by the Program Director.

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

Job Prospects: As of 2015, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth in athletic training until 2025, which is above the standard workforce demand rate.

Licensure/Certification: Applicants for and graduates of the DAT program must be certified athletic trainers. This program does not allow for students to take the Board of Certification exam. Applicants interested in becoming a certified athletic trainer should consider Temple's accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: DAT coursework is available only to matriculated students.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: July 1

All applicants to the DAT program must apply via SOPHAS Express. The system can be accessed at https://sophasexpress.liaisoncas.com/.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3

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

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: All applicants must be certified athletic trainers via the procedures specified by the Board of Certification.

Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A master's degree is required.

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 SOPHAS Express.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Optional, although applicants who believe GRE scores would complement their application are encouraged to submit scores to SOPHAS Express using code 0151.

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 (send officially to SOPHAS Express using the SOPHAS-specific TOEFL code 5688)
IELTS Academic: 6.5
PTE Academic: 53
Duolingo: 110

Resume: A current resume that includes the applicant's GPA and relevant clinical and research experiences is required to be submitted at SOPHAS Express.

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

Laptop: Beginning in Fall 2020, 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.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required to Earn the Degree: 36

Required Courses:

Year 1
Fall		Credit Hours
ATHT 8601	Research Appraisal and Clinical Application	3
ATHT 8602	Clinical Grand Rounds I: Lower Extremity	3
HRPR 5001	Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions¹	0
	Term Credit Hours	6
Spring
ATHT 8603	Clinical Grand Rounds II: Upper Extremity	3
ATHT 8604	Evidence Based Decision Making in Athletic Training	3
	Term Credit Hours	6
Summer
ATHT 5808	Advanced Sport Concussion	3
ATHT 8611	Leadership and Cultural Considerations in Athletic Training	3
	Term Credit Hours	6
Year 2
Fall
ATHT 8344	Rehabilitation Methods and Techniques for Sports-Related Injuries	3
Elective		3
	Term Credit Hours	6
Spring
ATHT 8343	Advanced Topics in Athletic Training	3
Elective		3
	Term Credit Hours	6
Summer
ATHT 9601	Capstone in Athletic Training	6
	Term Credit Hours	6
	Total Credit Hours:	36

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.

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

Culminating Event:
Capstone Project:
Students are assigned a faculty advisor to guide the Capstone Project, which must be grounded in evidence-based practice. The doctoral capstone is developed over a series of academic terms. Outcomes from the Capstone Project are expected to be incorporated into clinical practice.