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.
As a leader in the education of future and current certified athletic trainers for more than 35 years, Temple secured its position by implementing a program in 2016. Temple's geographical location, access to quality clinical education experiences, alumni network, cutting-edge healthcare research, and dedicated faculty provide a unique and competitive educational experience. Being housed in a College of Public Health allows students and faculty to view athletic training through a public health lens, enhancing the health and health care of communities.
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:
- Risk reduction, wellness, and health literacy
- Assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis
- Critical incident management
- Therapeutic intervention
- 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
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
- Athletic training through a public health lens
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 student. 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.
Clearance Requirements: Students attending Temple University College of Public Health are required to submit to Temple University Student Health Services proof of immunizations and proof of immunity for MMR, Varicella and hepatitis B, proof of being fully vaccinated to COVID-19, TB screening, and a physical exam prior to matriculation. Annually, an influenza vaccine is required, some affiliates may also require annual TB screening and urine drug screenings. Students who are in fully on-line programs with no in person class or practicum experience can request a waiver for the above health requirements. Prematriculation Requirements | Student Health Services | Student Health Services (temple.edu)
All students who attend programs, which have a clinical / practicum / field education experience, will be required to purchase access to EXXAT - APPROVE compliance module. This module to order, store and maintain compliance documents, required for participation in a learning experience at an affiliate site.
Students who attend CPH programs which have a clinical / practicum / field education experience which are completed at affiliate sites both on and off the Temple University campus, are required to comply with minimum standard compliance metrics which include the above health requirements in addition to a national criminal background check, Act 33/34clearances in the state of Pennsylvania, FBI fingerprinting through DHS or DoE. FBI fingerprints is a national check, which can be performed through any of the 50 states.
The results of these requirements may limit and potentially eliminate placement options for the student, thus resulting in their inability to meet graduation requirements. Additionally, conviction of a misdemeanor, felony, or felonious or illegal act may prevent the individual from becoming credentialed and/or licensed to practice depending on the field of study.
In addition to the above, students who attend the Athletic Training program are required to show proof of health insurance annually, and some sites may require proof of current CPR certification for healthcare professionals.
Program Requirements
General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required to Earn the Degree: 53
Required Courses:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| College Core Course | ||
| HRPR 5001 | Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions 1 | 0 |
| MSAT Core Courses | ||
| ATHT 5142 | Foundations of Athletic Training | 4 |
| ATHT 5143 | Orthopedic Assessment I | 3 |
| 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 |
| ATHT 5443 | Organization and Administration in Athletic Training | 3 |
| ATHT 5444 | Therapeutic Interventions in Athletic Training | 5 |
| ATHT 5445 | Considerations for Healing | 4 |
| ATHT 5487 | Practicum in Athletic Training II | 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 5808 | Advanced Sport Concussion | 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 (2 terms) | 2 |
| ATHT 5988 | Advanced Immersive Clinical Practice in Athletic Training | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours | 53 | |
- 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
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer II | Credit 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 Hours | 7 | |
| 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 Hours | 11 | |
| Spring | ||
| ATHT 5444 | Therapeutic Interventions in Athletic Training | 5 |
| ATHT 5445 | Considerations for Healing | 4 |
| ATHT 5487 | Practicum in Athletic Training II | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| 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 Hours | 11 | |
| 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 Hours | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 53 | |
- 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 50 clinical education sites and 90 approved clinical preceptors are currently in place. Immersive clinical education experiences may also be completed outside of the Greater Philadelphia region.
Accelerated Programs
Undergraduate students may opt to pursue an accelerated +1 program, enabling them to complete both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time than the traditional route.
The accelerated pathway for the Athletic Training MSAT is offered as a direct entry program combining our BS in Health Professions and our MS in Athletic Training.
More than 70 percent of athletic trainers hold at least a master's degree—and within the next few years, a master's degree will be required in order to become eligible for national certification. This program provides you with a direct path into our accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training program, allowing you to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in five years and preparing you to begin practicing as an athletic trainer. Admitted students are granted direct acceptance into both programs—meaning you do not have to apply separately to the MS program. During the program, you will work with an advisor on academic planning to make sure you are on track and remain in good academic standing to satisfy academic requirements for both programs
Cohort Code: XMSAT
Minimum GPA: 3.00
Graduate Courses Approved to Count for Both Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ATHT 5142 | Foundations of Athletic Training | 4 |
| ATHT 5143 | Orthopedic Assessment I | 3 |
| ATHT 5808 | Advanced Sport Concussion | 3 |
Suggested Academic Plan
| Year 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| ATHT 5808 | Advanced Sport Concussion | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Summer II | ||
| ATHT 5142 | Foundations of Athletic Training | 4 |
| ATHT 5143 | Orthopedic Assessment I | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 7 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 10 | |
Contact Information
Wendy Cheesman
wendy.cheesman@temple.edu
Sue Stirling
stirling@temple.edu
Learn more about the direct admissions program to Athletic Training.
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