Master of Science in Athletic Training

What sets UGA's athletic training program apart from other programs?

• Students complete clinical education experiences in the Southeastern Conference!
• Over 40 weeks of immersive clinical experiences
• Individually tailored clinical experiences to professional goals
• Opportunity to obtain emergency medicine technician (EMT) credential
• Option to conduct research and prepare for a terminal degree
• Opportunity to study abroad
• Faculty and staff expertise in behavioral health, biomechanics and injury, concussion, emergency care, environmental conditions, manual therapy, and spine evaluation and treatment

The University of Georgia has been formally approved to offer a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT). The Athletic Training Program at UGA is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and is currently applying to the CAATE for a change in level of degree and is pending approval.

Pending CAATE approval of the degree transition, students who successfully complete the Master of Science in Athletic Training program will be eligible to take the Board of Certification Examination. Certification as an athletic trainer through the Board of Certification is required to practice as an athletic trainer.

The athletic training curriculum is a 79-credit, two-year, six-semester program. Classes are offered in an accelerated manner to allow for an immersive clinical education. Students can only complete this program on a full-time basis.

The program's unique and progressive curriculum includes:

• 2 courses on cadaver anatomy
• 8 courses on evaluation and treatment
• A course preparing students to treat athletes with disabilities
• A course preparing students to read and perform diagnostic testing and imaging

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal.

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program anticipates accepting its first cohort to begin in June of 2021. Applications will be open beginning the Fall of 2020.

The application process through ATCAS is currently in development. Please check back soon or contact the Program Director for further information regarding the program application.

Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For strongest consideration, students should apply by December 15th, however applications will continue to be considered until the class is full. Students admitted to the MSAT program will begin with a program orientation Wednesday, June 7th and Thursday, June 8th. Classes will begin on Friday, June 9, 2021.

The Master of Science in Athletic Training program conducts a competitive admission process. In order to be admitted to the MSAT program, students must minimally meet the following requirements:

Please note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the athletic training program at UGA.

• Completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Pre-requisite courses completed at the post-secondary level, within 10 years of program application
• At least 8 of the 10 program pre-requisites must be complete or in progress by the application deadline. Official transcripts for in-process courses must be submitted after the semester in order for program review. All pre-requisites must be complete by program matriculation.
  • General biology (3 credits minimum) (lab preferred)
  • General chemistry (3 credits minimum) (lab preferred)
  • General physics (3 credits minimum) (lab preferred)
  • Anatomy and physiology I & II (3 credits minimum/class) (labs preferred)
  • General psychology (3 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)
  • Nutrition (3 credits) (sports nutrition preferred)
  • Exercise physiology (3 credits minimum) (lab preferred)
  • Applied kinesiology or biomechanics (3 credits minimum) (lab preferred)
• Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0
• Minimum pre-requisite grade point average of 3.0 with no grade below a "C"
• AP credit will be accepted with an earned exam score of 3 or higher

• 50 hours of observation of an athletic trainer (within 5 years of application)

  • Students must complete this observation form and upload to ATCAS.

  Students who are unable to complete a minimum of 50 Athletic Training observation hours due to COVID-19 by the application due date should contact the Athletic Training Program Director for instructions.

• 3 letters of recommendation
  (Although anyone who can speak to your personal and professional characteristics may be an appropriate individual to write your letters, preference will be given to strong letters from allied health professionals.)

  At least one letter of recommendation must be from an athletic trainer or physician familiar with sports medicine (however an athletic trainer is strongly encouraged).

  Please do not submit letters of recommendation from a family member.

• Completed application and essays

Candidates for admission into the Athletic Training Program will be required to complete a virtual interview. Candidates selected for interview will be notified upon their application review.

Although not guaranteed, students in the athletic training program at the University of Georgia have had many opportunities to complete internships with several professional organizations, including:

Students will complete clinical education experiences during each semester. Clinical education experiences will be tailored to the goals of the student. Students have opportunities to complete clinical education experiences across the country and internationally.

View the proposed clinical education plan.

All students will gain experience working with:

• UGA football and other sports
• Secondary schools
• Physician offices
• Orthopedics (clinic and surgery)
• Emergency departments
• EMS
• Rehabilitation
• Neurological conditions/concussion
• Behavioral health
• Radiology

In addition to UGA student fees, athletic training students can anticipate additional costs to include:

• Transportation to and from clinical education
• Liability insurance
• Membership dues to professional organizations
• Immunizations
• Background checks
• Drug screens
• CPR training
• Clinical uniforms
• Non-required additional certifications/credentials

Students have the opportunity to complete a study abroad experience in Taiwan during the Maymester.

This program will allow students to learn athletic training techniques, traditional Chinese therapeutic techniques, and Eastern medicine practices.

• UGA athletic training program mission, goals, and objectives

If you have any questions about the Athletic Training Program, please email Dr. Jill Manners (Program Director) or use our online form.