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Master of Science in Athletic Training

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The University of Georgia is currently seeking approval to offer a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program to begin in June of 2021. The information on this page is based on the proposed program and is pending formal University of Georgia, University of Georgia Board of Regents, and Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education (CAATE) approvals.

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who prevent, evaluate, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate emergent, acute, and chronic injuries and illnesses in direct collaboration with a physician. Athletic trainers are employed at a variety of settings that include, but, are not limited to:

  • Professional, Olympic, collegiate, interscholastic, and recreational sports
  • Rehabilitation centers and clinics focused on sports medicine, orthopedics, cardiac rehabilitation, wellness, and neurological rehabilitation
  • Physician practices
  • Hospital emergency rooms and urgent care centers
  • Occupational health in industrial, manufacturing, and distribution centers
  • Law enforcement and fire departments, branches of the military, NASA
  • Performing arts including performance, dance, and acting

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the athletic training profession is projected to grow 19% between 2018 and 2028. This is much faster than the average growth for all occupations.

The athletic training program at UGA is a two-year, six-semester program that will prepare students to become highly skilled and confident healthcare practitioners in the profession of athletic training capable to practice in a variety of clinical settings.

Pending formal approval, 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.

Program Highlights

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

  • Clinical education
    • 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

Program Outcomes

The athletic training program boasts a high level of student success. See our most current program outcomes to learn more about the success of our athletic training students.

Curriculum

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

Admissions

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 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
    • 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"
  • Minimum grade point average of 3.0 on all upper level coursework
  • 50 hours of observation of an athletic trainer (within 5 years of application)
  • Interview with program acceptance committee
  • 3 letters of recommendation (at least one must be completed by an athletic trainer or physician)

Adjunct Opportunities

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:

Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, N.Y. Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins

Clinical Education

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

Expenses

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

Study Abroad

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.

Additional Resources