Master of Science of Athletic Training (MSAT)

3+2 EXERCISE SCIENCE/PRE-PROFESSIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINING TO MASTER OF SCIENCE OF ATHLETIC TRAINING

Athletic Training provides a unique experience of professionalism and interaction with athletes, athletic injuries, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team.  Athletic Trainers specialize in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.  Athletic Trainers may encounter a variety of scenarios throughout the workday.  Making decisions, devising treatment protocols, serving as a liaison to the physician, documentation of daily notes, and emergency first aid care are just a few of the scenarios one may encounter on a daily basis.  The responsibilities extend to management of an athletic training facility, patient education on health topics such as nutrition, exercise, injury prevention and rehabilitation, and communication with other colleagues in the healthcare team that may include other athletic trainers, coaches, physicians, nurses, insurance companies, physical therapists, etc.

The Athletic Training field requires a certain individual who possesses a love for working with the physically active.  Students seeking a career in Athletic Training will be enrolled in the Exercise Science major with a focus on the Pre-Professional Athletic Training curriculum for the first three (3) years of study.  Courses in the Pre-Professional Athletic Training track will prepare students for the Professional phase of study in the Master of Science of Athletic Training (MSAT) Program.

Accepted students are required to follow the Athletic Training Student Handbook which defines rules, regulations, and standards for the student’s continued progression in the major.  In addition to the University’s core curriculum requirements defined in this handbook, the Athletic Training Student must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, 3.0 pre-requisite GPA, and earn a minimum grade of “C” in all of the pre-requisite courses listed below:

• One semester of Biology with lab
• One semester of Chemistry with lab
• One semester of Physics with lab
• One semester of Human Anatomy with lab*
• One semester of Human Physiology with lab*
• One semester of Statistics
• One semester of Introduction of Psychology
• One semester of Exercise Physiology

* Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 may substitute for these pre-requisites.

As part of the requirements for the MSAT Program and national certification eligibility, students are required to complete two (2) terms of clinical education experiences as well as an Immersive Athletic Training Practicum Experience under the supervision of a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer.  To fulfill this requirement, the student will have the opportunity to work with Wheeling University student-athletes as well as a variety of other settings in the area or across the country including high schools, other colleges, clinics, and professional teams.  

Upon completion of the MSAT Program at Wheeling University, students will be able to take the national Board of Certification (BOC) Exam to become a nationally Certified Athletic Trainer.  Upon successful completion of the BOC Examination, the individual is able to enter the job force in a variety of settings including but not limited to high schools, colleges, professional athletics, clinics, hospitals, military services, Olympic training centers, and industry.  Students will also be well prepared to pursue graduate school for other healthcare professions including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant, among others. 

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The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) is the accrediting agency for all Athletic Training Education Programs.
Wheeling University is an official CAATE accredited program.

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Contact

Melissa Bozovich PT, DPT, LAT, ATC
mbozovich@wheeling.edu
304.243.8713

2022 Admissions Requirements 

There are two options to apply to the MSAT program at Wheeling University.  Students will be selected upon evaluation of the following factors:

Option 1 – (for high school seniors interested in Athletic Training)

1. Acceptance into the Integrated Concurrent 5-year (3+2) degree program

2. Completion of all general education requirements prior to acceptance into the MSAT Program

3. 3.0 Cumulative GPA; 3.0 Prerequisite GPA

4. C or above in all pre-requisite courses: 

• One Semester of Biology with lab
• One Semester of Chemistry with lab
• One Semester of Physics with lab
• One Semester of Human Anatomy with lab*
• One Semester of Human Physiology with lab*
• One Semester of Statistics
• One Semester of Introduction of Psychology
• One Semester of Exercise Physiology
  * Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 may substitute for these pre-requisites.

5. Completion of graduate admission application, resume, and two professional references

6. Completion of Clinical Observation Experience

• Minimum of 50 hours  
  • Completed on the Clinical Observation form included on the graduate admission application 
• Must be completed with a qualified Athletic Training Preceptor 
  • Must be BOC credentialed
  • Must hold current state licensure or registration

7. Interview with Faculty of the MSAT program (at the discretion of the program Faculty)

Option 2 – (for college seniors interested in Athletic Training)

1. B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution of higher education

2. 3.0 Cumulative GPA; 3.0 Prerequisite GPA

3. C or above in all pre-requisite courses: 

• One Semester of Biology with lab
• One Semester of Chemistry with lab
• One Semester of Physics with lab
• One Semester of Human Anatomy with lab*
• One Semester of Human Physiology with lab*
• One Semester of Statistics
• One Semester of Introduction of Psychology
• One Semester of Exercise Physiology
  * Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 may substitute for these pre-requisites.

4. Completion of graduate admission application, resume, and two professional references

5. Completion of Clinical Observation Experience 

• Minimum of 50 hours  
  • Completed on the Clinical Observation form included on the graduate admission application 
• Must be completed with a qualified Athletic Training Preceptor 
  • Must be BOC credentialed
  • Must hold current state licensure or registration

6. Interview with Faculty of the MSAT program (at the discretion of the program Faculty)

***Exceptions to the admission requirements, including pre-requisite course requirements, will be made on an individual basis provided the student’s progression within the MSAT is obtainable.

Terms

TERM I – SUMMER 2022

6 Weeks (Online)
Start Date:  May 9, 2022
Last Day to Withdraw:  May 13, 2022
End of May Term:  June 17, 2022

TERM II – FALL 2022

16 Weeks (In-House)
Start Date:  August 29, 2022
Last Day to Withdraw:  September 2, 2022
End of Fall Term:  December 16, 2022

TERM III – SPRING 2023

16 Weeks (In-House)
Start Date: January 9, 2023
Last Day to Withdraw:  January 13, 2023
End of Spring Term:  April 27, 2023

SUMMER 2023

TERM IV

8 Weeks (In-House)
Start Date:  May 8, 2023
Last Day to Withdraw: May 12, 2023
End of Spring Term:  June 30, 2023

TERM I

6 Weeks (Online)
Start Date:  May 8, 2023
Last Day to Withdraw:  May 12, 2023
End of Spring Term:  June 16, 2023

FALL 2023

TERM V

16 Weeks – Intensive Clinical, Board Prep (On-line), Capstone (In-Person)

TERM II

16 Weeks (In-House)