M.S. in Athletic Training
Description
The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) prepares future allied health care professionals wishing to pursue a career in athletic training as a certified athletic trainer (ATC). The program aims to provide students a diverse academic and clinical experience by nurturing an educational foundation for continued professional growth. A strong connection to Ole Miss Athletics, area high schools, professional sports teams, clinics, hospitals, physician’s offices, and industry helps to provide students the opportunity to learn from premier leaders in the field of athletic training. Overall, this program is intended to provide improved access to health care and additional health care providers in communities that are lacking. Through a collaborative effort and comprehensive approach, the MSAT program will ultimately improve the overall climate of the state of Mississippi and beyond.
Admissions:
The MSAT is a two-year intensive lockstep cohort program. Students must be enrolled full time. Students admitted into the program will begin studies during the second summer session, which typically starts the last week of June. This early start allows students the opportunity for a better academic and clinical experience. Program completion will occur in May of year two to afford students the best opportunity to complete the Board of Certification (BOC) exam in time for successful job placement. A holistic approach will be utilized in the evaluation of student applicants admitted into the MSAT program.
A typical student profile for admissions will include:
- Baccalaureate degree (transcripts required)
- A cumulative grade-point average (last 60 hours) of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is optional. There are no minimum GRE scores required. Applicants interested in having their GRE scores considered for admission must have those scores submitted directly to the University of Mississippi. The GRE score must have been taken within five years of application for admission to the MSAT program.
- A completed application to ATCAS
- A completed application to the University of Mississippi Graduate School, only if you receive a letter stating that you have been recommended for admission to the MSAT program
- Resume and cover letter
- Two letters of recommendation
- Video submission
- Observation hours – completed under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer (provide documentation)
Additional required documentation for applicants whose native language is not English will be based on university standards.
Please refer to the Office of International Programs for a more detailed explanation of those standards.
Prerequisite Coursework and Foundational Knowledge:
Based on standards set forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
REQUIRED:
Based on UM course availability. Equivalent courses from other institutions will be considered.
39-40 hours to be selected from:
- Biology (lecture & lab) (4) - Bisc 102 & 103 OR Bisc 160 & Bisc 161
- Chemistry (lecture & lab) (4) - Chem 105 & Chem 115
- Physics (lecture & lab) (4) - Phys 211 & Phys 221 OR Phys 213 & Phys 223
- Psychology (3) - Psy 201
- Anatomy (lecture & lab) (8) - Bisc 206 & Bisc 207
- Physiology (lecture & lab) (4) - ES 348 & ES 349
- Statistics (3) - Psy 202, Math 115, Bus 230, Econ 230, OR CSD 202
- Biomechanics (3-4) - ES 446 OR ES 512
- Medical Terminology (3) - ES 396 OR Clc 201
- Nutrition (3) - NHM 311
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
These courses are not required but are deemed valuable in preparation for the MSAT program. Equivalent courses from other institutions will be considered.
Up to 25 hours to be selected from:
- Add. Statistics (3) - ES 511
- Kinesiology (4) - ES 346 & ES 347
- Research Design (6) - ES 350 & ES 351
- First Aid/CPR (3) - HP 203
- Motor Learning and Control (3) - ES 338
- Prevention & Care of Athletic Injuries (3) - HP 303
- Personal & Community Health (3) - HP 191
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 66
Course Requirements
The MSAT program requires the following 66 hours:
- AT 601 - Introduction to Athletic Training (3)
- AT 602 - Athletic Training Clinical I (2)
- AT 603 - Orthopedic Eval of Athletic Injuries I (4)
- AT 604 - Therapeutic Interventions in Ath. Train. (3)
- AT 605 - Athletic Training Clinical II (2)
- AT 606 - Orthopedic Eval of Athletic Injuries II (4)
- AT 607 - General Medicine & Pharmacology (3)
- AT 608 - Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries (3)
- AT 609 - Immersive Field Experience in Ath. Train (6)
- AT 610 - Athletic Training Clinical III (2)
- AT 611 - Ath. Train. Admin. & Professionalism (3)
- AT 612 - Selected Topics in Athletic Training (1); take twice
- AT 613 - Athletic Training Clinical IV (2)
- AT 614 - Integration to Practice (3)
- AT 697 - Thesis (6) OR
- AT 698 - Field Service Project in Athletic Train. (6)
- ES 542 - Sports Psychology (3)
- ES 548 - Biomechanics of Injury (3)
- ES 611 - Exercise Physiology I (3)
- ES 625 - Research Design and Evaluation (3)
- ES 632 - Advanced Structural Kinesiology (3)
- NHM 619 - Sports Nutrition (3)
Two-Year Course Plan:
Summer 1 (taken during second summer session)(9 hours)
- AT 601 - Introduction to Athletic Training Clinical Practice (HYBRID) (3)
- ES 625 - Research Design and Evaluation (WEB) (3)
- ES 632 - Advanced Structural Kinesiology (3)
Fall 1 (12 hours)
- AT 602 - Athletic Training Clinical I (2)
- AT 603 - Orthopedic Eval of Athletic Injuries I (4)
- AT 604 - Therapeutic Interventions in Ath. Train. (3)
- ES 548 - Biomechanics of Injury (3)
Spring 1 (12 hours)
- AT 605 - Athletic Training Clinical II (2)
- AT 606 - Orthopedic Eval of Athletic Injuries II (4)
- AT 607 - General Medicine & Pharmacology (3)
- AT 608 - Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries (3)
Summer 2 (taken during full summer session) (9 hours)
- AT 609 - Immersive Field Experience in Ath. Train (WEB) (6)
- ES 542 - Sports Psychology (WEB) (3)
Fall 2 (12 hours)
- AT 610 - Athletic Training Clinical III (2)
- AT 611 - Ath. Train. Admin. & Professionalism (WEB) (3)
- AT 612 - Selected Topics in Athletic Training (WEB or HYBRID) (1)
- ES 611 - Exercise Physiology I (3)
- NHM 619 - Sports Nutrition (WEB) (3)
Spring 2 (12 hours)
- AT 612 - Selected Topics in Athletic Training (1)
- AT 613 - Athletic Training Clinical IV (2)
- AT 614 - Integration to Practice (3)
- AT 697 - Thesis (6) OR
- AT 698 - Field Service Project in Athletic Train. (WEB or HYBRID) (6)
Other Academic Requirements
The Master of Science in Athletic Training program (MSAT) at the University of Mississippi is a rigorous and intensive program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. The technical standards establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the accrediting agency of the athletic training education (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education – CAATE) and state regulations.
The following abilities and skills must be met by all students admitted to the University of Mississippi MSAT program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, the student will not be admitted into the program, nor retained in the program. Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student program admission nor eligibility for the BOC certification examination.
Candidates for selection to, and students currently enrolled in the University of Mississippi MSAT program, must demonstrate:
- The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts, and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
- Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
- The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
- The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
- The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
- The perseverance, diligence, and commitment to complete the Athletic Training program as outlined and sequenced.
- Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
- Effective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education.
Candidates for selection to the University of Mississippi MSAT program will be required to verify (signed affidavit) they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.
Students currently participating in the MSAT program must be able to meet the technical standards, with or without accommodation, at all times.
The University of Mississippi Student Disability Services, in conjunction with the MSAT program director and medical director will evaluate, on a case-by- case basis, a student's request for reasonable accommodation on the basis of a disability. The University of Mississippi is committed to providing equal access/opportunity for students with disabilities, while reserving the right to identify situations or accommodations that compromise clinician/patient safety or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical experiences, and immersive experiences deemed essential to successful completion of the program or that could potentially alter the fundamental nature of the program. The program will consider requests for reasonable accommodations by any qualified student with a disability.
Failure of the student to follow a prescribed plan of accommodation or treatment plan that provides the student a reasonable opportunity to meet the technical standards may result in permanent dismissal from the MSAT program.
All technical and academic standards must be met throughout enrollment in the athletic training curriculum. It is the student's responsibility to notify the program director of any changes that could potentially affect his/her ability to successfully meet all technical standards. Students will be required to read and sign the Technical Standards form on an annual basis prior to beginning any clinical experiences associated with the MSAT program.