Oct 14, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Athletic Training, MS

Location(s): California Campus


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The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) at Pennsylvania Western University of Pennsylvania is a full-time, professional practice program housed in the College of Health Sciences. The MSAT includes 58-credits across 24-months and emphasizes interdisciplinary/cross-curriculum opportunities to collaborate with professionals on campus and throughout the community.

Students are provided with the opportunities to obtain diverse perspectives in conjunction with personalized engaged learning through clinical and classroom/laboratory instruction. Foundational behaviors of professional practice are emphasized in a variety of settings that assist students in their evolution as advocates for competent health care. Following two years of classroom and clinical education, graduates will be able to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination to earn credentialing as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).

Student Learning Outcomes


  • Provide a rigorous educational program that ensures athletic training students are properly trained and knowledgeable to function in a variety of settings and provide continuum of care for a diverse population of patients engaged in a range of activites with varying conditions.
    • Collaborate with health care professionals from multiple disciplines to provide appropriate patient care.
    • Demonstrate preparedness to transition to autonomous clinical practice by providing athletic training students with authentic real-time patient interactions.
    • Incorporate patient outcomes and best available evidence to develop clinical care plans for a diverse population in a variety of employment settings.
  • To prepare students to successfully integrate evidence-based practice in their ability to critically think and apply clinical skills and decision-making in their role as healthcare providers.
    • Demonstrate proficiency in developing and answering a focused clinical question.
    • Demonstrate competency in searching, examining, and critically assessing the efficacy of current literature for relevant evidence associated with means of clinical diagnosis, rehabilitation, therapeutic interventions, and reconditioning programs.
    • Incorporate available evidence into the design and implementation of rehabilitation programs to meet the client/patient needs and goals according to their level of performance and function.
  • Understand and promote professional responsibilities and avenues of professional development to support athletic training as a healthcare profession through professional and community involvement.
    • Engage in professional development and networking through interaction and attendance at professional meetings and educational opportunities.
    • Participate in opportunities that promote lifelong learning, professional development and serve to benefit the community at large without regard to personal gain.
  • To prepare students to function as patient advocates in an evolving healthcare network which incorporates patient education, literacy, and communication in a coordinated shared decision-making model.
    • Describe the importance of respecting patient autonomy and the value of individualized patient care plans.
    • Demonstrate characteristics and values that align with sociocultural and global resonance in clinical practice.
    • In collaboration with various heathcare professionals, incorporate a customized and comprehensive care plan based on specific patient objectives to guide clinical decision-making.

Admissions Requirements


Students who intend to apply for the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program should complete the Graduate Online Application through PennWest University. Applications are reviewed as they are received and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis until enrollment is full. Cohorts begin during the second 7-week summer session (late June). To be considered for admission to the MSAT, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  1. Graduate online application
  2. Submit official transcripts for all previously attended institutions
  3. Preferred minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0)
  4. Completion of the following courses (or their equivalents) with grade of C or better:
    • Biology
    • Two semesters of Anatomy and Physiology with labs
    • Chemistry
    • Physics
    • Exercise Physiology
    • Nutrition
    • Biomechanics or Kinesiology
    • General Psychology
    • Statistics
  5. Complete a successful interview with PennWest’s athletic training faculty (invitation only)
  6. Two electronic references (one must be from an athletic trainer or healthcare provider who provided clinical supervision within the past two years)
  7. Resume
  8. Evidence of 25 hours of clinical observation
  9. Students who do not consider English to be their primary language are required to submit official TOEFL iBT scores or IELTS score completed in the last two years. Minimum scores (TOEFL internet: 79, IELTS 6.5 or higher).

Curriculum Requirements


Required Advanced


Total Number of Credits to Complete the Program: 58


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