Athletic Training, M.S.A.T.

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) is designed to provide quality didactic, clinical, and contemporary education for students wishing to become certified athletic trainers. Through a combination of didactic and Performance Learning experiences, the program guides students through the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary for success on the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and for success in the field of athletic training and other allied health professions. Students who successfully complete all program requirements are eligible to sit for the BOC exam.

Program Learning Goals

Graduates of the MSAT program at Millikin University will:

1. Demonstrate competence in athletic training knowledge and clinical skills for the independent practice of athletic training.
2. Use evidence-based medicine to provide quality patient/client care.
3. Adhere to a code of conduct that ensures appropriate ethical and behavioral decorum.
4. Demonstrate service and promote the profession of athletic training.
5. Demonstrate collaboration as a member and/or leader of an interprofessional healthcare team to provide patient-centered care.

MSAT Admission

The MSAT program at Millikin University is highly competitive with application into the program occurring in the spring of each year. There are two routes for admission into the MSAT program: Early Entry and Post-Baccalaureate.

1. The Early Entry (3+2) program allows students to earn their master’s degree in five years. Early Entry students enter Millikin University their first (freshman) year as Exercise Science majors and complete the application for the master’s program during the spring semester of their third (junior) year. All students applying for the master’s program must complete the Exercise Science bachelor program prerequisite courses listed below. Minimum grade requirements, if any, are denoted for each course.

• BI 206 - Anatomy and Physiology 1 (C)
• BI 207 - Anatomy and Physiology II (C)
• CH 114 - Fundamentals of Chemistry (C)
   
• CH 2303 - Essential of Organic and Biochemistry/Lab (C)
• CH 205 - Essential of Organic and Biochemistry/Lab (C)
   
• ES 130 - Prevention and Treatment of Injuries
• ES 160 - Personal and Community Health
• ES 206 - Foundations and Theory of Health Behavior and Fitness
   
• ES 305 - Physiology of Exercise I/Lab (B-)
• ES 306 - Physiology of Exercise I/Lab (B-)
   
• ES 310 - Kinesiology (B-)
• ES 320 - Sport Skills
• ES 325 - Growth and Motor Development
• ES 328 - Health Related Nutrition (B-)
• ES 335 - Organization and Administration
• ES 409 - Biomechanics
   
• ES 410 - Physiology of Exercise II/Lab (B-)
• ES 411 - Physiology of Exercise II/Lab (B-)
   
• ES 418 - Principles of Strength/Lab (B-)
• ES 419 - Principles of Strength/Lab (B-)
   
• ES 440 - Sport Nutrition (C)
• PS 130 - Introduction to Psychology
• PS 201 - Statistical Methods

Candidates for admission must also submit:

1. Completed Athletic Training Graduate Application.
2. Successful background check.
3. A current resume.
4. The names and contact information for three professional references.
5. An interview with the athletic training faculty and staff.
6. A personal statement describing their academic and potential career goals.

2. The Post-Baccalaureate option allows candidates with a completed bachelor’s degree to apply for admission into the MSAT program. Post-Baccalaureate candidate requirements are listed below.

Candidates for admission must submit the following:

1. Athletic Training Graduate Application via the Graduate Admission Application.
2. Official transcripts from an accredited university, with the minimum grade requirements in the prerequisite courses (see list below).
3. Three letters of recommendation.
4. Successful background check.
5. Current resume.
6. Complete an interview with the athletic training faculty and staff.
7. A minimum of 50 observation hours with a certified athletic trainer before enrollment in the program.
8. A 1,000 word Statement of Purpose describing your personal and professional goals.

Required prerequisite courses for the Post-Baccalaureate applicant include:

1. Human Based Biology with Lab (4 credit course) (C)
2. Chemistry with lab (4 credit course) (B-)
3. Physics (3 credit course)
4. Psychology (3 credit course)
5. Human Anatomy with Lab (4 credit course) (C)
6. Human Physiology with Lab (4 credit course) (C)
   * Requirements 5 and 6 can be met with two Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab courses (C)
7. Biomechanics (3 credit course)
8. Exercise Physiology with Lab (4 credit course) (B-)
9. Nutrition (3 credit course) (C)
10. Statistics (3 credit course)

Applicants may be admitted on a probationary basis if a course deficiency is determined. In this case, the applicant must complete the deficient course before enrollment in the program. The program reserves the right to review each applicant on a case-by-case basis.

MSAT Admission Timeline

Early Entry (3+2) Candidates

Prior to February 28 of the third (junior) year

1. Athletic Training Graduate Application
2. Successful background check
3. A current resume
4. Complete an interview with the athletic training faculty/staff
5. The names and contact information for three professional references
6. A personal statement describing their academic and potential career goals

Post-Baccalaureate

Early Admit - Prior to October 31 of the calendar year prior to the August start date

1. Athletic Training Graduate Application via the ATCAS application site
2. Official transcripts from an accredited university, with the minimum grade requirements in the prerequisite courses. (see list below)
   (Admission is subject to removal or delay based on complete baccalaureate courses and grades.)
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. Successful background check
5. Current resume
6. A personal statement describing their academic and potential career goals

General Admit - Prior to May 1 of the same calendar year of the August start date

1. Athletic Training Graduate Application via the ATCAS application site
2. Official transcripts from an accredited university, with the minimum grade requirements in the prerequisite courses (see list below)
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. Successful background check
5. Current resume
6. A personal statement describing their academic and potential career goals

MSAT Retention

Students remain in good standing in the MSAT program by:

1. Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
2. Earning a grade of “C” or better in each course in the MSAT.
3. Demonstrating satisfactory completion of all competencies and clinical proficiencies at the required level, associated with the didactic and clinical education components of the program.
4. Maintaining an active membership in the National Athletic Trainers Association.
5. Maintaining current CPR/AED certification as defined by the NATA and the BOC.
6. Abiding by the policies and procedures outlined in the Athletic Training Student Handbook.
7. Completing the minimum number of clinical hours for each clinical/practicum experience.