Athletic Training, MS

In keeping with recent board-certification guidelines making the master's degree the standard professional degree for athletic training, IUP launched the MS in Athletic Training in summer 2021. The program requires four full-time semesters and two summers and includes a sequential classroom and clinical curriculum. Students will progress through the program in a cohort.  All cohorts begin in the summer.

Master's Degree in Athletic Training Offers Clinical and Classroom Training

Our Athletic Training MS program gives you a strong foundation for your career through a balance of both classroom and clinical training. Our program prepares you to take the Board of Certification exam and enter the field of athletic training. Individuals who currently hold a BOC credential or are BOC eligible are not candidates for this program.

Through our medical-based format, you'll learn to provide comprehensive client/patient care in five domains of clinical practice:

• Prevention
• Clinical evaluation and diagnosis in collaboration with a physician
• Immediate and emergency care
• Treatment and rehabilitation
• Organization and professional health and well-being

You'll also study the athletic trainer's role in the healthcare system, risk management, healthcare delivery mechanisms, insurance, reimbursement, documentation, patient privacy, and facility management.

Option 1: Start Your Master's Degree Early with Our 3+2 Program

There are many ways you can enter the Athletic Training MS program. One option is to enter graduate school early, while still working on your bachelor's degree at IUP in the Physical Education and Sport/Pre-Athletic Training program. This option, typically described as a 3+2 option, allows you to begin your education for an athletic training career as a freshman and finish a year early with a master's degree, saving you time and reducing the cost of your total education.

Option 2: Post-Baccalaureate MS in Athletic Training

Students may also be accepted into the Athletic Training MS program after the traditional completion of a bachelor's degree either at IUP or at another college.

Entrance Criteria for Athletic Training Students

In addition to meeting the admission requirements of IUP's School of Graduate Studies and Research, students should also meet the following entrance criteria:

• An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and completion of the following pre-requisite coursework with a C or better:
  • Biology (with lab)
  • Chemistry (with lab)
  • Human Anatomy (with lab)
  • Human Physiology (with lab)
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Kinesiology/Biomechanics
  • Nutrition
  • Physics (with lab)
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
• A minimum of 40 hours of direct clinical observation under the guidance of a certified athletic trainer in a minimum of two different settings. You will need a letter of verification from each supervising certified athletic trainer.
• Current Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) certification from an acceptable provider. That includes anyone adhering to the most current International Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiac Care.
• Completion of an interview with the program coordinator and faculty (as needed).
• Additional details and required documentation (clearances, Tuberculin (TB) skin test, liability insurance) as outlined in the Athletic Training Program Handbook.
• Acceptance of Program Technical Standards.

Total: 60cr.

Program Accreditation Information and Outcomes

For additional information, contact the coordinator:

Jim Racchini
Graduate Coordinator for MS in Athletic Training
Zink Hall, Room 231
1190 Maple Street
Indiana, PA 15705
Phone: 724-357-2759
racchini@iup.edu