Athletic Training (MSAT)

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Athletic Training (MSAT) Overview

Graduates of the Chatham University Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program will enter their careers ready to meet the needs of patients and contribute to improving the quality of care their organizations deliver. Chatham’s MSAT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. This accreditation means that graduates are eligible for national certification after successfully completing the Board of Certification Exam.  

Application Deadline

Rolling

We evaluate applications on a rolling basis; however, we recommend that applicants apply as early as possible.

Credits Required

67 (5 terms)

Credits include clinical experience.

Explore the Program

Student Handbook

For more information on Chatham University's MSAT program, download the Student Handbook (pdf).

Learning Opportunities

Chatham Sports

Chatham offers 21 NCAA Division III sports and competes in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) for all sports except hockey, which competes in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC).

Explore the MSAT Degree:

In addition to the core curriculum, MSAT students also participate in the School of Health Sciences’ Interprofessional Education Curriculum with students from the physician assistant studies, physical and occupational therapy, nursing, and counseling psychology programs. 

Students from any undergraduate major or undergraduate institution may apply for admission to this graduate program. In order to be considered for admission, the following are required:

Chatham Graduate Application or online application through ATCAS

  1. A baccalaureate degree (or pending degree) from a regionally accredited four-year institution
    • Official transcripts from all institutions where the student has taken courses. Preference is given to students with an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher (Any student with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.)
  2. Short writing sample or essay highlighting the following; why you want to be an athletic trainer, what does an athletic trainer do, lastly, where do athletic trainers work—please address traditional jobs/settings and the evolution of the profession into non-athletic settings (300-word limit). or submit documentation of 40 hours of clinical observation under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer. 

  3. Two letters of recommendation:
    • One letter from a certified/licensed athletic trainer
    • One letter from an academic advisor or instructor or any health science professional (may be another certified/licensed athletic trainer)
  4. Completion of the following courses (or their equivalents) with grades of C or better:
    • Human Anatomy with lab*
    • Physiology*
    • Statistics or Biostatistics (other courses may satisfy if the syllabus shows a foundational knowledge of statistics)
    • Biology I with lab
    • Chemistry I with lab
    • Physics I with lab (courses that satisfy this requirement include Biomechanics and Kinesiology)
    • General Psychology (any 100 level or higher psychology course will suffice)

*Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs can substitute for Human Anatomy with lab and Physiology

  1. Successful completion of an interview
    • Applicants will be invited to complete an on-campus or virtual interview 

Admission is determined based on the following criteria:

  • Overall Grade Point Average
  • Pre-Requisite Grade Point Average
  • Observation Hours – must be completed with a certified/licensed athletic trainer
  • Recommendations 
  • Essay
  • Interview

International Applicants

International Applicants must submit additional documentation to the Office of Admissions. A list of these documents can be found on the International Admission web page.

Program Design

The Master of Science in Athletic Training is a five semester, 67 credit, full-time degree program with clinical experiences imbedded within each of the five semesters. Course content is delivered through a variety of methods predicated on student centered and engaged learning.

Methodologies include but not limited to: 

  • problem-based learning, 
  • case-based scenarios,
  • and laboratory sessions delivered face to face and via distance learning. 

Clinical experiences, including a 10 week fully immersive placement, are individually tailored to each students interests as well as to provide depth and breadth of experiences to develop highly skilled, critically minded entry level professionals. 

Program Goals & Objectives

  • Goal 1: Provide educational experiences tailored to developing the cognitive, behavioral and psychomotor skills necessary for successful Athletic Training practice.  
    • Objective 1.1: Demonstrate evidence-based clinical decision making in the areas of prevention/screening, evaluation and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, treatment and rehabilitation.
    • Objective 1.2: Integrate the educational competencies and clinical proficiencies into patient care necessary for success as an entry level athletic trainer.
    • Objective 1.3: Display appropriate positive personal behaviors and professional attributes to meet the expectations of successful practice and future employment.
    • Objective 1.4: Demonstrate proficiency in the simulated and actual acute and emergency care of patients.
    • Objective 1.5: Apply concepts of prevention and health promotion in the care of patients.
  • Goal 2: Provide students a professional atmosphere promoting the ethnical, legal, safe, culturally competent and effective delivery of healthcare services in interdisciplinary teams that meet and respect the rights and well-being of the patients. 
    • Objective 2.1: Demonstrate proficiency in the interdisciplinary approach to effective professional practice.
    • Objective 2.2: Display culturally sensitive and competent professional behavior toward individual and groups of patients.
    • Objective 2.3: Adhere to ethical and legal practice from the NATA Code of Ethics, BOC Standards of Practice, national, state, and institutional policies.
    • Objective 2.4: Display effective inter-personal and inter-professional communication skills with patients, members of the healthcare team and relevant stakeholders.
    • Objective 2.5: Engage in advocating for the profession, patient/clients and relevant communities in the public and legislative domains.
  • Goal 3: Provide educational experiences that support the development of administrative functions of healthcare practitioners and facilities. 
    • Objective 3.1: Develop and execute administrative plans for budgeting, finance, cost control, and long-term planning.
    • Objective 3.2: Develop plans for emergency preparedness, legal adherence, principles of supervision and professional liability.
    • Objective 3.3: Apply principles of healthcare administration and delivery that complies with the legal, ethical and regulatory systems
    • Objective 3.4: Develop self-assessment skills and formulate an individualized career development plan.
  • Goal 4: Support the development of evidence based Athletic Training practice and application of evidence-based practice within the delivery of patient care. 
    • Objective 4.1: Demonstrate proficiency in locating and critiquing peer reviewed medical research.
    • Objective 4.2: Develop and answer focused clinical questions using principles of evidence-based practice.
    • Objective 4.3: Understand principles of research including design, methodologies and statistical analysis and interpretation.
    • Objective 4.4: Demonstrate critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills based on the application of scientific evidence.
  • Goal 5: Promote effective oral and written communication necessary for patient and caregiver education, inter-professional practice and medical record documentation with a variety of constituents including patients, caregivers, peers, supervisors, third party payers, and other relevant healthcare professionals.
    • Objective 5.1: Demonstrate effective oral and written communication with patients, caregivers and support personnel.
    • Objective 5.2: Demonstrate effective oral and written communication with preceptors, supervisors and other healthcare professionals.
    • Objective 5.3: Demonstrate proficiency in written and electronic medical record documentation.
    • Objective 5.4: Create effective home management or care instructions for specific patient injuries or conditions.
  • Goal 6: Prepare students for the transition from individualized skill execution to encompassing autonomous practice through clinical education that provides a variety of patient exposures in differing settings.

    • Objective 6.1: Demonstrate proficiency in the necessary integrated clinical education competencies.
    • Objective 6.2: Execute proficiencies in authentic patient interactions.
    • Objective 6.3: Demonstrate the ability to alter treatment plans to a wide variety of patients based on the patient populations and employment settings.

Chatham University Master of Science in Athletic Training Vision Statement

The Chatham University Master of Science in Athletic Training Program will be nationally recognized for its evidence based didactic and  clinical education to prepare students to be critically reasoning, evidenced based practitioners, who serve to advance the profession by strongly advocating for the best patient care in interdisciplinary environments. 

Chatham University and MSAT Purpose 

The mission of Chatham University and the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program align in many ways and create a seamless partnership in developing students, into engaged, respectful and culturally competent citizens. The MSAT program provides opportunities to work with culturally diverse patient populations across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Students will be exposed to the importance of interprofessional collaboration in the academic and clinical settings in order to better understand healthcare, and respect the diversity of culture, identity and opinion.  Graduates will be engaged in advocating for the athletic training profession and for patient access, and comprehensive care. 

ATH518 Optimizing Athletic Performance

This hands-on course explores assessing, designing, and implementing specialized performance programs to address the health and performance goals of athletes. The primary focus is on movement instruction, nutrition, energy systems, program design, and concepts of strength and conditioning.

ATH 507 Therapeutic Interventions II

Students acquire scientific and physiological rationale, selection criteria, indications and contraindications of exercise, and return to activity guidelines. Techniques and skills provided in classroom and lab experiences address range of motion, strengthening, proprioception, cardiovascular fitness, and joint- and sport-specific protocols.

ATH519 Advanced Topics in Athletic Training

This course provides students with the opportunity to examine advanced issues that shape the profession through practical application and professional development. Emphasis is placed on surgical techniques, radiological concepts and interpretation, laboratory reports, interpreting imaging, and lifespan issues and advanced treatment procedures used in diverse settings.  

View Course Catalog

Curriculum Sequence

Table 1.1 – MSAT Curriculum Sequence

Semester 1 - 15 weeks

CR 

Semester 4 - 15 weeks

CR 

ATH 501 Therapeutic Modalities 

ATH 517 Administration and Management (5-weeks)  

ATH 512 Clinical AT I  

ATH 515 Clinical AT IV (15 weeks) 

ATH 500 Prevention/Care of Emergency Medical Conditions 

ATH 508 Introduction to Pharmacology (5-weeks) 

ATH 502 Introduction to Professional Practice  

ATH 510 Research Seminar II (5-weeks) 

ATH 503 Ortho Assessment 

Total 

10 

Total 

16 

  

  

  

  

  

  

Semester 2 - 15 weeks

CR 

Semester 5 - 15 weeks

CR 

ATH 506 Therapeutic Interventions I 

ATH 519 Advanced Topics in AT 

ATH 513 Clinical AT II 

ATH 516 Clinical AT V 

ATH 505 Medical Management of Athletic Populations 

ATH 520 Certification Preparation 

PSY 530 Intro to Sport & Exercise Psychology 

ATH 522 Healthcare Delivery 

ATH 504 Ortho & Neuro Assessment 

ATH 511 Research Seminar III 

Total 

17 

Total  

11 

  

  

  

  

Semester 3 - 5 or 7.5 weeks

CR 

  

  

ATH 507 Therapeutic Interventions II 

 

  

ATH 518 Optimizing Athletic Performance 

  

  

ATH 514 Clinical AT III 

  

  

ATH 521 Advanced Sports Nutrition 

  

  

ATH 509 Research Seminar I 

 

 

Total  

13 

 

 

 

  

  

  

Cumulative Total 

46 

  

67 

 

Our MSAT program is student-centered and provides unique hands-on experiences in the classroom and clinical education. Clinical experiences in the final year are immersive and individually tailored to prepare students for future employment and help them achieve their career goals.

— JASON EDSALL, Ph.D., LAT, ATC, CSCS, Program Director

Photo of MSAT students wearing masks on an ice rink, helping an injured hockey player who is laying on the ice

Learn By Teaching

Teaching assistant opportunities in the undergraduate exercise science program, as well as student employment positions and assistantships with Chatham athletics in strength and conditioning, may be available.

Two MSAT students wrap injuries on an athlete

Clinical Experience

Students complete clinical experiences around Pittsburgh and across the country in a variety of settings, including professional sports, NCAA (Division I, II & III), junior colleges, high schools, performing arts, martial arts, physician specialty practices, work hardening, and work conditioning.

Photo of students wearing masks, sitting around a room

Interprofessional Education (IPE)

Interprofessional education involves students from two or more health professions learning together during their training. The goal of IPE is to enhance communication and decision-making, allowing various domains of knowledge to complement each other.

Learn About IPE : Checkerboard 3 - Interprofessional Education (IPE)
Students are smiling, seated at desks in a classroom with their laptops in front of them

Student Achievements

MSAT students at Chatham have been invited to present at the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society (PATS) student symposium and annual symposium. They have also been recognized with a variety of scholarships, including the PATS Philip Donnely Student Scholarship, the Fox Chapel Country Club Student Scholarship, and the Dayna Brons Memorial Scholarship. 

Photo of a young man helping a young woman with an injury on her leg in a medical office

Local Partnerships

MSAT students have played a role in multiple community organizations, including serving on the Pittsburgh Marathon Medical Staff, the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Medical Staff, the Premier 7's Professional Rugby Regional Championship Medical Staff, and participating in the MLP Combine Assessors, the Downs Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh Buddy Walk Medical Staff and Volunteers, CPR/AED Community Training Volunteers, and the Socks for Tots Wiffle Ball Tournament. 

Decorative image reading Faculty Listing

Program Faculty

Chatham's Athletic Trainingfull-time and part-time faculty bring their experiences to relate course lessons to real-world situations. They serve as mentors and advisors and are there for you every step of the way. 

Meet the Faculty : Checkerboard 6 - Program Faculty
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Alumni Careers

Alumni have gone on to work at institutions including UPMC, Excela Health, Allegheny Health Network (AHN), Queens University, Shaw University, Point Park University, Serra Catholic, and Penn Trafford High School.

Photo of a group of students seated in a lecture classroom, paying attention to an offscreen instructor

Tuition & Funding

The cost of a graduate degree consists of university tuition (per credit charge), fees, and any other personal expenses you may require for earning your degree. Chatham also offers graduate assistantships and professional campus work positions for many graduate programs that can help make a Chatham graduate education more affordable. Our Financial Aid and Admissions offices will also work with you to understand loan and financing options available. 

Explore Tuition & Funding : Checkerboard 8 - Tuition & Funding

Athletic Training (MSAT)

Do you have questions?

We make it easy to get in touch:

Call Us

800-837-1290

Text Us

412-419-3772 (standard text/SMS rates will apply)

Email Us

graduate@chatham.edu

Request Information

Complete our Request for Information form

Or, answer a few questions and we will be glad to help.

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