course catalog/ 2023-2024 Catalog

2023-2024 Course Catalog

Master of Science in Athletic Training

The curriculum for the M.S in Athletic Training adds to the foundational coursework from the undergraduate major in Exercise Science. This professional degree combines coursework in the clinical assessment and treatment of athletes with courses that emphasize the critical appraisal of the athletic training literature, healthcare delivery and management and sport psychology in addition to clinical education.

Admission Requirements

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:

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
  5. 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.

Learning Outcomes

Goals

  • To educate athletic trainers who are qualified to practice in an ethical, legal, safe and effective manor
  • To educate athletic trainers who demonstrate critical thinking and clinical decision making skills based on the application of scientific evidence
  • To educate athletic trainers who provide comprehensive care in the areas of prevention/screening, evaluation and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, treatment and rehabilitation
  • To educate athletic trainers who demonstrate professionalism, altruism, advocacy and the ability to work as an effective Interprofessional member of a healthcare team

Outcomes

At the completion of the program the graduate will:

  • Apply principles of evidence-based clinical decision making in the examination, diagnosis and treatment of athletes
  • Practice in a collegial/interprofessional manner that demonstrates cultural sensitivity and competence with individual athletes
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the acute and emergency care of athletes.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the screening, examination and therapeutic treatment of athletes
  • Apply concepts of prevention and health promotion in the care of athletes
  • Demonstrate effective written, oral and nonverbal communication skills with athletes, members of the healthcare team and relevant stakeholders
  • Apply principles of healthcare administration and delivery in a manner that complies with the legal, ethical and regulatory systems
  • Advocate for the profession, patient/clients and relevant communities in the public and legislative domains
  • Develop professional self-assessment skills and formulate a career development plan

Curriculum

+Undergraduate

BIO143 The Cell

This course is designed to provide a broad overview of current biological concepts, including cell structure, function, division, and basic genetics. Biologically important molecules also are presented. This course serves as the foundation for all upper-level biology courses. Three hours of class

 3
BIO143L Lab: The Cell

Experiments to complement the material presented in BIO143. Two hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite or Prerequisite: BIO143. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.

 1
BIO144 The Organism

This course provides a general survey of animals and plants at the organismic level, with emphasis on their evolution and various physiological processes such as respiration, circulation, digestion, and reproduction. This course serves as the foundation for all upper-level biology courses. Three hours of class.

 3
BIO144L Lab: The Organism

Experiments to complement the material presented in BIO144. Two hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: BIO144. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fees.

 1
CHM102 Energy and the Environment

Lecture course that utilizes the principles of chemistry to explore selected topics, including climate change, environmental pollution, alternative energy, commercial products, drugs, and nutrition. The course is not open to majors in chemistry, biology, or neuroscience.

 3
CHM102L Energy and the Environment Lab

One semester laboratory course to accompany CHM102 Energy and the Environment. Two hours of lab per week. Not open to majors in biology or chemistry.

 1
PSY101 General Psychology

An introduction to the scientific study of behavior with an emphasis on the origins of behavior, learning, social influences, physiological factors, individual differences, personality, and adjustment and maladjustment.

 3
MTH110 Elementary Statistics

Topics include statistical measures and distributions, decision making under uncertainty, application of probability to statistical inference, linear correlation, introduction to nonparametric statistical methods, and application to problems drawn from the natural and social sciences. Three hours of class per week. Three hours of class per week.

 3
BIO201 Anatomy

This course introduces students to the basic concepts of anatomy. Lectures emphasize the human body and clinical applications of anatomy. They focus on anatomical terminology, gross structures, body movements, forming a three-dimensional mental image of body parts, and functional understanding of normal structures. Three hours of class per week.

Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses:
  • BIO143 The Cell
  • BIO144 The Organism
    		•  3
    BIO201L Lab: Anatomy

    Laboratory experiments emphasizing comparative anatomy between humans and other animals. Three hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: BIO201. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fees.

    Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses:
  • BIO143 The Cell
  • BIO144 The Organism
    		•  2
    BIO302 Physiology

    This course introduces students to the basic concepts of physiology. The lectures will emphasize chemical principles, cellular biological principles, and a survey of the nervous, endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, excretory, respiratory, and digestive systems. The laboratory will emphasize comparative physiology between humans and other animals. Three hours of class per week.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • BIO201 Anatomy
    		•  3
    BIO302L Physiology Lab

    Laboratory experiments emphasizing comparative physiology between human and other animals. Three hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: BIO302. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fees.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • BIO201L Lab: Anatomy
    		•  2
    EXS101 Introduction to Exercise Science

    This course is designed to provide an overview of the field of exercise science as a discipline and profession. Students will be exposed to methods and techniques employed to develop positive attitudes and habits that support an active lifestyle. Topics of health risk factors and wellness will be explored as they specifically relate to exercise. Possible career choices related to this field will also be discussed.

    		 1
    EXS252 Exercise and Nutrition

    This course introduces the student to the science of human nutrition and the relationship between health, exercise and food intake. Basic topics of digestion, absorption, metabolism, interaction and functions of nutrients will be covered. Special topics emphasized in this course include optimal nutrition for exercise and sport, energy use during exercise, evaluation of body composition (body fat, muscle mass), development of obesity, weight management, and nutritional factors in planning a successful muscular strength and endurance program.

    		 3
    EXS302 Principles of Strength and Conditioning

    Students learn to integrate anatomical and physiological function into a comprehensive strength and conditioning model. Topics include testing, evaluation, exercise techniques, program design, and aerobic endurance training. Students are introduced to facility organization, risk management, and developing a policies and procedure manual.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • BIO201 Anatomy
  • BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
    		•  3
    EXS345 Kinesiology and Movement Science

    This course serves as an introduction to kinesiology and movement science of the human body. The student will learn the functional anatomy and biomechanics of the major joints of the human body and the application of kinesiology and biomechanical principles to describe and analyze normal and pathological human movement. Principles and practical application of motor learning, motor control and skill acquisition will also be introduced. Lab will include activities related to skill acquisition, performance and biomechanical analysis of functional motor patterns. Three hours of lecture per week.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • BIO201 Anatomy
  • BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
    • Co-requisites
    • EXS345LW Lab: Kinesiology and Movement Science
    		 3
    EXS326 Applied Exercise Physiology I

    This course provides students with the knowledge of theoretical and applied aspects of exercise physiology with an emphasis on exercise response and exercise testing. An in-depth understanding of how the body responds when exposed to acute bouts of exercise will be provided through lectures and laboratories. Topics discussed will include physiological adaptations of the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neuromuscular systems in response to exercise, and assessment of aerobic endurance, muscular fitness and body composition. Three hours of lecture per week. CPR and first aid certifications are required.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • BIO201 Anatomy
  • BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
    		•  3
    EXS326L Lab: Applied Exercise Physiology I

    Experiments to complement the material presented in EXS326. Two hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: EXS 326. Additional fee(s): Laboratory fee.

    Co-requisites
    • EXS326 Applied Exercise Physiology I
    		 1

    EXS426 Applied Exercise Physiology II

    This course provides students with the knowledge of theoretical and applied aspects of exercise physiology and wellness. The emphasis of this course is on the physiological adaptations to exercise training. Students will learn how to design exercise prescriptions for typical adult populations, athletic populations, and special populations (i.e. pediatric, geriatric, and obese). Three hours of lecture per week.

    Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses:
  • EXS326 Applied Exercise Physiology I
  • EXS326L Lab: Applied Exercise Physiology I
    		•  3
    AND
    EXS426L Applied Exercise Physiology II Lab

    The emphasis of this lab is on the physiological adaptations to exercise training. Students will learn how to design exercise prescriptions for typical adult populations, athletic populations, and special populations (i.e. pediatric, geriatric, obese). Three hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: EXS 426. Additional fee(s): Laboratory fee.

    		 1
    OR

    EXS490 Integrative Capstone

    The integrative capstone, undertaken by the student during the senior year, is an extended project that helps the student complete their transition from an undergraduate student to a world-ready professional. The study usually centers on the student's major and may be conducted, at least in part, in the context of a group experience. Such programs are crafted to meet the unique needs of each major, and could include, for example, fieldwork, theater production, creative work in the arts, independent research, or independent readings. The integrative capstone in an interdisciplinary major must have the approval of both academic programs.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • EXS301W Introduction to Critical Research Appraisal
    		•  3

    INTEXS303 Internship - Exercise Science

    Internship - Exercise Science

    		 3
    OR
    ATH512 Clinical Experience in Athletic Training I

    This course is designed to allow students to review and demonstrate lower extremity and lumbar spine injury evaluations, foundational athletic training skills, modality implementation and emergency management techniques through the completion of a 12-week clinical education experience of approximately 240 clinical hours.

    		 3

    +Graduate Athletic Training

    ATH500 Prevention and Care of Emergency Medical Conditions

    This course will teach athletic training students recognition, evaluation, and treatment of emergent medical conditions. This will include basic skills required for injury prevention, treatment and recovery as it relates to physically active populations.

    		 3
    ATH501 Therapeutic Modalities

    This course educates and expands on theories and application of therapeutic modalities utilized in athletic training. Focus includes clinical decision making and evidence based utilization of modalities in pain modulation and treatment of acute and chronic conditions.

    Co-requisites
    • ATH500 Prevention and Care of Emergency Medical Conditions
    		 4
    ATH502 Introduction to Professional Practice

    This course will introduce athletic training students to various aspects of professional practice as it relates to athletic training including historical aspects of the profession, ethics, documentation and collaboration with other healthcare professions to optimize patient outcomes.

    		 2
    ATH503 Orthopedic and Neurologic Assessment I

    This course teaches athletic training students a systematic evaluative process including techniques involved in the assessment of orthopedic and neurological conditions of the lower extremity, pelvis, and lumbar spine.

    		 4
    ATH504 Orthopedic and Neurologic Assessment II

    This course teaches athletic training students a systematic evaluative process including techniques involved in the assessment of orthopedic and neurological conditions of the upper extremity, torso, head, thoracic, and cervical spine.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • ATH503 Orthopedic and Neurologic Assessment I
    		•  4
    ATH505 Medical Management of an Athletic Population

    This course teaches recognition, evaluation, management, and treatment of non-orthopedic medical conditions that affect physically active populations.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • ATH503 Orthopedic and Neurologic Assessment I
    		•  3
    ATH506 Therapeutic Interventions I

    Theories, concepts and psychomotor skills in the appropriate application and utilization of therapeutic exercise in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • ATH503 Orthopedic and Neurologic Assessment I
    		•  4
    ATH507 Therapeutic Interventions II

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

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • ATH506 Therapeutic Interventions I
    		•  4
    ATH508 Pharmacology in Athletic Training

    The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of drugs commonly used to treat patients seen by persons working in health science professions. Medical reasons for drug treatment, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of various medications, and adverse effects are presented. Specifically emphasized are drugs affecting the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • ATH505 Medical Management of an Athletic Population
    		•  2
    ATH509 Research Seminar I

    This course will introduce the fundamentals of research design and interpretation, including basic statistical analysis. Students will identify, locate and appraise current literature related to athletic training and determine how it applies to clinical practice.

    		 1
    ATH510 Research Seminar II

    This course will introduce the fundamentals of qualitative research design and other topics including disablement models, clinical prediction rules, patient oriented outcomes. Students will gain an understanding of qualitative research and its applicability in the Athletic Training profession.

    		 1
    ATH511 Research Seminar III

    This course will promote student analysis and summary of quantitative research as it relates to athletic training. Students will develop a research question, search literature, summarize and make evidence based clinical recommendations stemming from their research.

    		 1
    ATH512 Clinical Experience in Athletic Training I

    This course is designed to allow students to review and demonstrate lower extremity and lumbar spine injury evaluations, foundational athletic training skills, modality implementation and emergency management techniques through the completion of a 12-week clinical education experience of approximately 240 clinical hours.

    		 3
    ATH513 Clinical Experience in Athletic Training II

    This course is designed to allow students to develop clinical proficiency in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of upper extremity dysfunction, demonstrate therapeutic exercise and modality applications through the completion of a 15-week clinical education experience of approximately 240 hours.

    		 3
    ATH514 Clinical Experience in Athletic Training III

    This course is designed expose students to common non-orthopedic medical conditions present in physically active patients across the lifespan. Students will complete experiences collaborating with other health care providers in local primary or urgent care clinics through the completion of an 8- week clinical education experience approximately 160 hours.

    		2
    ATH515 Clinical Experience in Athletic Training IV

    This course is designed develop and enhance the practical skills and knowledge necessary for clinical practice, develop student clinical proficiency in all areas of the athletic training profession and facilitate increasing levels of autonomous practice through completion of a student selected 10-week fully immersive clinical education experience approximately 320 hours.

    		 4
    ATH516 Clinical Experience in Athletic Training V

    This course is designed to develop and enhance the practical skills and knowledge necessary for clinical practice, develop student clinical proficiency in all areas of the athletic training profession and facilitate increasing levels of autonomous practice through completion of a student selected 10-week immersive clinical education experience approximately 240 hours.

    		 3
    ATH517 Administration and Management

    This course will address administration responsibilities, policies, and procedures as they relate to the athletic training profession. Focus will be placed on legal and ethical practices, budget, record keeping, facility design and budget as well as job seeking, and interview skills.

    		 3
    ATH518 Optimizing Athletic Performance

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

    		 3
    ATH519 Advanced Topics in Athletic Training

    This course provides students the opportunity to examine advanced issues that shape the athletic training 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.

    		 3
    ATH520 Certification Preparation Course

    This course is designed to prepare students for the Board of Certification Examination and for becoming licensed to practice as an athletic trainer. Through the use of self-assessments, students will identify areas of strengths and weaknesses, create tailored study plans, and complete practice examinations.

    		 1
    ATH521 Advanced Sports Nutrition

    This course discusses scientifically founded sports nutrition including macro nutrients, energy expenditure in sport and exercise, dietary requirements pre-activity, during and post activity, ergogenic aids and nutritional supplements in a variety of active populations. Various diets and their implications/impact on the body will also be discussed.

    		 3
    ATH522 Healthcare Delivery

    This course will discuss the historic development, organization and characteristics of health care delivery systems, payment and reimbursement systems, accrediting agencies applicable to athletic training, organizational patterns of health care facilities, medical staff organization and bylaws; and the athletic training profession from its initiation to the present and future.

    		 3
    PSY530 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

    This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and intervention techniques of sport and exercise psychology. Topics covered will include motivation theory applied to sport, team dynamics, an introduction to psychological skills training, the psychology of sport injury, and issues pertinent to exercise adoption, adherence, and drop-out.

    		 3