Master of Science in Athletic Training

Mission Statement

The mission of the PennWest Clarion Master of Science in Athletic Training Program is to provide a quality academic experience that includes innovative student-centered opportunities and authentic clinical education in order to prepare students as autonomous healthcare practitioners, scholars, and lifelong learners.

Program Objectives

1. 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 activities with varying conditions.
1.1. Collaborate with health care professionals from multiple disciplines to provide appropriate patient care.
1.2. Demonstrate preparedness to transition to autonomous clinical practice by providing athletic training students with authentic real-time patient interactions.
1.3. Incorporate patient outcomes and best available evidence to develop clinical care plans for a diverse population in a variety of employment settings.

2. 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.
2.1. Demonstrate proficiency in developing and answering a focused clinical question
2.2. 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.
2.3. 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.

3. Understand and promote professional responsibilities and avenues of professional development to support athletic training as a health care profession through professional and community involvement
3.1. Engage in professional development and networking through interaction and attendance at professional meetings and educational opportunities.
3.2. Participate in opportunities that promote lifelong learning, professional development and serve to benefit the community at large without regard to personal gain.

4. 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.
4.1 Describe the importance of respecting patient autonomy and the value of individualized patient care plans.
4.2 Demonstrate characteristics and values that align with socio-cultural and global resonance in clinical practice.
4.3 In collaboration with various healthcare professionals, incorporate a customized and comprehensive care plan based on specific patient objectives to guide clinical decision-making.

Students who intend to apply for the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program should complete the Graduate Online Application through PennWest Clarion. 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 seven-week summer session (later 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 grades of C or better:

• Biology
• Two semesters of anatomy and physiology with labs
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Exercise physiology
• Nutrition
• Biomechanics or Kinesiology
• General psychology
• Statistics

Program Requirements

Prior to enrollment, students must complete the following:

• FBI Federal Criminal History Record (Act 114)
• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Records Check (Act 34)
• State of Residence Police Criminal Records Check (non-Pennsylvania residents only)
• Child Abuse Clearance (Act 33)
• Additional clearances may be required by affiliate sites.
• Immunization Records
• Hepatitis B series
• Varicella vaccine or titer
• MMR
• Technical Standards Form
• Communicable Disease Policy

Retention & Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for graduation, a student must:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students that fall below this criterion will be granted one semester of probationary status in which to raise their GPA above the minimum standard. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the MSAT Program.
• Earn a minimum grade of "C" in all MSAT courses.
• Retake no more than two MSAT courses.
• Complete a minimum of 50 continuing education points
• Maintain documentation of yearly PPD (TB skin test) and seasonal flu vaccine
• Maintain professional liability insurance
• Adhere to all policies and procedures as outlined in the MSAT Student Handbook.

This degree path is for students who wish to become an athletic trainer and have completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution. 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). The MSAT requires 58-credits of graduate coursework completed over 24-months consecutive months.

Program Data and Outcomes

View the program fees PDF.

• California University of Pennsylvania Athletics  
• Clarion Area High School  
• PennWest Clarion Athletics  
• Clarion Rehabilitation Services, INC 
• Marianne Family Medicine
• Penn Highlands Healthcare – Dubois  
• The Citadel Military College Athletics  

Athletic Training Clinical Experience Expectations