Athletic Training (MSAT) - MS

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

51 S.H.

Detailed information regarding application and admission is available on the Athletic Training program website.

Admission Criteria

The Athletic Training major is currently transitioning from a nationally accredited undergraduate program by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) to an entry-level Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program. Students interested in this professional program have two admission opportunities: 3+2 option or 2-year graduate program following completion of a baccalaureate program (see below).

Once admitted to the professional phase of the program students will complete the academic curriculum and required clinical education experiences in a variety of athletic training settings. Students who complete the clinical education and academic requirements for the MSAT program are eligible for national certification through the Board of Certification (BOC).

Students interested in the graduate Athletic Training program must apply to the program, participate in a competitive selection process, and adhere to published retention guidelines. Important up to date information is available on the Athletic Training program website including:

Program updates
Application information and instructions
Student cost information
Clinical education requirements
Retention guidelines
Student rights and due process

Information contained on the Athletic Training program website is considered to be the most accurate and all program updates will be advertised and published there.

3+2 Program

Students would enroll at WSU with the intention to graduate with a MSAT degree in five years. The program is designed to provide students with all the necessary pre-requisite courses and degree requirements for admission into the professional phase of the program (graduate courses/clinical immersion). Following the completion of the fourth year, students will be conferred an undergraduate Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences: Movement Science. At the completion of the professional program, students will be awarded a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) degree. Upon entering WSU students should declare Pre-Athletic Training and a major in Movement Science with an Athletic Training Focus.

The 3+2 program is intended for students entering WSU as freshman or students who transfer/change majors early in their undergraduate education. Students that change majors or transfer to WSU are not guaranteed admission into the MSAT program. Student should be aware that it may take additional time to complete all undergraduate and graduate requirements.

2-Year MSAT Program

This entry route is for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree and have met the admission requirements for the professional phase of the MSAT program.

Career Opportunities

Winona State University has a long-standing tradition of graduates who become certified athletic trainers and make positive contributions to the allied health profession of athletic training. While some WSU graduates have secured positions with professional, semi-professional, and Olympic teams, others have obtained positions as university head athletic trainers, clinic directors, physician clinics, industrial/corporate athletic trainers, military athletic trainers and high school athletic trainers.

Program Requirements (51 S.H.)

Health, Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences (48 S.H.)

HERS 560 - Nutrition for the Physically Active (3 S.H.) *
HERS 568 - Pathophysiology for the Health Professions (3 S.H.)
HERS 570 - Principles of Athletic Training (3 S.H.) *
HERS 571 - Clinical Examination & Diagnosis I (3 S.H.) *
HERS 572 - Clinical Examination & Diagnosis II (3 S.H.) *
HERS 573 - Therapeutic Modalities (3 S.H.)
HERS 590 - Athletic Training Clinical Practice I (2 S.H.)
HERS 591 - Athletic Training Clinical Practice II (2 S.H.)
HERS 670 - Therapeutic Interventions (2 S.H.)
HERS 672 - Pharmacology for Athletic Training (1 S.H.)
HERS 673 - Psychosocial Issues in Sports Medicine (2 S.H.)
HERS 680 - Administration and Professionalism in Athletic Training (2 S.H.)
HERS 681 - Physical Rehabilitation (3 S.H.)
HERS 682 - Advanced Rehabilitation & Treatment (1 S.H.)
HERS 683 - Interprofessional Health Care (1 S.H.)
HERS 684 - Applied Decision Making in Interprofessional Practice (1 S.H.)
HERS 685 - Evidence-Based Practice & Research Design (3 S.H.)
HERS 686 - Athletic Training Research (2 S.H.)
HERS 690 - Athletic Training Clinical Practice III (1 S.H.)
HERS 691 - Athletic Training Clinical Experience IV (3 S.H.)
HERS 692 - Athletic Training Clinical Experience V (3 S.H.)
HERS 693 - Topics in Athletic Training (1 S.H.)

Note

* Classes fulfill undergraduate coursework for students on the 3+2 program.

Statistics (3 S.H.)

STAT 601 - Statistical Methods for Health Care Research (3 S.H.)

Athletic Training Program

The MSAT program provides students with knowledge and skills in content areas outlined by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the CAATE. Academic coursework integrates the required professional knowledge competencies and the proficiencies of professional behaviors and practices to prepare students for a career in allied health care as a certified athletic trainer. Specific content areas include; evidence based practices; prevention and health promotion; clinical examination; acute care and rehabilitation; therapeutic interventions; psychosocial strategies; and healthcare administration. Students will engage in a dynamic, technology based curriculum designed to develop outstanding professionals who are prepared to the highest level.

MSAT students will obtain both traditional and immersive clinical education experiences at the collegiate and high school levels with a variety of individual and team sports. Students will have numerous opportunities to gain hands-on clinical experiences under the direct supervision of a preceptor that will allow them to master skills required of the profession of athletic training. Clinical education sites may include the athletic training facilities at WSU, Saint Mary’s University, Rochester Community and Technical College, Winona Senior High School and Rochester area high schools. Other clinical sites in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa may be utilized for immersion experiences as available and approved by University administration. Students will also gain valuable community-based medical experience at rehabilitation clinics, chiropractic clinics, physician offices, and occupational health clinics, including clinical sites at Winona Health and Mayo Clinic.

Application & Selection Requirements

The MSAT Program requires a competitive admission process which will be the same for students applying to enter the professional phase of the program via the 3+2 program (option 1) or the two-year MSAT program (option 2). Admission is not guaranteed to those meeting the minimum admission criteria. Only students admitted to the professional phase will be able to continue with the academic and clinical portion of the MSAT program.

Note: Students not admitted with the 3+2 option will have a seamless transition into the BS degree in Exercise and Rehabilitative Science as the program was designed using the same academic core.

Academic Admission Criteria

Possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (includes all institutions attended).
Possess a minimum 3.0 GPA in the following pre-requisite courses:
- Human Anatomy with lab (1 semester)
- Human Physiology with lab (1 semester)
- Physics with lab (1 semester)
- Chemistry with lab (1 semester)
- Biology with lab (1 semester)
- Statistics (1 semester)
- General Psychology (1 semester)
- Nutrition (1 semester)
- Anatomical Kinesiology (1 semester)
- Biomechanics (1 semester)
- Exercise Physiology (1 semester)
Current certification in CPR/AED/First Aid as defined in application materials.
Complete a minimum of 50 observational hours under the direct supervision of a BOC certified athletic trainer.
Complete all MSAT program application forms and all other forms required for admission to the WSU Graduate School.

Primary Application Process

All application materials must be submitted by November 1 to be considered for primary admission into the MSAT program. The application materials are rated and ranked by a committee who will determine if a student is granted an interview. The committee will set up a time with the student to complete the interview process (via online or in person). Students will be notified by December 15 of their acceptance or denial into the MSAT program.

Secondary Application Process

If student admission for the MSAT program has not reached capacity (maximum of 20 students) following the primary application process, students may continue to apply by submitting completed application materials. A “rolling admission” process will be utilized in the spring semester accepting students who meet the application requirements until enrollment has reached capacity. Interviews are still required for admission. All admission procedures must be completed by May 15. Contact the Program Director of the MSAT for more information.