Prerequisite Courses
Students entering this graduate program are expected to have appropriate academic preparation prior to beginning academic coursework in athletic training. Transcript evaluation will be done by the graduate faculty to determine fulfillment of prerequisite knowledge in these areas. The course description and/or syllabus may be used to determine acceptance.
- Human Physiology and Anatomy I and II with Labs
- Exercise Physiology
- Kinesiology or Biomechanics
- General Psychology
- Basic Nutrition
- Statistics
Preferred courses
- Motor Learning
- undergraduate research course
Students who do not have a prerequisite course(s) may be admitted provisionally but must take the course(s) within one year of admission.
Admission Requirements
This degree is clinical degree program. The graduate program in Athletic Training is designed to prepare students to become entry level athletic training professionals and it prepares students for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. The curriculum is based upon cognitive and psychomotor learning experiences. In order to become eligible to sit for the BOC examination, students within this degree must successfully complete all of the coursework within the professional area, successfully complete and pass all NATA competencies, and complete clinical education experience each semester over the course of the two year (including summers) program. Each new ATP cohort begins in June.
The program will review application as they are received. Applications must be received no later than beginning of May to be considered to start summer courses. Applications, transcripts, overall GPA, GPA in prerequisite courses, GRE scores, and an electronic audio and video interview will be used in the evaluation process.
Program Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (GPA below 3.0 may be considered)
- A standard graduate admission test (GRE or equivalent) must be on record if cumulative GPA is below a 3.0.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation from academic and professional references concerning the candidate's potential to succeed in graduate school. At least one letter must be from a certified athletic trainer.
- It is recommended but not required to obtain a minimum of 25-50 contact hours with a certified athletic trainer.
- Official transcripts from each institution attended.
- An essay stating why the student wants to be an athletic trainer, career goals, and the attributes the student possesses that will make him or her successful in life and athletic training.
- Completed application through ATCAS. Once application and admission through ATCAS is complete, the MSUB graduate student application must be completed and the application fee paid.
- The program has rolling admission; therefore students can apply at any time, but application to begin the program in early summer must be completed in early May.
- Students will be required to participate in an internet- or phone-based interview with faculty from the program.
Admission into the Athletic Training Education Program is a competitive process.
Notification of Program Admittance
The applicant for the Master of Science in Athletic Training will receive a letter from the Director of Graduate Studies indicating the status of admittance no later than 30 days after the application deadline.
Minimum Undergraduate GPA: If a student has below a 3.0 (on a 4 point scale), that student may be admitted provisionally to the program; however, the student must complete 12 semester hours with a 3.0 or better in order to obtain full admittance into the ATP.
International students: Either TOEFL or IELTS required.
Other Program Requirements
For other program requirements including retention and graduation requirements, please see the Athletic Training Program website or Graduate Studies for the most current information.
The Athletic Training Education Program is a two year (five semester) program with each new cohort beginning in June. The program was granted initial accreditation in 2005 and students are eligible to sit for the BOC examination.
Student Learning and Outcomes Assessment
The National Athletic Training Association (NATA), the Board of Certification (BOC) for Athletic Training and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) have set the benchmarks for education, exam preparation, and professional practice for athletic training. The MSU Billings athletic training program seeks to meet and exceed the educational requirements presented in the NATA Athletic Training Education Competencies. The program further seeks to produce athletic trainers who possess the ability to function as professional athletic trainers in accordance with the current role delineation study, but also have the ability to conduct and evaluate research in the athletic training field.
Outcome assessments are conducted in each course, during clinical experiences, and at the conclusion of the research project or thesis.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Students will be able to apply knowledge and skills to evaluate conditions and develop care plans.
- Students will be able to provide patient centered care while working in a variety of settings, with diverse populations.
- Students will be able to use evidence-based practice to inform and deliver patient care
Required Courses
Students may substitute courses and change the program plan only with the approval of the graduate faculty.
