Athletic Training, MS

Tona Hetzler, Program Director
Professional Building, room 160
Phone: 417-836-8553
Tonahetzler@missouristate.edu

Program Description

The Master of Science in Athletic Training degree is designed to prepare certified athletic trainers to function in advanced athletic training roles within an evolving health care delivery system. Students will explore topics directly related to the program’s point of distinctiveness: Advanced Clinical Skills in Rehabilitation and Athletic Training Leadership.

Admission Requirements

Completed applications will be reviewed beginning December 1st for admission the following fall, and will continue until the class is filled. An individual wishing to become a candidate for the MSAT degree must complete the online GradCAS application. Full details of applying to graduate programs at Missouri State can be found at Graduate Application. Admission of students for the MSAT program is selective and competitive due to limited resources. Student not accepted into the program may apply for the next application deadline. See admission processes and requirements in Graduate College section of the Graduate Catalog.

Full Admission to the MSAT Program

Full admission to the MSAT program will be based on:

1. Eligible for acceptance into the Graduate College at Missouri State University.
2. A cumulative GPA of no less than 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in the last 60 hours of college course work attempted. Consideration may also be given to an applicant whose GPA falls below the minimum if a strong GRE score has been earned or if other evidence of potential for academic success in graduate education can be presented. Graduate work will be considered on an individual basis.
3. Eligible for the BOC or an equivalent athletic training credential (e.g., Canadian Certified Athletic Therapist).
4. Licensure as an Athletic Trainer in good standing in Missouri or eligible for licensure in Missouri.
5. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university - including a Statistical Methods course (IPE 381, PSY 200 or equivalent).
6. Applicants must have the capacity for performance of the technical functions and tasks required of an athletic trainer. Students must complete and submit the technical standards form to the MSAT program director.

Retention Requirements

After admission into the MSAT program, a student must achieve the following for retention in the program:

1. Maintain a GPA of 3.00, with no more than 9 semester hours of graduate work below a grade of “B”, and no hours of graduate work below a “C”.
2. Demonstrate acceptable professional progression in application of skills and knowledge.

Students who fail to meet the retention criteria may:

1. Be placed on academic or clinical probation in the MSAT program, or be dismissed from the program, based on the judgment of the majority of the MSAT ranked and clinical faculty.
2. Students who fail to meet the probationary criteria or are dismissed from the program are not eligible for readmission into the MSAT program. Students have the right to follow the University’s appeal process on any disciplinary sanction received.
3. Students should refer to the Missouri State University Sports Medicine and Athletic Training Handbook for Graduate Athletic Training Students for additional policies and procedures of the Sports Medicine and Athletic Training Department.