Master of Science in Athletic Training (CUAA)
The CAATE accredited Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program will provide students with the professional preparation necessary to succeed as an entry-level athletic trainer. The program will provide students an educational experience encompassing communication, problem solving, clinical skills, and service. As a result, students graduating from the program will possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a successful clinician, will be prepared to pass the Board of Certification Examination, and will be eligible for appropriate state credentialing. The CUAA MSAT program will accomplish its mission through a holistic approach to the development of the mind, body, and spirit.
Concordia's MSAT program consists of 74 graduate credits for the 5-year plan (over 6 semesters), 66 graduate credits for the 2-year plan (over 4 semesters and one summer). The program enhances this classroom education with extensive hands-on clinical experiences in a variety of settings, under the supervision of athletic training professionals.
Dual Degree Program: Students can pursue a dual degree program, earning a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine degree and a Master of Science in Athletic Training degree. Students in the dual degree program typically complete two years of prerequisite and core coursework prior to transitioning into the professional phase of the MSAT program. Two options are listed below:
2+3 (Standard) Track: Two years of prerequisite and core coursework + three years of graduate-level MSAT coursework. The typical total time to completion is five years. Students will receive a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Medicine and a Master's Degree in Athletic Training.
2 Year Track: Two years of graduate-level MSAT coursework. The typical total time to completion is two years. Students will receive only a Master's Degree in Athletic Training.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will understand the anatomical and pathological concepts in athletic injuries.
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Students will be able to evaluate the scientific literature in the discipline, understand and synthesize relevant information from it, and be able to convey this information both orally and in writing.
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Students will be able to apply knowledge of athletic training in a real world setting.
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Students will demonstrate a responsible sense of citizenship, professional attitude, ethical behavior, and embrace their obligations as an athletic trainer in the world.
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Students will acquire knowledge and demonstrate the skills/abilities to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze athletic injuries and medical conditions of an entry level athletic trainer.
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Students will use effective communication (oral and written) and pedagogical skills and strategies to enhance student engagement and learning
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Students will demonstrate knowledge of scientific and theoretical basis of athletic injuries so that they can apply appropriate problem solving techniques plan, implement, and evaluate health care clinical strategies.
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Students will demonstrate and articulate the core social science foundations for collaboration, reflection, and technology.
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Students will demonstrate and articulate the legal implications of professional practice.
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Students will demonstrate and articulate the primacy of their patients and team approach to professional practice.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | 45 | |
| Major Requirements | 107 | |
| Total Hours | 152 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Introduction to Writing | ||
| Stewardship of the Body | ||
| Weight Training | ||
| Statistics I | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Required Major Courses | ||
| BIO 192 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| SCI 100 | Introduction to Natural Science | 4 |
| EXS 495 | Ethical Principles in Health and Human Performance | 3 |
| HHP 116 | Health Profession Medical Terminology | 1 |
| HHP 192 | Basic Taping & Wrapping Techniques | 1 |
| HHP 202 | Introduction to Kinesiology | 3 |
| HHP 210 | Health Care Delivery | 2 |
| HHP 212 | First Aid and Emergency Procedures w/Lab | 3 |
| HHP 265 | Healthy Lifestyles | 3 |
| HHP 274 | Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries | 3 |
| HHP 342 | Nutrition for Wellness and Performance | 3 |
| HHP 371 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| HHP 375 | Biomechanics | 3 |
| MSAT 512 | General Medical Conditions Assessment & Diagnosis | 3 |
| MSAT 532 | Psychosocial Principles of Athletic Training | 3 |
| MSAT 541 | Athletic Training Seminar (Students take the course 4 different semesters.) | 4 |
| MSAT 542 | Clinical Education I | 2 |
| MSAT 543 | Clinical Eduction II | 2 |
| MSAT 544 | Clinical Education III | 3 |
| MSAT 545 | Clinical Education IV | 3 |
| MSAT 551 | Orthopedic Assessment and Management of Lower Extremity Injuries | 3 |
| MSAT 552 | Orthopedic Assessment and Management of Upper Extremity/Head/Spine Injuries | 3 |
| MSAT 553 | Therapeutic Modalities for Athletic Injuries | 3 |
| MSAT 554 | Palpatory & Functional Anatomy for Athletic Trainers | 3 |
| MSAT 555 | Therapeutic Exercise | 3 |
| MSAT 556 | Acute Emergency Care of Athletic Injuries | 3 |
| MSAT 557 | Advanced Injury Managment | 3 |
| MSAT 559 | Administration & Organization of Athletic Training | 3 |
| MSAT 568 | Research Methods in Sports Medicine | 3 |
| MSAT 578 | Pharmacology for Athletic Trainers | 3 |
| MSAT 590 | Immersion Experience in Athletic Training (Students will take twice, 6 credits each time.) | 12 |
| MSAT 599 | Thesis in Athletic Training (Students will take twice, 3 credits each time.) | 6 |
| or MSAT 573 | Athletic Training Capstone | |
| NURS 520 | Basic Statistics for the Health Care Professions | 3 |
| Total Hours | 107 | |
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| EXS 495 | Ethical Principles in Health and Human Performance | 3 |
| NURS 520 | Basic Statistics for the Health Care Professions | 3 |
| MSAT 512 | General Medical Conditions Assessment & Diagnosis | 3 |
| MSAT 532 | Psychosocial Principles of Athletic Training | 3 |
| MSAT 541 | Athletic Training Seminar (Students take the course 2 different semesters.) | 2 |
| MSAT 542 | Clinical Education I | 2 |
| MSAT 543 | Clinical Eduction II | 2 |
| MSAT 544 | Clinical Education III | 3 |
| MSAT 545 | Clinical Education IV | 3 |
| MSAT 551 | Orthopedic Assessment and Management of Lower Extremity Injuries | 3 |
| MSAT 552 | Orthopedic Assessment and Management of Upper Extremity/Head/Spine Injuries | 3 |
| MSAT 553 | Therapeutic Modalities for Athletic Injuries | 3 |
| MSAT 554 | Palpatory & Functional Anatomy for Athletic Trainers | 3 |
| MSAT 555 | Therapeutic Exercise | 3 |
| MSAT 556 | Acute Emergency Care of Athletic Injuries | 3 |
| MSAT 557 | Advanced Injury Managment | 3 |
| MSAT 559 | Administration & Organization of Athletic Training | 3 |
| MSAT 568 | Research Methods in Sports Medicine | 3 |
| MSAT 578 | Pharmacology for Athletic Trainers | 3 |
| MSAT 590 | Immersion Experience in Athletic Training | 6 |
| MSAT 599 | Thesis in Athletic Training (Students will take twice, 3 credits each time.) | 6 |
| Total Hours | 66 | |
Athletic Training Program Application Process
The ATP is a selective program. Students applying for the ATP must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission into the ATP:
- Earn a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 in all major course work.
- Earn a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 in all course work.
- Complete the Athletic Training Application by the specified date.
- Interview with the Athletic Training Program Admissions Committee.
- Submit two CUAA AT Program student evaluation forms from two personal references.
- Submit an essay answering each of the following questions in no more than 100 words per question.
- Describe your understanding of the role of an athletic trainer in healthcare.
- Why do you want to become a certified athletic trainer?
- Describe your personal attributes that you feel are directly related to being successful in the profession of athletic training.
- How would you evaluate your time management, organizational skills, and work ethic?
- What are your primary career goals upon graduation from Concordia University Ann Arbor?
- Any other information that you feel will enhance your application and is pertinent to athletic training or your academic studies.
- Complete and pass the following courses:
- MSAT 116 with a grade of a B (3.0) or higher
- MSAT 167 with a grade of a B (3.0) or higher
- MSAT 205 with a grade of a B (3.0) or higher
- MSAT 210 with a grade of a B (3.0) or higher
- MSAT 274 with a grade of a B (3.0) or higher
- BIO 191 & 192 Human Anatomy I & II with a grade of a C (2.0) or higher
- Submit a copy of a recent physical examination (see Program Director for details).
- Submit a copy of health insurance information.
Any possible transfer credits must be discussed and approved by the Program Director.
Technical Standards for Admission
Students in the Athletic Training Program at Concordia University Ann Arbor should have the stamina and strength to endure the rigors of athletic training. The technical standards in the ATP are part of the admittance into the program and meet the expectations of the program’s accreditation agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the ATP, with reasonable accommodation. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program.
Applicants for selection to the ATP must demonstrate:
- Maintain BLS CPR/AED certification.
- Show proof of a negative test for tuberculosis annually while enrolled in the program.
- Receive a physical prior to acceptance into the program; should include in the health history immunizations received i.e. hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria.
- Possess the physical capability to handle the day-to-day rigors of athletic training; e.g. physical examinations, evaluations, therapeutic exercise, weather extremes, and clinical rotations.
- The ability to critically think and problem solve as it relates to the assessment of the injured and ill.
- The ability to communicate effectively in both the verbal and in written form; i.e. awareness of and sensitivity to various cultures and social backgrounds, and documentation in medical records and forms.
- Maintain professional behavior while representing the ATP; e.g. dress code, attitude, communication, and collegiality.
- The ability to act and react appropriately to various stressful and changing situations in athletic training.
- A commitment to progress as sequenced and completion of the ATP.
- A genuine concern for others associated with the ATP and the patients served.
- The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
- Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
- The ability to record the physical examination results and treatment plan clearly and accurately.
- The ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
- Effective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.
- A respect for the LCMS doctrine and other religious beliefs.
- Athletic training can be an inherently dangerous when around athletic practices and events. Therefore, each athletic training student must carry health insurance in the case of any injuries that may occur.
Applicants to the ATP will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.
Appeals Policy
Students who are denied admission into the ATP may appeal.
- Each student has the opportunity to appeal once denied admission into the Athletic Training Program.
- If the student would like to appeal, they first contact the ATP Director and state the desired intention to appeal.
- The student and the ATP Director will then set up a meeting to discuss the student’s concerns about admission denial.
- The student and the ATP Director will discuss the reasons for admission denial into the ATP.
- If the student is not satisfied with the initial meeting and discussion, the student may set a meeting with the ATP Director and Dean of Arts and Science. This meeting will address the reasons for admission denial into the ATP.
- A final decision will be made regarding admission denial into the ATP after meeting with the Athletic Training Program Director and Dean of Arts and Science.
Reapplication Policy
Any student who was not accepted into the ATP during the first attempt may reapply the following year. All students will be given equal opportunity to be admitted into the ATP. Each denied student will have to formally apply the following year and compete for any available openings in the ATP, with all of the students who are applying that academic year. Each student will have to resubmit all application materials for consideration into the ATP. If a student is denied admission, he/she will be notified of the reasons why they were denied into the ATP.
Retention Standards
Once admitted to the MSAT program, all athletic training students must meet the following Retention Standards:
- Maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 in major course work.
- Must pass all Clinical Education courses (MSAT 542, MSAT 543, MSAT 544, MSAT 545, MSAT 546, MSAT 547) with a grade of B (3.0) or higher.
- Must pass all required athletic training courses, in sequence, in order to progress in the Athletic Training Program. If a student does not pass a course during a particular semester, that student cannot progress in the program until the course has been re-taken and the student has passed the course. Students who do not pass an athletic training course during the first attempt may re-take that course one additional time in an effort to pass the class. Students will not be allowed to take any athletic training course more than two times.
- Student’s skills sheets list passing of a competency. If a student does not pass, they will be remediated prior to performing these skills on patients at their clinical rotation.
- Maintain required and scheduled clinical experience hours.
- Must follow all Athletic Training Program Policies and Procedures in the Athletic Training Program Handbook.
Probation Policy
- Any current student who fails to meet the retention standards will be put on a probationary status.
- If a current student is on probationary status and fails to improve towards the deficient retention standard(s) within the following semester or does not pass a course during a particular semester, that student will then be terminated from the ATP.
- If a student on probation fails to meet the retention standard within two consecutive semesters, he/she will be terminated from the ATP without the opportunity to reapply.
- If a student has been on probation and then meets the retention requirements, he/she will be removed from probation. If that same student then fails to maintain the retention requirements a second time, such student will then be terminated from the ATP without the opportunity to reapply.
- If a student is terminated from the ATP, the student will have one year to acquire the required retention policy level(s) while terminated. If the student meets the required retention policy during their year of termination, the student will have the opportunity to join the class level he/she was terminated from.
Degree Completion Requirements
All ATS must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for graduation:
NOTE: Students will be considered Undergraduate students for the first four semesters and Graduate students for the final six semesters.
- Maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 in major course work.
- Maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 in all course work.
- Meet all Retention Standards.
- Must pass all required athletic training courses, in sequence, in order to progress in the Athletic Training Program. If a student does not pass a course during a particular semester, that student cannot progress in the program until the course has been re-taken and the student has passed the course. Students who do not pass an athletic training course during the first attempt may re-take that course one additional time in an effort to pass the class. Students will not be allowed to take any athletic training course more than two times.
- Must pass all required core curriculum courses during the first four semesters.
- Meet all CUAA undergraduate and graduate graduation requirements.