Program: M.S., Athletic Training
Program Description
Athletic Trainers (ATs) are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians and other allied health professionals to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients across age and care continuums. The practice of Athletic Training encompasses prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of emergency, acute and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations and disabilities. ATs work under the direction of physicians, as prescribed by state licensure statutes.
The Master of Science in Athletic Training is a 6-semester, 64-unit, professional program dedicated to the development of high-quality healthcare professionals. The Athletic Training program features a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills through case-based learning. Students are required to complete a diversity of clinical experiences, which include high schools, community colleges, 4-year colleges, rehabilitation clinics and physician practice settings.
The 2-year program begins in the summer and requires full-time enrollment, including the summers. All students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout the program. To be eligible for the national BOC examination, both the didactic and clinical components of the degree must be successfully completed.
Students who want to become certified Athletic Trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training program. The Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU, and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., Social Security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements is available from the department. See Notice to Students: Licensure and Certification for more information.
Program Requirements
A. Requirements for Admission to the Program
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 prior to enrollment in the program.
- Admission to graduate studies at CSUN.
- Completion of all prerequisite courses or approved substitutions prior to enrollment with a minimum grade of “C-” and a minimum GPA of 2.5.
B. Prerequisite Coursework
Completion of all prerequisite college-level courses or approved substitutions, with no course grade lower than a “C-” prior to enrollment. Required prerequisites include a minimum of one semester of each of the following courses or equivalent as approved by AT faculty prior to the application:
- Biology and Lab
- Human Anatomy and Lab
- Human Physiology
- Chemistry and Lab
- Physics and Lab
- Nutrition
- Psychology
Recommended Prerequisite Course:
- Statistics
Meeting eligibility requirements to apply to the program does not guarantee acceptance.
For further information regarding application requirements and the application process, please visit the Master of Science in Athletic Training website.
C. Requirements for the Degree
1. Required Courses (61 units)
AT 500 Evidence-Based Practice in Athletic Training (3)
AT 501/L Foundations in Athletic Training and Laboratory (3/1)
AT 502 Pain Neuroscience in Athletic Training (2)
AT 510/L Clinical Anatomy and Biomechanics and Laboratory (2/1)
AT 520/L Lower Extremity Injury Evaluation and Laboratory (3/1)
AT 521/L Upper Extremity Injury Evaluation and Laboratory (3/1)
AT 530/L Therapeutic Interventions for Lower Extremity Injuries and Laboratory (3/1)
AT 531/L Therapeutic Interventions for Upper Extremity Injuries and Laboratory (3/1)
AT 540 Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training I (1)
AT 541 Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training II (1)
AT 542 Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training III (1)
AT 550/L Primary Care I and Laboratory (3/1)
AT 560 Seminar in Athletic Training I (1)
AT 561 Seminar in Athletic Training II (1)
AT 562 Seminar in Athletic Training III (1)
AT 610/L Reconditioning and Human Performance and Laboratory (2/1)
AT 620 Organization and Administration of Athletic Training (3)
AT 630/L Advanced Manual Therapy and Laboratory (3/1)
AT 640 Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training IV, Primary Care (1)
AT 641 Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training V (1)
AT 642 Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training VI, Immersive (1)
AT 642A Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training VI, Immersive A (1)
AT 650/L Primary Care II and Lab (2/1)
AT 660 Emerging Trends in Athletic Training (2)
AT 670 Diversity and Inclusion in Athletic Training (2)
AT 680 Practical Applications of Injury Prevention (2)
2. Culminating Experience (3 units)
Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 64
Contact
Department of Kinesiology
Chair: Rosa Angulo-Barroso
Redwood Hall (RE) 250
(818) 677-3205
Graduate Coordinator: Shane Stecyk
(818) 677-4738
Student Learning Outcomes
The Master of Science in Athletic Training degree will prepare athletic training students to:
- Recognize, evaluate and diagnose acute and chronic injuries, illnesses and conditions in clinical practice using principles of evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.
- Design and track the progress of preventative and rehabilitative care plans in clinical practice through the implementation of therapeutic interventions using principles of evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.
- Recognize, manage and refer emergent medical situations using principles of evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.
- Provide patient-centered care to diverse and underserved patient populations in a respectful and culturally competent manner congruent with the ethical and practice standards of the profession.
- Demonstrate appropriate administrative skills, professional behaviors, communication and documentation required of Athletic Trainers working with patients, stakeholders and interprofessional care teams while promoting the profession.