MS in Athletic Training
Training to Lead the Future
Antioch University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program provides a distinctive combination of a strong liberal arts foundation and immersive clinical experience crafted to launch your career in athletic training.
This program delivers the critical skills and expertise needed to tackle health disparities and enhance wellness across diverse communities.
Offering hands-on experience in college, high school, and clinical environments, Antioch University’s MSAT program prepares you to become an influential leader in athletic training, dedicated to improving the lives of active individuals. Start your journey with us and make a lasting impact in the field.
Program Overview
Antioch University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program is designed for aspiring athletic trainers who want to excel in a dynamic and growing field. This innovative program equips students with the essential clinical skills, evidence-based practices, and critical thinking necessary to provide high-quality care to athletes and active individuals across various settings.
The MSAT program emphasizes hands-on experience through clinical placements, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world environments, including schools, sports teams, and healthcare facilities. With a focus on injury prevention, assessment, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement, graduates will be well-prepared to meet the demands of athletic training and improve the health and wellness of their communities.
Year one courses are hybrid, offered online and on the Otterbein University campus in Westerville, Ohio. In year two, online learning options offer flexibility, making it easier to balance your education with personal and professional commitments. You will engage in collaborative learning with a diverse group of peers and experienced faculty, fostering an enriching educational experience that promotes teamwork and communication skills essential for success in athletic training.
The MSAT program at Antioch University is dedicated to addressing the challenges of health disparity and promoting social justice in sports and healthcare. Through our partnership with Otterbein University, known for its strong health and wellness programs, students will benefit from a curriculum that combines academic rigor with practical application, preparing them to be compassionate and effective leaders in the field of athletic training.
Join us at Antioch University to advance your career and make a meaningful impact in the lives of athletes and active individuals.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.
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Additional Program Details
The Antioch University Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program offers a unique blend of hands-on clinical experiences, immersive learning, and research opportunities, preparing students to excel as certified athletic trainers. With the partnership of Otterbein University, students gain access to an exceptional network of healthcare professionals and state-of-the-art facilities.
Students participate in four hands-on clinical rotations across diverse settings, such as collegiate athletics, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, high schools, and more. These rotations provide exposure to various athletic training environments, ensuring students develop a well-rounded skill set to meet the demands of different patient populations.
In their final year, students embark on a semester-long immersive clinical experience, where they take on the role of an athletic trainer under the guidance of experienced preceptors. This full-time immersion allows students to refine their clinical skills and gain deeper insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of athletic trainers.
Students will complete a thesis project as a capstone to their degree, showcasing their ability to conduct substantial research in a specific area of interest. Throughout the program, students also have multiple opportunities for publication and presentations, advancing their professional development and contributing to the field of athletic training.
The program includes a cutting-edge biomechanics course that leverages Otterbein’s state-of-the-art biomechanics institute, providing students with advanced tools and technologies to analyze movement and improve patient outcomes.
By enrolling in the Antioch MSAT program, students gain access to the robust Otterbein athletic training alumni and professional network within Central Ohio and beyond. This network provides valuable connections for clinical placements, mentorship, and career opportunities in athletic training and related fields.
55 credit hours; 6 semesters; 2 full calendar years starting in the Summer
- Develop Competent, Skilled, and Thoughtful Evidence-Based Practitioners.
- Equip students with advanced knowledge and clinical skills in athletic training, emphasizing self-reflection on personal values and biases to enhance their practice and promote diversity and inclusion in healthcare.
- Promote Social Justice, Equity, and Community Engagement
- Prepare students to become catalysts for change by integrating principles of social justice into their professional practice, advocating for equitable healthcare access and outcomes, promoting equity, equality, and inclusion, and engaging in community service and outreach programs.
- Foster Collaborative Leadership and Lifelong Learning
- Create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that encourages collaborative engagement among students, faculty, and healthcare professionals while instilling a commitment to continuous professional development and leadership in advancing the field of athletic training and healthcare equity.
- National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)
- Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association (GLATA)
- Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association (OATA)
- Board of Certification (BOC)
- Journal of Athletic Training
- Athletic Training Education Journal
- Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
Frequently Asked Questions
A master’s degree is now the required level of education for becoming a certified Athletic Trainer. Earning a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) not only prepares you to take the BOC exam but also equips you with advanced clinical skills, critical thinking, and leadership abilities necessary for success in diverse healthcare environments. With an MSAT, you’ll be ready to make an impact in athletic training and sports medicine.
The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) is the body that accredits Athletic Training programs in the U.S. CAATE accreditation ensures that educational programs meet the highest standards for preparing students to become competent and effective athletic trainers.
The Board of Certification (BOC) is the credentialing agency that certifies Athletic Trainers. To practice as an Athletic Trainer, students must pass the BOC exam, demonstrating their knowledge and skills in athletic training practice
Career Outlook
Athletic trainers are in high demand across settings such as professional sports, colleges, high schools, performing arts companies, the military, clinics, and hospitals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth in athletic training, driven by rising awareness of sports injuries and increasing emphasis on physical fitness. With an MSAT degree, you’ll step into a leadership role with the skills to make a difference in athletes’ lives and beyond.
At Antioch University, athletic training is more than a career—it’s a platform for advancing social justice, inclusive healthcare, and community wellness.
Admission, Tuition, & Financial Aid
Admission Requirements
The Master of Science in Athletic Training program (MSAT) has a competitive admission process. Students seeking this option will need to ensure that all prerequisite and foundation courses have been taken.
All students must meet and complete the following items for admission consideration:
- Minimum 3.00 GPA in undergraduate coursework
- Completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher
- A letter of interest
- Two letters of recommendation
- A formal interview with the academic department
- Proof of 50 observation hours with a certified athletic trainer
- Completion of the ATCAS application
- Completion of the ATCAS application
Once all materials are submitted, the academic department will determine which candidates will receive admission to the program.
All of the courses listed below are required for formal application in the MSAT program:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
- Anatomy and Physiology
Required foundation courses for admittance into the MSAT include:
- Statistics
- Epidemiology
- Kinesiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutrition
- Public Health
All other foundation knowledge-based courses will be offered and infused with graduate-level courses.
Otterbein Students: Please note that all these courses are included in the Otterbein Bachelor of Science in Allied Health with a concentration in pre-athletic training.
How to Apply
Application and supplemental materials are due by April 15th each year.
| Application Deadline | Start Date | |
| April 1 | May 5 |
Students must apply through the ATCAS Application.
Tuition
| Program | Cost |
|---|---|
| Master of Science in Allied Health | $610 per semester hour (30 hours) |
| View the Cost of Attendance Components | |
Financial Aid
Many students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public, and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants – are right for you. Our staff is here to help you so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program.
Antioch University is proud to partner with several schools and employers to offer scholarships and/or special educational benefits to employees, students, and alumni of select partner institutions. To learn more about these scholarships and to find out if you are eligible, talk with Admissions.
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