Nursing and Health Professions
Immaculata’s Master of Athletic Training program equips you with an understanding of anatomy and physiology and gives you practical experience through clinical education.
You will prepare for athletic training certification by learning evidence-based practices to prevent, diagnose, and treat various musculoskeletal and medical conditions in athletes and other physically active people.
Each semester of this two-year, full-time MAT program, you will be required to meet benchmarks that prepare you for athletic training certification. In your second fall semester, you will take a comprehensive exam that you must pass to progress to your final semester. You will then be eligible to take the Board of Certification exam during or after your final spring semester.
The Master of Athletic Training program received initial accreditation in April 2023 by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), a non-profit organization whose mission is to define, assess and improve athletic training education. The program is currently accredited and in good standing.
Program Highlights
- Hybrid course delivery—Introductory courses during your first summer are offered online with only one week on campus required. Some fall and spring courses are offered in a hybrid format that blends hands-on practice and online learning. In your second year, you will primarily take online courses so that you can be fully immersed in your clinical education settings.
- Specialization electives—You will take at least one elective that provides advanced instruction in athletic training trends and practice. Sample electives include American Red Cross instructor training, manual therapy techniques, and concussion evaluation and treatment.
- Inter-professional education—To prepare you for becoming an integral part of the health care system, you will have opportunities to work with students in other health professions.
- Clinical experiences—Put your knowledge into action during six clinical education experiences in various settings that will expose you to diverse populations and medical conditions. You will gain experience with equipment-intensive sports, mental health, rehabilitation, and more. In your final year of the program, you will participate in an immersive full-time clinical experience in an area of athletic training that interests you. Our current clinical education locations include local high schools and universities, Kinetic Physical Therapy, IM Health, and an immersive experience at University of Florida.
Athletic Training Clinic
In IU’s athletic training facility, you will practice skills in a working athletic training clinic.
- Use exercise equipment, rehabilitation tools and therapeutic modalities, such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound and various manual therapy tools.
- Refine taping and wrapping skills in the dedicated taping area.
- Learn about hydrotherapy through using hot and cold whirlpools.
Course Preview
Head and Spine Assessment
This course will introduce students to the procedures and tests used to examine and diagnose injuries to the head, face, chest, and cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Students will be able to identify risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries and illness and be instructed in theory and proper techniques for diagnostic and special tests, including ligamentous, neurological, strength and range of motion assessment.
Mental Health Strategies
This course will examine the various mental health concerns of the physically active population. Case studies will assist the students through discussion of the critical decision making process to assist patients in receiving the appropriate care. Risk factors, management plans, referrals, and medications related to mental health concerns will be discussed.
Therapeutic Modalities
This course will provide an overview of the planning and implementation of therapeutic modalities used to treat injuries and illness. An introduction to the physical, chemical, and mechanical modalities will complement the students’ understanding of wound healing and their purpose in the treatment protocol. Students will gain an understanding of the human body’s physiological response to various treatment methods.
Manual Therapy and Alternative Treatments
This course will introduce students to additional therapeutic interventions that can be used with their patient population. The physiological effects of manual therapy and other alternative treatments will be discussed. The benefits and risks associated with each treatment modality will be examined.
Tuition and Costs
In addition to Immaculata’s graduate tuition and fees, you will need to pay for the cost of travel to your clinical experiences, clinical attire, criminal background checks, drug screenings, and immunizations.
Curriculum (60 credits)
Below you will find a two-year course sequence for this program.
1st Year – Summer Semester (9)
- ATP 501 Foundations in Athletic Training (3)
- ATP 503 Structural and Functional Kinesiology (3)
- ATP 504 Emergency Medical Care (3)
1st Year – Fall Semester (11)
- ATP 505 Lower Extremity Assessment (3)
- ATP 508 Therapeutic Exercise (3)
- ATP 551 Clinical I (2)
- GEN 502: Methods of Research (3)
1st Year – Spring Semester (11)
- ATP 506 Upper Extremity Assessment (3)
- ATP 509 Therapeutic Modalities (3)
- ATP 513 Manual Therapy/Alternative Treatments (3)
- ATP 552 Clinical II (2)
2nd Year – Summer Semester (11)
- ATP 507 Head & Spine Assessment (3)
- ATP 510 General Medical Conditions (3)
- ATP 512 Mental Health Strategies (3)
- ATP 553 Clinical III (1)
- ATP 556 General Medical Clinical (1)
2nd Year – Fall Semester (9)
- ATP 511 Athletic Training Administration (3)
- ATP 514 Orthopedic Procedures (3)
- ATP 554 Clinical IV (2)*
- ATP 599 Comprehensive Exam in Athletic Training (0)
- ATP 650 Special Topics (1)
2nd Year – Spring Semester (9)
- ATP 650 Special Topics (4)
- ATP 555 Clinical V (5)*
*ATP 554 & 555 Clinical courses are immersive experiences.
Program Mission, Goals and Learning Outcomes
The mission of the Athletic Training program at Immaculata University is to provide a comprehensive learning experience within the discipline of athletic training that integrates scientific inquiry, theoretical knowledge, and clinical practice. Grounded in the mission of Immaculata University, students will receive an education rooted in Christian core values, academic rigor and ethical integrity.
The goals of the Athletic Training program are to:
- Provide students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical integration proficiencies essential for Board of Certification eligibility
- Prepare students for meaningful careers in athletic training
- Prepare students for the diverse and changing world of health care
- Encourage a lifelong commitment to learning and professional excellence.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the athletic training curriculum, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and practical skills in prevention and risk management of athletic injuries and illness.
- Demonstrate critical decision making and problem solving skills that are essential in the recognition, evaluation, and management of athletic injuries and illnesses.
- Design, implement, and assess treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning protocols.
- Exhibit ethical decision making, administrative, and leadership skills essential for success in the athletic training.
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, and technological skills in academic and professional activities.
- Apply and synthesize evidence-based athletic training knowledge to current issues in the variety of athletic training settings.
Where Can I Work?
Athletic trainers can help prevent injuries and reduce health care costs, so demand for athletic trainers is expected to increase significantly over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Athletic trainers are also in demand because their skills can be employed in a variety of contexts:
- Schools
- Professional sports
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Performing arts
- Military
Alumni of Immaculata’s undergraduate athletic training program have been hired as athletic trainers at:
- Philadelphia Union Academy/YSC Academy
- Great Valley High School
- Perkiomen Valley High School
- Springfield High School
- West Catholic High School
- Swarthmore College
- Penn State Harrisburg
- Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster
- University of South Florida
- Drexel University
- Penn State Abington
- ATI Physical Therapy
Admission Requirements
We accept applications for the Master of Athletic Training on a rolling basis. All cohorts begin the program in the summer semester. To apply to the Master of Athletic Training, you must meet the following criteria:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
- 100 hours of observation with a certified athletic trainer
- Current certification in First Aid and CPR/AED
You must also have completed the following prerequisite courses with a B or above:
- Human Anatomy – 4 credits
- Human Physiology – 4 credits (or 8 credits total Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II)
- Biology – 3 credits (in addition to Human Anatomy & Physiology)
- Physics – 4 credits
- Chemistry – 4 credits
- Kinesiology or Structural/Functional Anatomy – 3 credits
- Exercise Physiology – 3 credits
- Nutrition – 3credits
- Introduction to Research – 3 credits
- General Psychology – 3 credits
- Statistics – 3 credits
- Medical Terminology – 1-3 credits
- 6 credits from the following courses: Prevention & Care of Athletic Injuries, Biomechanics, Exercise Evaluation & Prescription, Sport Nutrition, Sport Psychology, Health Psychology
You must apply through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS) and submit:
- Completed application form through ATCAS
- Two recommendations: ATCAS will provide electronic forms to the recommenders you list.
- Official transcript(s) from each of the undergraduate and graduate schools you have attended. Send transcripts from the college or university directly to ATCAS.
- Observation hours: You can submit verification of your 100 hours through ATCAS.
- Goals statement: Submit this statement in the supplemental application of ATCAS.
As part of the admissions process, you will interview with Immaculata’s program faculty to determine your acceptance into the program.
Program Information and Outcomes
Program Handbook
Just the facts
2
Years to complete the program
6
Clinical education experiences
17%
Job growth 2021-2031,
much faster than average
$48,420
Median Salary
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