Athletic Training (MS)
Program Details
Why Xavier’s Master’s in Athletic Training?
Jump-start your career as a certified athletic trainer by earning your Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) at Xavier University. Our graduate program immerses you in a hands-on learning environment that fosters critical thinking and collaboration and merges traditional coursework with a variety of applied clinical experiences to build a strong academic foundation and expand your skills.
Obtain Certifications
Additionally, while earning your MSAT degree, you receive continual professional development and become certified as an Emergency Medical Responder. You also obtain a HawkGrips certification and receive your Level-I IASTM Fundamentals certification, equipping you to excel in your career as an athletic trainer. Lastly, through your studies, you become eligible to sit for the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) exam to acquire your certification.
Flexible Program Entry
To accommodate your unique needs, we offer two degree pathways. The 2-Year MSAT paves the way if you have already completed your bachelor’s degree, while the 5-Year MSAT accelerates the degree journey if you’re a Xavier student and have met your core and exercise science degree requirements.
Due to its rigorous nature and experiential learning requirements, Xavier only offers the M.S. in Athletic Training as a full-time and in-person option. Each year, the program begins in early July.
The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) curriculum focuses on real-world learning to prepare students to become certified athletic trainers.
Admission
Deadlines
Xavier’s admissions committee begins reviewing applications for the master’s in athletic training in November. Since we accept applications on a rolling basis as space in the cohort permits, you may apply after November.
For priority review, we suggest you submit your complete application early in November.
If you have incomplete prerequisites, you may apply to the program; however, you must outline your plan to fulfill the prerequisites before the start of the program.
If you have deficiencies, the admission committee may still consider you for conditional admission; however, all requirements must be met before the start of the program.
Please note: If your GPA does not meet the minimum requirement or if you feel that your GPA is not a valid indicator of your ability, you may apply. If you have encountered challenges while attending school (personal, medical, financial, etc.) and would like to explain any inconsistencies in your academic performance, please do so. Applicants with a GPA below the minimum requirement may be required to earn a competitive score on the GRE for admission.
Application Materials
- For both the 2-Year or 5-Year MSAT degree options, applicants must submit:
- An online application.
- One official transcript of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework sent directly from the college/university to the Office of the Graduate School. Transcripts must demonstrate that the GPA and prerequisite course requirements have been met.
- Documentation of 40 hours of observations in an athletic training practice setting.
- Answers to five short questions about your observation experiences, career goals and personality.
- Two letters from professional and/or academic references who can assess your potential for success in this program.
- Technical Standards verification.
The program director invites applicants who demonstrate that they meet or can meet the admission criteria for a formal phone or video conference interview with the Athletic Training program faculty.
Applicants interested in the 2-Year Master of Science in Athletic Training degree program must meet the following prerequisites:
- Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Maintained a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
- Complete the following courses with a minimum grade of "C" (C- is not acceptable).
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all prerequisite courses:
- Eight (8) credits in Human Anatomy and Physiology + Lab(s).
Or - Four (4) credits in Human Anatomy + Lab and Four (4) credits in Human Physiology + Lab (total of 4 credits).
- Exercise Physiology
- Chemistry + Lab
- Physics + Lab
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Statistics
- English Composition (Writing course)
- Biology (if any of the other prerequisite courses were taken in a biology department, they may fulfill this requirement).
- Completion of 40 hours of observations in an athletic training practice setting.
- Eight (8) credits in Human Anatomy and Physiology + Lab(s).
Prospective students majoring in exercise science at Xavier may apply to the 5-Year M.S. in Athletic Training program if they meet the conditional prerequisites outlined below:
- Completion of Xavier University's core and Exercise Science degree requirements.
- Completion of a minimum of 97 credits.
- Overall 3.0 GPA.
- A minimum grade of "C" in each prerequisite course (C- is not acceptable).
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all prerequisite courses:
- Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 140-143) *Students changing their major from Biology can petition to use
- BIOL 160-161.
- Exercise Physiology (EXSC 225)
- Chemistry + Lab (CHEM 150 and 151 or CHEM 160 and 161)
- Physics + Lab (PHYS 140 and 142)
- Nutrition (EXSC 330)
- Psychology (PSYC 101)
- Statistics (MATH 116 or 156)
- English Composition (ENGL 101) or Rhetoric (ENGL 115)
- Completion of 40 hours of observations in an athletic training practice setting.
Curriculum
The master’s in athletic training program curriculum focuses on real-world learning, helping students build their skill sets and become certified athletic trainers.
Our athletic training program blends didactic courses and hands-on clinical experience, equipping students to diagnose injuries, offer therapeutic and preventative treatment, and provide holistic care to athletes.
Throughout four semesters of supervised clinical rotations, MSAT students have the opportunity to work in college athletic, high school sports and professional sports settings, learning from industry professionals and treating athletes one-on-one.
Whether working in the field or learning in a classroom, our students receive the undivided attention and support of our faculty, who strive to provide engaging and comprehensive instruction and help students reach their full potential.
Summer
- ATTR 500: Care and Prevention............ 3cr.
- ATTR 501: Athletic Training Skills............ 3cr.
- ATTR 510: Anatomical Kinesiology............ 3cr.
Fall
- ATTR 521: Lower Extremity Injuries............ 3cr.
- ATTR 531: Therapeutic Intervention I............ 3cr.
- ATTR 540: Evidence-Based Practice............ 3cr.
- ATTR 561: Clinical Experience I............ 2cr.
Spring
- ATTR 522: Upper Extremity Injuries............ 3cr.
- ATTR 523: Head, Spine & Thorax Injuries............ 3cr.
- ATTR 532: Therapeutic Intervention II............ 3cr.
- ATTR 541: Research I............ 1cr.
- ATTR 550: Interprofessional Collaboration............ 1cr.
- ATTR 562: Clinical Experience II............ 2cr.
Fall
- ATTR 600: Medical Issues in AT............ 3cr.
- ATTR 610: Administrative Concepts in AT............ 3cr.
- ATTR 633: Therapeutic Intervention III............ 3cr.
- ATTR 642: Research II............ 1cr.
- ATTR 663: Clinical Experience III............ 2cr.
Spring
- ATTR 650: Contemporary Issues in AT............ 3cr.
- ATTR 664: Clinical Experience IV............ 6cr.
Accreditation
Xavier’s MSAT degree program fulfills the curricular guidelines established by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA). Additionally, completing the Master of Science in Athletic Training program fulfills the eligibility requirements of the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) certification exam, equipping students to earn their certification.
Our most recent comprehensive accreditation review was in 2020-21, and we were awarded a 10-year accreditation period (the maximum possible). Our next comprehensive review is slated for 2030-31.
Sample Courses
- ATTR 500 - Care and Prevention: In this class, students learn a broad range of the most widely used techniques they use when they start their clinical rotations. Topics include prevention of injuries, mechanisms of injury, environmental conditions and more.
- ATTR 501 - Athletic Training Skills: Students in this course gain foundational clinical athletic training skills. Students learn how to handle acute injuries and gain skills in taping, bracing and applying immobilization devices.
- ATTR 521 - Lower Extremity Injuries: Students learn how to prevent, assess, evaluate and recognize common lower extremity injuries.
- ATTR 531 - Therapeutic Interventions 1: Learn how to provide comprehensive treatment for common injuries.
- ATTR 562 - Clinical Experience 2: Students immerse themselves in their clinical rotations, working directly with patients in various settings under the supervision of a preceptor. They also meet regularly with faculty to review and practice clinical skills they are using in their clinical rotations.
Tuition and Fees
With a full range of financial aid offerings from Xavier University, your MSAT is not far from reach. Our dedicated staff supports you through funding your graduate degree and is eager to answer any questions.When we seek something more, we become something greater.
Find more information about how you can become a Musketeer.
Request InformationGain Valuable Clinical Experience
With four semesters of hands-on experience, our graduate students spend time learning from certified athletic trainers and other healthcare professionals to fine-tune their techniques and build their expertise. With these practical skills, they enter the workforce ready to serve athletes at all levels.
Learn in Top-Tier Athletic Training Labs and Facilities
As one of the nation's top schools for athletic training, we ensure students have access to leading-edge technology and equipment. The athletic training classroom, located in the newly constructed Health United Building (HUB), houses essential equipment like anatomical models, taping tables, treatment tables and a variety of modalities to support students’ practice-based learning.
Prepare for Licensure
Designed to provide real-world preparation, our athletic training master’s program equips students to receive comprehensive instruction that qualifies them to sit for and pass the BOC exam, which then permits them to enter the field as certified athletic trainers.
Career Outlook for Athletic Trainers
As the athletics field continues to grow, certified athletic trainers can expect a stable and secure career outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects athletic trainers’ employment to grow 14 percent annually — four times faster than the rate of employment growth for all occupations.
Additionally, athletic trainers earn a median annual wage of $53,840; however, their earnings can range up to $78,000 based on their place of employment, level of experience and the state in which they live.
Xavier’s athletic training graduate program equips students with the expertise and versatile skills required to work in employment settings, such as universities, high schools, hospitals, sports medicine clinics, and collegiate and professional sports. Our MSAT alumni work as certified athletic trainers for distinguished organizations, including :
- FC Cincinnati
- Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA)
- Michigan State University
- Walnut Hills High School (Cincinnati, OH)
- Boston Red Sox
- Bradford High School (Starke, FL)
- Cairn University (Langhorne, PA)
- University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
- Wichita State University (Wichita, KS)
- Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
- Wyoming High School (Cincinnati, OH)
- Muir Orthopaedic Specialists (Walnut Creek, CA)
Athletic Training (MS) Program at Xavier University
Xavier University‘s MSAT program empowers you to serve others through competent and compassionate healthcare. With rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical experiences, you strengthen your professional skills and expertise to provide exceptional care to athletes of all ages. Become a certified athletic trainer by earning your Master of Science in Athletic Training from Xavier.
The Xavier University Athletic Training Program fulfills the curricular guidelines established by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA). Completing a degree in our Master of Science in Athletic Training program fulfills the eligibility requirements of the BOC certification exam. Graduates of Xavier University's Athletic Training Program receive a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Athletic Training and are eligible to sit for the BOC exam.
Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."