What you will study
Coursework for UCM’s Athletic Training master’s degree begins on our Warrensburg campus.
Our small class sizes allow for interaction with other AT graduate students with diverse
backgrounds.
You’ll also have personal interaction with UCM tenured and tenure-track faculty who
hold doctorate and master’s degrees. They’ll help you develop critical-thinking skills
that keep you engaged in a dynamic and integrated health care environment and instill
a passion for lifelong learning. They’ll also guide you in your professional development
— helping you make industry connections and to be prepared for the job on day one
following graduation.
The path to your master’s degree in Athletic Training
Whether your undergraduate degree is in Kinesiology or another field of study, you
can expect to complete UCM’s Athletic Training master’s degree program in two years.
The Master of Science degree in Athletic Training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) to ensure your eligibility for the BOC exam. With guidance from UCM’s program steering
committee, including current students, we continue to ensure we’re meeting high industry
standards and student needs to prepare you for your athletic trainer career. Topics
you may study include:
- Emergency care
- Orthopedics assessment
- Therapeutic intervention
You’ll also get hands-on experience in four clinical practicum courses and an internship
in athletic training. The goal is to teach you evidence-based practices that improve
patient outcomes and keep people safe.
Excellence in Athletic Training
- The University of Central Missouri offers you tradition, longevity and our unwavering
commitment to be among the region’s best athletic training master’s programs despite
a continually evolving health care environment. When you choose UCM for your master’s
degree in Athletic Training, you’re choosing a program that values you as a person.
Unique learning opportunities in athletic training
To prepare you for the hands-on work of an athletic trainer, the UCM master’s program
in Athletic Training offers hands-on experiences both on and off campus.
- On-campus clinical experiences: Put your learning to practice using modern equipment and tools. Inside our 6,000-square-foot
VanDam facility, the Athletic Training program has 2,000 square feet dedicated to
student learning. The rest of the facility is shared with intercollegiate athletics
and hosts areas for treatment, rehabilitation, hydrotherapy and cardio, as well as
taping stations, clinical staff offices and an exam room.
- Athletic trainer preceptors: Be assigned to one of UCM’s preceptors within Intercollegiate Athletics as part of
a staff of medical personnel and board-certified physicians. Starting your second
semester and continuing until your internship, you’ll be assigned to high schools,
physician offices, rehab clinics, hospitals or other athletic organizations where
you’ll complete off-campus training.
- Internship: Put all of your learning into practice while interning your last semester of the master’s
program in Athletic Training. You’ll get on-the-job experience in the daily activities
of an athletic trainer to prepare you for your future career.
- Student associations: Join UCM’s Athletic Training Student Association to learn and meet other future sports
medicine professionals. Take part in service-based events that allow you to assist
disadvantaged individuals and fundraising events that help offset costs for athletic
training conferences.
- Other events: Expand your knowledge and your network when you attend state, regional and national
conferences and meetings, such as the Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Association.
What can you do with a master’s degree in Athletic Training from UCM?
Because of UCM’s CAATE accreditation, you will be eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. Graduates are
also eligible to take the American Society of Orthopedic Professionals (ASOP) exam,
if you’re interested in becoming a registered orthopedic technologist.
When you successfully pass either exam and are in compliance with state regulations,
you’ll be ready to embark on an exciting career in athletic training and sports medicine.
Graduates with a master’s degree in Athletic Training may choose to work with athletes
at any level, provide services to performing artists, work in a doctor’s office or
support public safety and military personnel. You may also decide to continue your
education, whether in a residency or a doctoral program.
Navigate your opportunities with an Athletic Training master’s degree
The support of UCM’s program faculty — academically and professionally — is one big
reason to consider us in your search for the best athletic training master’s program.
They are passionate about your success inside and outside of our classrooms and committed
to your professional development and career preparedness.
UCM’s Career Services Center is also available to assist with your employment. Take
advantage of workshops and job fairs as you build your resume and search for jobs.
The interactive tool below provides a look at the types of opportunities that await
you as you get excited for the future.
Financial assistance options for your Athletic Training master’s degree
Completing your master’s degree in Athletic Training is the key to your future as
a member of a sports medicine team. To help you achieve your goals, the University
of Central Missouri offers some of the lowest tuition costs among the state’s athletic
training master’s programs. At UCM, we also offer resources to help finance your education that include loans, grants and scholarships.
Scholarships for the master’s degree in Athletic Training program
In addition to general scholarships available through UCM, you may also qualify to
apply for opportunities specific to the Athletic Training master’s degree program.
These include:
- Dr. Ronald VanDam Athletic Training Student Scholarship: Named after our program founder and awarded to a student who embodies his spirit
- The MSAT Admissions Scholarship: Available to a master’s degree Athletic Training program student
- Mike and SueAnn Carter Scholarship: Athletic Training Students are eligible for this scholarship.
- Dr. Brian J. Hughes Leadership in Athletic Training Scholarship: Created by our director, this scholarship is available to Athletic Training students.
Learn more about these scholarships and others at the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Bret H.
MS Athletic Training ’23
“UCM’s MS in Athletic Training professors are very personable and passionate about
educating young scholars on how to become the best athletic trainer possible. The
majority of the courses are very hands-on and allow us to practice the skills we learn.
We take part in clinical experiences in a variety of settings and get to work with
some amazing people and further expand our knowledge and skills.”
Meet Jordan G.
MS Athletic Training ’23
“UCM helped me find my passion and future career. This program provides the best education
by emphasizing our strengths and reducing our weaknesses to help shape us into the
best athletic trainers. We have amazing classroom learning experiences that we apply
in clinical settings for real-life experience. I’ve built relationships with athletes
and preceptors and developed skills that prepare me for my career.”
Meet Brennen H.
MS Athletic Training ’23
“UCM has given me opportunities to succeed in the field of athletic training. The
professors are passionate about their work and help however they can. Our clinical
experiences and various events provide hands-on opportunities to reinforce skills
learned in the classroom and work with other professions we may encounter after graduation.
Overall, the MSAT program has been a positive experience.”
Get Involved
Join UCM’s Athletic Training Student Association (ATSA)
One vital aspect of the college experience is the camaraderie with fellow students
in the master’s degree in Athletic Training program. Build relationships and learn
in the process when you join UCM’s ATSA. ATSA hosts community service activities and
fundraising events such as bowling tournaments and spaghetti dinners to help offset
the costs of attending professional conferences.
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Explore programs related to athletic training.
As you plan your career path, you may also want to explore other UCM master’s degrees
related to athletic training:
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Admissions Criteria
The admission criteria for the Athletic Training Program include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.00 GPA (based on a 4.00 scale)
- Minimum 3.00 GPA (based on a 4.00 scale) on the following prerequisite courses with
a minimum grade of “C” or higher:
- General Biology and lab - 3-4 credit hours
- Human Anatomy, Physiology and Lab - 4-8 credit hours
- Chemistry and Lab - 3-4 credit hours
- Nutrition - 3 credit hours
- Statistics - 3 credit hours
- General Psychology OR Lifespan and Development - 3 credit hours
- Exercise Physiology - 3 credit hours
- Physics OR Biomechanics - 3 credit hours
