Master of Science in Athletic Training, M.S.A.T.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Students apply for summer admission with classes beginning in late May. Applications will typically open in September of each year through the University’s Application and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The application deadline is January 15 of each calendar year. Applications may be accepted after the January 15th deadline; however, candidates are at a competitive disadvantage after this time. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Missing information will cause a delay in processing the application and will affect the applicant’s status.

If any candidate has questions about missing requirements, please contact Dr. Terranova immediately at [email protected].

Following a review of applications, qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an on-campus interview at their own expense. Interviews may occur virtually in certain circumstances (e.g., international applicants).

Early decision: Applicants may apply early in the fall semester for the following summer. This allows applicants to submit materials and complete the application process before the new year.  

Applicants wishing to apply for an early decision must meet the following criteria:

  1. GPA: 3.5 or higher
  2. Completion of at least 50 observation hours
  3. Completion of all but 2 prerequisite courses

Early decision applicants should plan on an interview as early as the week prior to Thanksgiving, with an official decision on acceptance shortly thereafter.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the admission requirements set forth by The Graduate School, applicants to the M.S.A.T. degree program must also meet additional requirements to be considered for admissions. The following requirements are mandatory for admission eligibility and consideration and must be verifiable during the application process:

  1. Completion of a Baccalaureate degree program from a nationally recognized accredited University.
  2. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in previous college and university coursework.
  3. Satisfactory completion (C or better) of the following prerequisite coursework:
    • Human Anatomy (lecture and lab)
    • Human Physiology (lecture and lab)
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Biomechanics or Physics
    • Psychology
    • Exercise Physiology
    • Nutrition
  4. Completion of a minimum of 100 clinical hours under the direct supervision of an athletic trainer (AT). Applicants will provide proof of hours that indicates the number of hours completed under their supervision. A downloadable hour log is in the Resources block.  If applicants have a different style log, they may submit it, however, it must include:
    • Name of the supervising AT
    • Setting
    • Number of hours
    • Inclusive dates of hours
    • AT signature
  5. Please note that hours obtained under the supervision of a Physical Therapist do NOT count unless the individual is credentialed as an ATC/PT.
  6. International students who do not have access to a certified AT in their home country are encouraged to move to the United States and complete their hours prior to applying to the program.

Admission Criteria

Application to the AT program is highly competitive.  We review the credentials of each applicant and the final selection is based on many factors, including satisfactory evidence of completed prerequisites, previous academic performance, prior clinical and allied health experiences, goals statement, the quality of recommendations, on-site interview, and the number of students already enrolled in the athletic training program.

No single admission criterion has a decisive influence on the applicant’s acceptability, and exceptions to the requirements can be made on the recommendation of the committee and approval of The Graduate School. Admission to the AT program is NOT guaranteed simply upon satisfactory completion of all program prerequisite requirements. The number of students admitted into the program varies from year to year, with the number of students selected ranging from 10-12 annually.

Notification of Admission

Applicants are notified by UNCG regarding their admission. If offered admission, applicants must select their intent to enroll or not enroll. In addition, the AT Program Director will send out information and congratulations to all accepted applicants. 

If the application is rejected, the student has the opportunity to re-apply the following year. Admission decisions may be appealed to the AT Program Director within two weeks after official notification (see Appeals Process for Denied Admission in the AT Student Handbook).

**PLEASE NOTE: The Graduate School reserves the right to reject the committee’s recommendation and/or require additional information from the student.

POST-ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The following documentation/certifications must be current and on file with the AT Program Director prior to beginning clinical rotations in the fall semester. Many of these will be completed during the summer session. The exception to this will most likely be the immunization record. 

  1. A completed Student Medical/Immunization Form (PDF) to show evidence of all immunizations required by UNCG. Students who have not completed at least the first 2 shots of the HBV series will NOT be permitted to engage in clinical rotations.
  2. Evidence of current liability insurance coverage through the University’s Student Insurance Policy for Allied Health and Medical Field Work or equivalent personal policy.
  3. Front and back copies of current First Aid and CPR Certifications (including Adult, Child, Infant CPR, Two-person CPR, bag-valve-mask, and AED)
  4. Signed Technical Standards
  5. Signed Social Media and Mobile Phone Policy
  6. Signed Professional Conduct Agreement
  7. Signed Assumption of Risk Agreement
  8. Signed Declaration of Understanding and acceptance of all Program Policies and Procedures as delineated in the AT Program Student Handbook.

Students are responsible for all costs associated with their own health care and when obtaining immunizations and health certifications.

Please review the AT Program Student Handbook (PDF) for other pertinent policies and procedures.