Athletic Training
Program Overview
Playing for a professional sports team tops the list of many dream jobs, but in reality, those opportunities are few and far between. Many turn their passion for the game into a career as an athletic trainer, helping to improve sports performance by preventing and treating injuries. Whether it’s a high school football player who needs his ankle taped or a professional basketball player with a chronic wrist injury, athletic trainers help prevent future injuries and heal existing ones.
Athletic Trainers (also known as ATs) are unique health care providers who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. In collaboration with physicians and other health team members, athletic trainers make decisions about how to optimize activity and participation of their patients and clients.
A strong science background and technical abilities are vital for athletic trainers, but other personality traits are critical as well. A good athletic trainer has strong observational abilities to detect and monitor potential injuries. They are able to remain calm and communicate effectively when athletes get hurt. And they always put the patient first, using their knowledge and expertise to ensure the right care is given to stay healthy and mobile.
Program Accreditation
The Master of Science in Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). CAATE’s next comprehensive review of the program will be performed during the 2024-2025 academic year.
The 3+2 Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program is divided into two components:
1. Pre-Professional Phase: undergraduate component, Years 1, 2, and 3:
- Students in the Pre-Professional Phase will have the major of Exercise Science – Pre-Athletic Training Track.
- These students will enter the Professional Phase upon successful completion of Year 3 and upon meeting all requirements for entry into the Professional Phase.
2. Professional Phase: graduate component, Years 4 and 5:
- These students will earn a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree upon successful completion of Year 4.
- These students will earn a Master of Science in Athletic Training degree upon successful completion of Year 5.
Providing Care to a World that Needs You
Athletic trainers work with recreational, amateur, and professional athletes to prevent injuries and provide strength, conditioning, fitness, and performance enhancement. Their work takes place in a variety of settings besides schools and professional sports teams. They may be employed by hospitals, sports medicine and physical therapy clinics, performing arts organizations (dancers, musicians), military and governmental agencies, and even industrial settings where employees have physically demanding jobs.
Employment opportunities in the field of Athletic Training look extremely positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting a faster than average growth through 2032. Will it last beyond that? Most likely, as athletic trainers play an increasingly important role in the management, prevention and rehabilitation of injured athletes. Kids are training earlier and harder than ever before and there are growing concerns about how injuries can affect the very young. High school and collegiate athletes are under increasing pressure to improve performance, leading to chronic injuries, while middle-aged and elderly people are more active than ever. All of which is creating a growing demand for the services of qualified athletic trainers across all age groups.
What Makes our MSAT Program Stand Out?
Our program combines hands-on clinical experiences, evidence-based practice and intensive coursework to prepare students for their field. Among the highlights are:
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Our program combines hands-on clinical experiences, evidence-based practice and intensive coursework to prepare students for their field. Among the highlights are:
- Student’s athletic training techniques are developed through distinctive coursework that is supported by the latest theories and research, such as Advanced Human Anatomy (with on-campus cadaver dissection); Head, Neck, and Spine for cutting-edge techniques in evaluation, diagnosis and treatment; Advanced Therapeutic Interventions for innovative and sophisticated therapies and two Evidence-Based Medicine courses for high-level research and applications.
- Classroom knowledge is integrated with clinical education, including up to 21 weeks of immersive experiences where students gain significant hands-on patient-care practice through clinical rotations in a variety of settings. Students gain real-world experience in a variety of settings including local school districts, hospitals, college or professional sports teams. If they choose, they can even take part in global opportunities such as the International Sports Science Medical Conference.
- The Alley Center for Health Sciences is a dedicated facility that provides outstanding academic, lab and medical facilities. Our state-of-the art modern exercise science lab offers cutting-edge equipment and technology including full VO2Max capabilities, Bioelectrical Impedance body assessment, 3-camera gait analysis abilities, ECGs, DXA Scan and Tensiomyography. A full cadaver anatomy lab and patient simulators give our students plenty of opportunities to practice in a clinical setting.
- A dedicated and highly qualified faculty that is actively involved in athletic training organizations provides contemporary expertise and clinical experience. With 9 full-time faculty and staff in the Department of Health and Human Performance and 9 full-time Athletic Trainers, our students enjoy a highly personalized educational experience in which they learn both the scientific and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in this career.
- Our interprofessional educational experience allows students from multiple healthcare disciplines, including Physician Assistant and Nursing, to study and learn together. Learning to collaborate effectively creates well-rounded professionals who are prepared for today’s team-based healthcare environment.
- In addition to the technical skills, knowledge, and abilities required to be an athletic trainer, we help our students evolve into ethical citizens that serve the common good. Service and community are cornerstones of our program and we encourage students to engage in volunteer medical services and community health programs. Respect and advocacy for the dignity of every person is a core component of our curriculum. We practice and develop leadership skills to ensure the next generation of athletic trainers contribute to the betterment of society.
- A supportive environment in which students are encouraged to work with faculty or on their own to develop research and theories, many of which have been presented both as posters and orally at numerous state (PATS), regional (EATA), and national (NATA) settings.
- Outstanding preparation for the national certification exam for athletic training, with our BOC first time and overall pass rates both exceeding the national average. When it comes time to finding a job, you can expect an edge from our well-connected faculty who hold leadership positions in AT organizations and the community. Having been accredited since 2001, our program has strong connections to health care providers and organizations, including the Geisinger Health System and Lehigh Valley Health Network. We have a 100% placement rate for graduates who are working at local high schools, professional organizations and hospital systems, in addition to organizations such as Pennsylvania Power & Light (PP&L), Geisinger Health Systems, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, NFL, NCAA Division I colleges and universities and Major League Soccer.
King’s accredited MSAT program offers you the tools you need to make a difference in People’s lives and gives you an edge when it comes to employment. If keeping athletes and other physically active people at the top of their game is appealing to you, learn more about King’s MSAT program requirements or apply now through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS).
“We provide our students with the clinical expertise and professional skills needed to be the best advocate for their patients.”
Jeremy Simington, MS, LAT, ATC
Program Director, MSAT Program* These statistics were sourced from the National Athletic Trainer’s Association Salary Survey 2021.
Please note that all applicants for the MSAT program must apply through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS).
Careers
Professional Sports
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- National Football League: Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings
- Major League Soccer: New York City Football Club
NCAA Division I Colleges/Universities
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- University of Louisville, University of Texas San Antonio, University of Virginia
US Olympic and Paralympic Teams
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- Lake Placid Olympic Training Center
Employer organizations outside of sports environments
- Physician Practice – clinical staff, operating room technicians, and primary rehabilitation positions
- Performing Arts – theater, dance, music, and entertainment (Acrobatics, circus, movies/television industry)
- Health Care Administration – administrative/management positions in physician practices, hospital systems, pharmaceuticals, insurance carriers, etc.
- Industrial – Utility workers, warehouses, manufacturing plants
- Military – All five branches of the armed forces employ ATs to work with their personnel
- Public Safety – police, fire, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies (FBI, DEA, Homeland Security), plus wilderness fire and rescue personnel
- Rehabilitation Clinics – primary rehabilitation in outpatient and inpatient clinics
- Community Outreach – hospital and clinical outreach, youth sports, club sports, large tournament/event services
- Analytics and Outcomes style research
- Business: Private enterprises, durable medical equipment sales, consulting
"Without my strong foundation I received from King's College, none of this would be possible."
Additional Info
Program Mission and Goals
Goals of the MSAT program are:
- Provide students with an individualized, intellectual learning environment based in the liberal arts tradition.
- Provide students with didactic education experiences that emphasized critical thinking, interprofessional education, patient-centered care, and current concepts and evidence.
- Provide students with clinical education experiences that emphasized critical thinking, interprofessional collaborative practice skills, patient-centered care, and current concepts and evidence.
- Prepare students to become confident, skilled, and principled athletic trainers.
- Prepare students to pass the Board of Certification Inc. (BOC) Exam
Program Outcomes
We exceed the national average for overall pass rate on the Board of Certification Exam, which is proof that we prepare our graduates for success. We accomplish this in a variety of ways including
- Comprehensive reviews built into courses so that past material is connected to new material for reinforcement
- Competency-based learning, in which students are taught in a step-wise progression, gaining and demonstrating mastery as they move through the program
- Specific learning modules on test-taking skills to help students prepare to take standardized, computer-based tests
- Use of official Board of Certification practice exams to help students identify areas in which they are strong and those in which they need improvement
- Use of exam questions in AT Program courses that mimic the types of questions used in the Board of Certification exam
Core Principles
- Integrity
- Student-centeredness
- Evidence-based Practice
- Patient-centered Healthcare
- Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity
- Leadership and Professionalism
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
The Master of Science in Athletic Training Program is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion because it is the right thing to do. We embrace and work toward diversity, equity, and inclusion for all of our members, including students, staff, and faculty. Our program values are built on the foundation of welcoming all, celebrating a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and helping each member to achieve their full potential.
Diversity refers to different backgrounds, races, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, beliefs, religions, socioeconomic statuses, physical and mental abilities, and more.
Equity refers to promoting justice, impartiality, and fairness within all aspects of the program. This includes providing equal access to opportunities and acknowledging and addressing structural inequalities.
Inclusion refers to an approach where we respect, welcome, encourage, and engage all members, provide them with a sense of belonging, and afford the opportunity to participate fully in the program.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the admission requirements for acceptance to the King’s College Exercise Science major. For students interested in pursuing a degree in Exercise Science at King’s College applications for admission may be obtained by contacting the Office of Admission at King’s College. You may also complete the free online application here.
You can view technical standards for the Master of Science in Athletic Training program here.
Curriculum
The King’s College Master of Science in Athletic Training Program has been designed to integrate formal classroom instruction, clinical education and laboratory experiences. Upon completion, students will be prepared to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam and begin their practice as a certified athletic trainer.
Our program guides students in understanding how to reduce the physical damage caused by injuries and illness. Students are taught how to administer the many ways to heal fatigued and injured body parts. Areas of study include advanced human anatomy, evidence-based medicine, and therapeutic and psychosocial interventions. Our interprofessional coursework provides students with a unique appreciation and perspective from their peers in other health professions, including physician assistant, occupational therapy, dietetics, and nursing. We include critical thinking and leadership skills in the curriculum to help our graduates become confident and skilled leaders in the field of athletic training.
While your coursework provides the cornerstone of your education, it’s the practical education gained from clinical experiences that connect what you learn in the classroom with the true nature of the profession. Students will complete 55 weeks of clinical experience, up to 21 of these weeks being in a completely immersive setting. Under the supervision of experienced, certified and licensed health care providers, your fieldwork will take place in a variety of settings to give you a broad exposure to diverse patient populations in order to provide the best care possible. Clinical experiences will increase in time commitment, starting with shorter rotations and transitioning into more full-time experiences as the program progresses. The other key component to our MSAT program is research, which students are encouraged to take part in as part of the evidence-based learning process. Our dedicated Sports Medicine Clinic and excellent lab facilities provide the tools needed to test theories and help you understand how to apply research to real scenarios. Whether it is participating in a research project developed by one of our faculty members, presenting at state and national athletic training symposiums or completing an independent project – you’ll gain a true perspective of what it takes to advance the field of athletic training.
The 3+2 program is divided into two components which occur over a five-year period.
Pre-Professional Phase: Undergraduate component, Years 1,2, and 3. Students in the Pre-Professional Phase will have the major of Exercise Science – Pre- Athletic Training Track. These students will enter the Professional Phase upon successful completion of Year 3 and upon meeting all requirements for entry into the Professional Phase.
Professional Phase: Graduate component, Years 4 and 5. Students will earn a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree upon successful completion of Year 4 and a Master of Science in Athletic Training degree upon successful completion of Year 5.
Program Outcomes
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition
Tuition in the Pre-Professional Phase will be the undergraduate tuition and fees set by King’s College for all undergraduate students.
In the first year of the Professional Phase (4th year overall), undergraduate financial aid is available and can be applied toward tuition, fees, room, and board for the summer session and the fall and spring semesters.
In the second year of the Professional Phase (5th year overall), students are considered graduate students from a financial aid point of view and no longer eligible for undergraduate financial aid. King’s College does not provide financial aid to graduate students. However, graduate students can apply for federal and state financial aid and for private loans.
You are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid if you have questions about tuition and fees by phone at (570) 208-5876 or by email at finaid@kings.edu.
Estimated* MSAT Program Combined Course Fees
- Year 1: $2210
- Year 2: $945
Estimated* MSAT Program Expenses
- Required textbooks: $1325 (total for Year 1 and Year 2)
- General College fee: $2100 (per year)
- Graduation fee: $208 (Year 2 only)
- Clothing required for clinical practice: $200 (total for Year 1 and Year 2)
- Background checks: $50 (Year 1 only)
- Laptop computer: variable
- Immunizations: variable
- Transportation costs to and from clinical experience sites: variable
- Housing expenses (rent/lease), food expenses, and other household expenses at optional clinical experience sites outside of the local region: variable
*While we have made every effort to accurately estimate these fees, it is important to acknowledge that they are subject to potential adjustments or changes. Various factors, such as changes in college policy, economic conditions, or unforeseen circumstances may impact the actual amounts of these fees. Therefore, the fees presented here should be considered as approximate and for informational purposes only. We recommend that applicants and students regularly check the official MSAT Program website or contact the Director of Graduate Admission and the MSAT Program Director for the most up-to-date and precise fee information.
Faculty and Contacts
Our faculty knows what it takes to be the best in the field, and they bring that knowledge to the MSAT program. The majority of our faculty members are practicing clinicians, and all offer significant clinical, teaching and research experience. They are highly active in local, state, regional, and national professional organizations. Many of them hold leadership roles within PATS, EATA, and NATA District 2. Our team is highly educated (three have clinical doctorates (DAT), two are working towards educational doctorates (EdD), and three hold Master of Science degrees in a variety of fields). With a student to faculty ratio of nearly 2:1, you’ll get a personalized education and benefit from the faculty's strong network connections.
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