Athletic Training Professional Preparation | Springfield College

Athletic Training Professional Preparation

Master of Science
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Rachel Ahlmeyer
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions & Events
School of Physical Education, Performance, and Sport Leadership
rahlmeyer@springfieldcollege.edu
(413) 748-3383 
Make an appointment 

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
  • 68-credit program
  • Courses offered on campus in Springfield, Mass. (with some online/hybrid courses)
  • Preventative medicine and manual therapies are the foundation on which our program is built
  • Concepts associated with minimizing risk of injury/re-injury and illness, improving functional outcomes and enhancing/supporting safe participation and return to activity, in sport and work are embedded throughout the curriculum
  • Course requirements
  • Technical standards, retention standards, and course sequences.
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in May (summer semester)
  • Courses are offered full-time
  • Complete in 6 semesters (summer, fall, spring for 2 years)
Paying for Your Education
Career Opportunities
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Upcoming Athletic Training Events

Graduate Open House
Tuesday, March 26 at noon or 5:30 p.m.
Register

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Monday, April 29 at 6 p.m.
Register

Athletic training faculty and students in the athletic training facilities at Springfield College

Springfield College emerged as a leader in athletic training education in 1925 when we first began offering prevention and care of athletic injury courses. 

The MS in Athletic Training at Springfield College is designed for students who wish to gain the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to provide quality health care to those engaged in physically active lifestyles. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC®) examination. After successful completion of this exam, graduates will be a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). Most states also require licensure in order to practice.

Throughout this challenging, yet rewarding 24 month program, students are engaged in a mix of classroom, laboratory, online/hybrid, group project, and clinically based educational experiences. Students become practiced in athletic training theory, evaluation and treatment techniques, clinical reasoning, research, patient care, communication, administration and teamwork.

Fully encompassing the College’s Humanics philosophy, the MS in Athletic Training emphasizes that health and learning are best gained through an approach that unifies Spirit, Mind, and Body. The typical Springfield College-educated athletic trainer is prepared to utilize a holistic approach in providing health care, leadership and service. 

NCAA visits Springfield College AT Program

NCAA President Charlie Baker visited Springfield College meeting with President Mary-Beth A. Cooper, PhD, DM, and faculty members from the Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training. The conversation centered around the current state of athletic training within intercollegiate athletics, and the role that the NCAA has relative to athletic training workforce issues.

A collection of eight Springfield College faculty members representing over 140 years of athletic training experience spoke with Baker about different healthcare models across the collegiate setting and the alignment of the NCAA mission to the value, culture, and compensation of athletic trainers.

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

The Professional Athletic Training Degree program at Springfield College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and meets the 2020 Curricular Content Standards. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and pursue a career as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). 

“I can confidently say this program has been the best academic experience I have had so far. The faculty and staff encourage you to ask questions and learn through experience. It is a safe environment to make mistakes and learn from them. It is clear that everyone genuinely cares about your learning.” Grace Brennan '22, Graduate Class of 2024
Grace Brennan - Springfield College
“My experience in the Athletic Training program has been nothing short of incredible. Whether it is with my fellow students or trusted professionals, I have created relationships that will last a lifetime.” Jen Walker ’23, Graduate Class of 2025
Jen Walker - Springfield College
“Springfield College has become a second home to me, as I have met so many great professors and students throughout the entire school. The reputation that this school has within the profession is unlike any other. If you are looking for an AT program that provides a smaller class size and constant hands-on work, this is the program for you!” Matt Fiorentino, Class of 2024, Graduate Class of 2025
Matt Fiorentino - Springfield College

How to Apply:

Prerequisite and Foundational Courses

The following prerequisite and foundational courses with grades  of a "C" or higher are required of all applicants: 

  • Biology*
  • Chemistry*
  • Physics*
  • Psychology
  • Anatomy and Physiology*
  • Statistics
  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology*
  • Nutrition

*must include a laboratory

Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete either of the following:
    • FREE online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
    • Apply through ATCAS: We will begin accepting applications for the MSAT direct-entry program in September for enrollment in the cohort beginning the following summer. Completed applications and requirements must be submitted through ATCAS
  2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 
  3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: These are required attesting to the applicant’s academic ability and interest in athletic training. One letter should be from the Athletic Trainer whom the applicant observed, if possible. The other letter may be from a faculty member or supervisor in a healthcare related profession.
    • Letters of Recommendation should be uploaded with your ATCAS application.
  5. Transcripts: A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is required in order to advance to graduate-level study. As such, admission to the graduate program may be granted contingent upon successful completion of a bachelor’s degree when a bachelor’s degree is in progress. The bachelor’s degree must be conferred prior to beginning classes as a graduate student.
    • Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average: To receive consideration for admission, applicants must have a minimum overall cumulative average of a 3.0. Applicants may be accepted while still taking prerequisite courses, but enrollment would be contingent upon successful completion of the remaining prerequisites. If an applicant falls below a cumulative average 3.0 after being accepted, they may still be admitted to the College under probationary status. Probationary acceptance requires the student to earn a minimum 3.0 GPA in the first summer semester of the MSAT program or they will be dismissed from the program.  Students within probationary status who earn a 3.0 in their first summer semester will have probationary status lifted.
  6. Current Emergency Cardiac Care Certification: Current Emergency Cardiac Care certification at the Professional Rescuer/Basic Life Support (BLS) Level is required and must include:
    • 1 and 2 person CPR (adult, child and infant),
    • Airway Obstruction, and
    • Barrier Devices and AED Training
  7. Documented Observations: Applicants with previous employment as a health care provider must have 20 hours of documented observations with an athletic trainer. Applicants without previous employment as a healthcare provider must have 50 hours of documented observations with an athletic trainer.

International Applicants

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

The application for summer 2024 opens on August 1st 2023 through ATCAS and closes on April 1st 2024

International Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: February 1

Transfer Credits

Normally, all work for a master’s degree is done at Springfield College. No more than nine semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred from one or more other institutions toward the master’s degree. Courses accepted for transfer credit must be completed during the five-year period of candidacy, have a grade of B or better, and be applicable to the individual’s program of study pursued at Springfield College. Additionally, such courses must carry graduate credit at an accredited institution with a notation to that effect on the official transcript.  

Transfer courses will be evaluated on a case-by-base basis by the Program Director.  Such evaluation may also require the submission of a course syllabus and course assignments.  Courses accepted for transfer credit can only be used to meet core requirements. An official transcript from each college/university attended is required.

Tuition and Fees

Graduate Program Cost

Graduate Program Courses$1,212 per credit
Approximate total cost (61-77 credits)$73,932 - $93,324
Graduate Student Fee*$406
Enrollment Deposit$300

All approximate costs above are based on 2024-25 academic year costs.

*The graduate student fee (full time) includes the following costs for the 2024-25 academic year.

  • Student Government Fee: $21
  • Community Engagement Fee: $36
  • Recreation Fee: $333
  • Class Dues: $16

The graduate student fee (part-time) is $90 per semester.

Fee of $30 for ATRN 690: Capstone Experience in Athletic Training

Athletic Training students are responsible for costs related to their clinical education.  These include (subject to change):

  • Typhon membership: $100 one-time fee
  • *Certify (criminal background check): variable by state
  • Student NATA membership: variable by state
  • *Athletic Training Attire: variable by location
  • Transportation/parking/tolls: variable by location
  • Living expenses (housing/food): variable by location
  • *Health requirements (vaccines/tests): variable by location
  • Personal medical kit and supplies: $50 - 150, Student choice

*Cost will vary as clinical sites have variety of requirements

VIEW ADDITIONAL FEES AND ESTIMATED INDIRECT EXPENSES

Fellowships & Scholarships

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Student Employment

Work on our campus to earn money while pursuing your graduate degree.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.