About This Program

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We also offer a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/Pre-professional athletic training.

Degree and Additional Information

More information about the degree, technical standards, retention standards, and course sequences.

Contact

Mary Barnum, EdD
Director of Athletic Training Program
Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training
(413) 748-3763
mbarnum@springfield.edu
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Springfield College offers a Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training for persons 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 Master of Science in Athletic Training program are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC®) National Athletic Training Certification Examination.  After successful completion of this exam, the graduate 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 Master of Science Degree 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 healthcare, leadership and service. 

Program Focus: 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.

Two options for enrollment: Option 1: Accelerated 3 + 2 (Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/Pre-professional athletic training continuing on to the Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training) or Option 2:  Direct Entry (Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training).  Students who have earned a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university by the time they enroll in the program may apply to the Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training program as graduate students. The Direct Entry option is a 24 month program.

Request More Information For Direct Entry Master's Program

Learn about athletic training at Springfield College. 

Athletic Training at Springfield College

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to get to be in an athletic training program like this."

Hear from students in our athletic training program and learn about options for pursuing your own degree at Springfield College. 

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. We will begin accepting applications for this 24-month program beginning in the fall of 2020, with classes starting in June, 2021. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and pursue a career as an Athletic Trainer (ATC). 

Admissions Requirements

This program enrolls students in the summer only.

  • Applying for Admission

    We will begin accepting applications for the MSAT direct-entry program in the Fall of 2021 for enrollment in the cohort beginning in Summer (May) 2022. Completed applications and requirements must be submitted through ATCAS. 

    Admissions is rolling, however, priority review will be given to applications received by February 15. Admissions will continue until all seats have been filled.

  • Requirements for application to the program include the following:

  • Earned Bachelor’s Degree

    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.

  • 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

    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. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.

  • 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

  • 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.

    DOWNLOAD THE SHADOW HOURS LOG

  • Two Letters of Recommendation

    Two letters of recommendation 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.

  • 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.

  • Transfer Credit

    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.

  • International Applicants

    International Applicants from non-English speaking countries must demonstrate English language proficiency by way of one of the following examinations. More information on language proficiency requirements can be found on the Springfield College International Center Website.

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL; minimum score 90)
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS; minimum score 7)
    • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE)

    Once accepted, all F-1 and J-1 students and scholars must complete the health history/immunization documentation form and enroll in the Springfield College Student Insurance Plan. All registered students will automatically be billed for the insurance plan. More information on health requirements and insurance can be found on the Springfield College International Center Website.

Apply through ATCAS.

Applications for the Master's in Athletic Training must be submitted through ATCAS.

In order to be considered, applications must be complete in ATCAS. Materials required are: Personal Statement, Resume, Official Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation

International Applicants

All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS. 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. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.

Our Associate Director of International Admissions Nicholas Venn can answer any questions you may have about enrolling in Springfield College as an international student. You may email him at intladmissions@springfield.edu or via phone at (413) 748-3891.

Program Information

Springfield College offers a Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training for persons who wish to gain the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to provide quality health care to those engaged in physically active lifestyles. This 24-month professional degree program in athletic training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Graduates of the Master of Science in Athletic Training program are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC®) National Athletic Training Certification Examination.  After successful completion of this exam, the graduate 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 Master of Science Degree 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 healthcare, leadership and service. 

Program Focus: 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.

Degree Information

Degree: Master of Science (M.S.) with a major in Athletic Training

(61-77 credit hours) Requirements Subject to Change

Contact information

For more information about the athletic training major, contact Dr. Mary Barnum at (413) 748-3763 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

I. Core requirements (18 credits)

II. Research requirements (4 credits)

III. Program requirements (55 credits)

Program Essential Functions and Technical Standards

Students admitted to the program are required to meet the Essential Functions and Technical Standards with or without reasonable accommodation. Program essential functions include participation in classroom, laboratory, and clinical tasks, as well as performance of professional roles such as examination, treatment, and education of individuals in a timely and safe manner. Technical standards define the individual physical, sensory, cognitive, behavioral, and social attributes or outcomes necessary to complete the program essential functions. Minimum essential functions and technical standards necessary for completion of the program must be met for continuation in and graduation from the program. Program Essential Functions and Technical Standards are available on the Athletic Training program web site and in the Athletic Training Student Handbook. Upon acceptance into the program, students are provided with a copy of these Standards for review. Standards must be reviewed, signed and returned.

Matriculation and Retention Standards

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average GPA of 3.0 (B). Students who receive a grade of C+ or lower in any three courses will be removed from the Athletic Training program. Failure to meet and maintain Program Essential Functions and Technical Standards with or without accommodation may also result in dismissal from the program. Please refer to the Athletic Training Student Handbook to view the full academic policy pertaining to matriculation and retention standards for students enrolled in the Master of Science in Athletic Training.

View the catalog.

Apply Online

Master of Science in Athletic Training candidates must submit applications via ATCAS here. The priority application deadline is February 15. All required supporting materials are due by March 1.

Graduate Program Courses $1,105 per credit
Approximate total cost (61-77 credits) $67,405 - $85,085
Graduate Student Fee* $385
Enrollment Deposit $300

All approximate costs above are based on 2020-21 academic year costs.

*The graduate student fee (full time) includes the following costs for the 2020-21 academic year.

  • Student Government Fee: $20
  • Community Engagement Fee: $35
  • Recreation Fee: $315
  • Class Dues: $15

The graduate student fee (part-time) is $85 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):

  • ATrack membership: $45/annual or $90/lifetime
  • *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: $80 - 100

*Cost will vary as clinical sites have variety of requirements

VIEW ADDITIONAL FEES AND ESTIMATED INDIRECT EXPENSES

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