Program Overview

Athletic Training - Master of Science

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at New Mexico State University comprises 60 credit hours of coursework through traditional and hybrid courses. This 2-year professional degree program prepares students to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam, leading to the ATC credential. The MSAT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Overview

The program provides comprehensive exposure to Athletic Training, designed to prepare individuals to become competent, independent clinicians who enhance the quality of patient health care and advance the profession of athletic training through evidence-based practice and translational research.

Requirements

The MSAT program consists of a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework, including theoretical and clinical components. Theoretical coursework covers areas such as injury prevention and care, injury evaluation and treatment, and therapeutic interventions of athletic injuries. Clinical components provide a progressive approach with observation, integrative, and immersive experiences in clinical settings both on and off-campus.

Course List

• Theoretical Coursework:
  • SPMD 4805: Emergency Response (2 credits)
  • SPMD 5005: Foundations of Athletic Training (3 credits)
  • SPMD 5205: Evidence-Based Practice (2 credits)
  • SPMD 5510: Psychology of Sport (3 credits)
  • SPMD 6005: Athletic Training Research I (2 credits)
  • SPMD 6010: Organization and Administration in Athletic Training (2 credits)
• Clinical Coursework:
  • SPMD 5010: Clinical & Functional Anatomy in Athletic Training (2 credits)
  • SPMD 5120: Lower Extremity Injury Evaluation + Lab (4 credits)
  • SPMD 5220: Upper Extremity Injury Evaluation + Lab (4 credits)
  • SPMD 6020: Evaluation of the Head, Neck, Spine, and Torso (3 credits)
  • SPMD 6280: General Medical Conditions & Therapeutic Medications (4 credits)
  • SPMD 5180: Therapeutic Interventions I (4 credits)
  • SPMD 5280: Therapeutic Interventions II (4 credits)
  • SPMD 5050: Clinical Education I (3 credits)
  • SPMD 5150: Clinical Education II (3 credits)
  • SPMD 5250: Immersive Clinical Experience (3 credits)
  • SPMD 6050: Clinical Education III (3 credits)
  • SPMD 6150: Clinical Education IV (3 credits)
• Capstone Coursework:
  • SPMD 6110: Professional Preparation (3 credits)
  • SPMD 6999: Capstone Project (3 credits)
• Optional Electives:
  • SPMD 5310: Inferential Statistics in Sports and Exercise Science (3 credits)
  • SPMD 5350: Principles of Strength and Conditioning (3 credits)
  • SPMD 5410: Biomechanics (3 credits)
  • SPMD 6350: Advanced Exercise Physiology (3 credits)

Plan of Study

The program follows a cohort model, with students progressing through the required coursework in a specific sequence. The proposed plan of study for the MSAT is outlined as follows:

First Year

• Semester 1 (Summer):
  • SPMD 4805: Emergency Response (2 credits)
  • SPMD 5005: Foundations of Athletic Training (3 credits)
  • SPMD 5010: Clinical & Functional Anatomy in Athletic Training (2 credits)
• Semester 2 (Fall):
  • SPMD 5050: Clinical Education I (3 credits)
  • SPMD 5120: Lower Extremity Injury Evaluation + Lab (4 credits)
  • SPMD 5180: Therapeutic Interventions I (4 credits)
• Semester 3 (Spring):
  • SPMD 5150: Clinical Education II (3 credits)
  • SPMD 5220: Upper Extremity Injury Evaluation + Lab (4 credits)
  • SPMD 5280: Therapeutic Interventions II (4 credits)
  • SPMD 5510: Psychology of Sport (3 credits)

Second Year

• Semester 1 (Summer):
  • SPMD 6010: Organization and Administration in Athletic Training (2 credits)
  • SPMD 5205: Evidence-Based Practice (2 credits)
  • SPMD 5250: Immersive Clinical Experience (3 credits)
• Semester 2 (Fall):
  • SPMD 6050: Clinical Education III (3 credits)
  • SPMD 6280: General Medical Conditions & Therapeutic Medications (4 credits)
  • SPMD 6020: Evaluation of the Head, Neck, Spine, and Torso (3 credits)
  • SPMD 6005: Athletic Training Research I (2 credits)
• Semester 3 (Spring):
  • SPMD 6150: Clinical Education IV (3 credits)
  • SPMD 6110: Professional Preparation (3 credits)
  • SPMD 6999: Capstone Project (3 credits)

Admission Criteria

Admissions are competitive, and applications are managed via the ATCAS central application system. Review of applications begins on October 1st with rolling admissions until all seats are filled. Interested students can contact the Athletic Training Program Director for further information.