Program Overview

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Master of Science in Athletic Training Program

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at California State University, Long Beach is designed to prepare individuals for a career as a certified athletic trainer. Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients.

Program Overview

The MSAT program is a full-time, cohort-model program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program is open to all college graduates who have met prerequisite requirements and demonstrate sufficient preparation, potential for professional education, and the ability to perform the essential functions needed to practice as an athletic trainer.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the MSAT program, applicants must:

• Hold, or be eligible to hold, an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association
• Have attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 (A=4.00)
• Have been in good academic, professional, and clinical standing at the last institution and if applicable in the last entry-level athletic training educational program attended
• Have successfully completed the prerequisite courses with a minimum of "C" and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 by the end of the spring semester prior to the year of admission to the program
• Provide documentation of knowledge of athletic training through a minimum of 150 documented hours of volunteer experience under the direct supervision of a BOC certified athletic trainer
• Provide a written statement of purpose reflecting the applicant's commitment to athletic training

Prerequisite Courses

The following courses are required for admission to the MSAT program:

• Human Anatomy (1 semester with lab)
• Human Physiology (1 semester with lab)
• General Psychology (1 semester)
• Physics (1 semester)
• Chemistry (1 semester)
• Biology (1 semester)
• Biomechanics (1 semester)
• Exercise Physiology (1 semester)
• Nutrition (1 semester)
• Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (1 semester)
• Statistics (1 semester)

Application Process

The application process for the MSAT program involves two steps:

1. Submission of the online application to the program through ATCAS (Athletic Training Centralized Application Service)
2. Submission of the Cal State Apply application

Application Deadlines

There are two deadlines for the ATCAS part of the program application:

• Priority Review Deadline: November 1st
• Regular Admission Deadline: February 15th The CalStateApply application deadline is April 1st.

Program Curriculum

The MSAT program is a 52-unit, two-year program that includes clinical education. The curriculum includes:

• Core courses:
  • AT 500: Athletic Training Healthcare and Clinical Skills
  • AT 502: Emergency Management in Athletic Training
  • AT 504: Evidence-Based Practice and Testing in Athletic Training
  • AT 506: Public Health and Epidemiology in Athletic Training
  • AT 510: Athletic Training Clinical Evaluation I
  • AT 511: Athletic Training Clinical Evaluation II
  • AT 515: Medical Conditions and Pharmacology in Athletic Training
  • AT 520: Athletic Training Therapeutic Interventions I
  • AT 521: Athletic Training Therapeutic Interventions II
  • AT 525: Athletic Training Therapeutic Modalities
  • AT 526: Manual Therapeutic Interventions in Athletic Training
  • AT 530: Management and Professional Issues in Athletic Training
  • KIN 579: Psychological Aspects of Sports Injury
  • KIN 696: Research Methods and Statistical Analysis
• Elective courses:
  • KIN 540: Biomechanical Factors in Human Movement
  • KIN 541: Applied Biomechanics: Lifting and Work Capacity
  • KIN 551: Advanced Exercise Physiology
  • KIN 552: Exercise Testing and Training in Health and Disease
  • KIN 561: Musculoskeletal Injuries in Sport
  • KIN 562: Advanced Strength and Conditioning
  • KIN 565: Clinical Exercise Electrocardiography
  • KIN 566: Biochemical and Hormonal Adaptations to Physical Activity
  • KIN 568: Nutrition for Exercise and Performance
• Clinical education courses:
  • AT 581: Athletic Training Clinical Education I
  • AT 582: Athletic Training Clinical Education II
  • AT 583: Athletic Training Clinical Education III
  • AT 584: Athletic Training Clinical Education IV
• Research courses:
  • AT 699A: Applied Research Project in Athletic Training
  • AT 699B: Applied Research Project in Athletic Training
  • AT 699C: Applied Research Project in Athletic Training

Clinical Education

Athletic training students enrolled in the MSAT program must complete clinical education requirements under the direct supervision of a preceptor in all clinical settings. The clinical education rotations and assignments provide opportunities for students to gain clinical experiences associated with a variety of different populations.

Program Outcomes

The MSAT program at California State University, Long Beach has a strong track record of preparing students for success in the field of athletic training. The program's outcomes include:

• BOC exam pass rate: 95%
• Graduation rate: 93%
• Retention rate: 97%
• Graduation placement rate: 94%

Career Opportunities

BOC certified athletic trainers work in a variety of settings, including:

• Public and private secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional and Olympic sports
• Youth leagues, municipal and independently owned youth sports facilities
• Physician practice, similar to nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists and other professional clinical personnel
• Rural and urban hospitals, hospital emergency rooms, urgent and ambulatory care centers
• Clinics with specialties in sports medicine, cardiac rehab, medical fitness, wellness and physical therapy
• Occupational health departments in commercial settings, which include manufacturing, distribution and offices to assist with ergonomics
• Police and fire departments and academies, municipal departments, branches of the military
• Performing arts including professional and collegiate level dance and music

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an athletic trainer?
  • Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as an allied healthcare profession.
• How do I become an athletic trainer?
  • To become an athletic trainer, you must pass the BOC certification exam and graduate from a CAATE-accredited athletic training program.
• Where do BOC certified athletic trainers work?
  • BOC certified athletic trainers work in a variety of settings, including public and private secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional and Olympic sports, and more.
• What is the employment outlook for ATs?
  • The employment outlook for ATs is strong, with many efforts being made to improve employment opportunities and increase salaries.
• Is the program CAATE accredited?
  • Yes, the MSAT program at California State University, Long Beach is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
• Are there any scholarships available for the AT program?
  • Yes, there are funding opportunities for student scholarships and travel grants for students to attend academic conferences.
• What are the fees associated with the AT program?
  • There are some additional fees associated with the program, including NATA/FWATA membership, student liability insurance, apparel, immunization, background checks, emergency cardiac care certification, and travel to off-site clinicals.