Athletic Training Program Overview

The Athletic Training program is a professional program offered in the Department of Kinesiology, leading to a Master of Science in Athletic Training degree (MSAT). Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.

Program Description

The MSAT program is a six-semester clinical program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Admission into the program is competitive. The MSAT program ensures the highest quality of education by offering collective learning experiences that enable the student to successfully challenge the Board of Certification examination and pursue numerous career paths as a certified athletic trainer.

Career Opportunities

Certified athletic trainers gain employment in a variety of settings, including:

• High school/college athletic programs
• Professional sport programs
• Outpatient physical therapy/sports medicine clinics
• Industrial/corporate settings
• The US military

Admission Requirements

There are two types of applicants for the MSAT program:

1. Traditional MSAT applicant: Earned an undergraduate degree
2. 3+2 MSAT applicant: Currently enrolled at CMU in the BS Exercise Science program

Traditional MSAT Applicant Requirements

• Earned bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (on 4.0 scale)
• Minimum science GPA of 3.0 (on 4.0 scale)
• Prerequisite course requirements:
  • Biology
  • General Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Human Anatomy
  • Human Physiology
  • Nutrition
  • Exercise Physiology
• 40 hours of post-secondary shadowing/observation with an Athletic Trainer
• Official transcripts from all college and university work
• Statement of intent
• Resume
• 2 letters of recommendation

3+2 MSAT Applicant Requirements

• Classified as a senior (i.e., at least 90 credit hours including hours in which student is currently enrolled and for which the student is registered for a future semester)
• At least a 3.0 overall GPA and must have at least a 3.0 GPA in courses in the student's declared major
• A 3+2 Concurrent Enrollment application form to the MSAT Program Director
• Submit to the MSAT Program Director how all remaining bachelor degree requirements and all MSAT requirements will be met in two years
• Complete the MSAT program admission process

Program Requirements

The MSAT program consists of 53 semester hours of coursework, including:

• Clinical Skills in Athletic Training
• Acute Care in Athletic Training
• Therapeutic Modalities
• Administration in Athletic Training
• Seminar in Evidence-Based Practice Research I, II, and III
• Clinical Education in Athletic Training I, II, III, and IV
• Clinical Anatomy
• Clinical Evaluation of Lower Extremity Injuries
• Clinical Evaluation of Head and Spine Injuries
• Clinical Evaluation of Upper Extremity Injuries
• General Health Conditions and Pharmacology
• Principles of Rehabilitation
• Advanced Rehabilitation and Manual Therapy
• Psychosocial Interventions in Athletic Training
• Functional Performance in Athletic Training
• Transition to Practice in Athletic Training
• Capstone Research Project in Athletic Training

Suggested Course Sequencing

The program offers two course sequencing options:

1. 3+2 Option Sequence Plan of Study Grid
2. Traditional MSAT Sequence Plan of Study Grid

Advising and Graduation

Students must meet with their advisor to plan their coursework and ensure they are meeting all program requirements. The advisor must approve the student's plan. Students must also submit an "Intent to Graduate" form to the Registrar's Office and complete all requirements for their degree.

Colorado Mesa University

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Overview:

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online courses and programs. CMU is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on hands-on learning.

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Services Offered:

CMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Costs:

Admissions counseling, application process, financial aid, scholarships, tuition and fee information, and resources for admitted students.

Academics:

Program search, course catalog, degree requirements, graduate studies, online courses, non-credit courses, semester calendars, and academic advising.

Study and Performance Resources:

Library access, study room reservations, textbook purchasing, tutoring services, and transcript requests.

Getting Help:

IRIS (student assistance), accessibility services, career services, IT help desk, university center information, student services, student wellness center, tutoring, faculty contact information, campus office contacts, directory search, and campus maps.

Campus Life:

Dining services, housing and residence life, student life activities, campus safety, parking services, MAVcard campus ID, and resources for current students.

Events:

Calendar of events, performing arts, commencement ceremony, welcome week, homecoming, parents' weekend, student showcase, and event space reservations.

Campus Activities:

Outdoor program, recreation center, NCAA athletics, clubs and organizations, club sports, and intramural sports.

Working Here:

Faculty and staff employment opportunities, student employment, human resources, and payroll.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

CMU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Outdoor Adventures:

The Outdoor Program provides opportunities for outdoor trips and equipment rentals.

Social Engagement:

Student life offers numerous on-campus activities, clubs, and yearly concerts.

Downtown Exploration:

Grand Junction's historic downtown provides dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

CMU offers a quality education at a competitive price, with one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

Small Class Sizes:

Students benefit from personalized attention and close relationships with professors.

Hands-on Learning:

CMU emphasizes practical experience and prepares students for successful careers.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events.

Beautiful Location:

Grand Junction offers a sunny climate and access to outdoor recreation.

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Academic Programs:

CMU offers over 120 academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.

Business and Technology:

Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

Social Sciences:

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

CMU has additional locations, including:

CMU Tech:

A technical college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Montrose Campus:

A branch campus offering select undergraduate programs.

CMU also offers online programs through its Distance Education program.