Master of Science in Athletic Training

Overview of the Athletic Training Program

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at Bridgewater College is designed to prepare students for a career in athletic training. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and is the first school in Virginia to successfully secure CAATE accreditation at the master's level via the substantive change process.

Program Objectives

As an MSAT graduate, you will:

• Be prepared to lead an ethical and purposeful career and life.
• Develop clinical decision-making skills based on current research and various in-depth clinical placements.
• Understand the role of the athletic trainer as a member of an interprofessional healthcare team.
• Achieve remarkable outcomes in athletic training credentialing and job placement.
• Become a confident and proficient athletic trainer.
• Benefit from the BC liberal arts tradition and embracing the MSAT program core principles of excellence, caring, adaptability, and impact.

Clinical Immersion

The last two semesters of the Bridgewater College MSAT program are devoted to clinical immersion. You'll work with real patients and practice healthcare every day at places like college athletic programs, high school athletic programs, physical rehabilitation centers, or medical clinics. You'll have close working relationships with your professors and clinical educators as you work with patients from the beginning of your journey to becoming an athletic trainer.

Clinical Sites

• Colleges and Universities:
  • Alabama: Birmingham Southern College
  • Florida: Edward Waters University, University of Central Florida
  • Maryland: University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)
  • Michigan: University of Michigan
  • New Mexico: University of New Mexico
  • New York: Syracuse University
  • North Carolina: Duke University, Queen's University of Charlotte
  • South Carolina: Coastal Carolina University, College of Charleston
  • Tennessee: University of Tennessee, Tennessee Wesleyan University
  • Virginia: Christopher Newport University, College of William & Mary, Ferrum College, James Madison University, Mary Baldwin University, Old Dominion University, University of Richmond, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Tech
• Physical Rehabilitation Centers and Medical Clinics:
  • Alabama: Champion Sports Medicine
  • Delaware: Forever Fit Foundation, Premier PT & Sports Performance
  • North Carolina: Epic Physical Therapy
  • Virginia: Harrisonburg ENT Associates, Lakewood Pediatrics, Forever Fit Foundation, McCain Whole Health Care, Premier PT & Sports Performance, Sentara RMH, The Center for Hand and Physical Therapy, Valley Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine
• High Schools:
  • Delaware: Appoquinimink High School, Indian River School District
  • Maryland: St. Johns College High School
  • North Carolina: Clayton High School
  • South Carolina: Myrtle Beach High School, Wando High School
  • Virginia: Broadway High School, Buffalo Gap High School, East Rockingham High School, Fairfax County Public Schools, Fishburne Military School, Harrisonburg High School, Mountain View High School, Spotswood High School, Staunton High School, Turner Ashby High School, Warren County High School

Advantages to our Program

• 92% first-time athletic training board exam (BOC) pass rate for the class of 2023 and 2024
• 100% job placement rate within 3 months of graduation for the class of 2023
• Learn from certified athletic trainers on staff at the Bridgewater College campus that covers NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports teams
• Prepares you for athletic training careers at a variety of practice settings including (but not limited to) colleges, high schools, professional sports, physical rehabilitation centers, medical offices, and industrial sites.
• Fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
• In-person, full-time, 2-year program
• Easy application process with applicants admitted on a rolling basis until the cohort is full (18 students per year)

In-person

Bridgewater's MSAT program is in-person because hands-on experience is essential. Students learn by doing, working side by side with certified athletic trainers, engaging in real clinical settings, and building the skills needed for success in the field.

At a Glance

• Start date: June 2026
• 63 credit hours
• 23-month program
• 3+2 program available
• $640 per credit hour
• Total Tuition (Year 1): $25,980
• Total Tuition (Year 2): $18,600

Curriculum and Courses

MSAT YEAR ONE

• SUMMER 1 (9 Credits)
  • AT-501: Anatomy for Healthcare Professionals I (3)
  • AT-502: Anatomy for Healthcare Professionals II (3)
  • AT-510: Athletic Training Foundations (1)
  • AT-511: Athletic Training Applications I (1)
  • AT-550: Clinical Experience I (1)
• FALL (16 Credits)
  • AT-520: Patient Examination & Care I (3.5)
  • AT-530: Therapeutic Interventions I (3.5)
  • AT-540: Professional Knowledge Assessment I (1)
  • AT-551: Clinical Experience II (2)
  • AT-556: Management Concepts in Healthcare (3)
  • AT-567: Psychology of Sport Performance & Injury (3)
• SPRING (12 Credits)
  • AT-560: Athletic Training Seminar I (3)
  • AT-521: Patient Examination & Care II (3.5)
  • AT-531: Therapeutic Interventions II (3.5)
  • AT-541: Professional Knowledge Assessment II (1)
  • AT-552: Clinical Experience III (1)

MSAT YEAR TWO

• SUMMER II (8 Credits)
  • AT-601: Emergency Care (3)
  • AT-610: Athletic Training Applications II (1)
  • AT-620: General Medical Conditions (2)
  • AT-640: Professional Knowledge Assessment III (1)
  • AT-650: Clinical Experience IV (1)
• FALL (9 Credits)
  • AT-630: Health Promotion (3)
  • AT-641: Professional Knowledge Assessment IV (1)
  • AT-651: Clinical Immersion I (5)
• SPRING (9 Credits)
  • AT-642: Professional Knowledge Assessment V (1)
  • AT-652: Clinical Immersion II (5)
  • AT-660: Athletic Training Seminar II (3)

Accreditation

The MSAT program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and the first school in Virginia to successfully secure CAATE accreditation at the master's level via the substantive change process.

Athletic Training Facilities

You'll study and work in facilities designed to give you hands-on experiences with patients. Athletic training program facilities are equipped with classrooms, a laboratory, and an athletic training clinic with a variety of modern equipment and technologies. Bridgewater College is a proud participant in the NCAA Division III Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Bridgewater has teams in 23 different sports offering a variety of clinical experiences.

Accelerated Program

3+2 Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees in 5 Years

Bridgewater College is committed to providing opportunities for students to complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years. Students wishing to complete the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program and their undergraduate degree in five years must enroll at BC as an undergraduate student and major in health and exercise science. It is important that you contact Dr. Chase Hale in the fall semester of your first year to review your academic plan.

Affordability

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) at Bridgewater College is a practical and affordable pathway to a career in sports medicine and injury care. The 63-credit, two-year program is designed for immersive, hands-on learning in a full-time, in-person format. At $640 per credit hour, MSAT offers strong value for aspiring athletic trainers.

Tuition Breakdown

• Per Credit Hour: $640
• Total Tuition (Year 1): $25,980
• Total Tuition (Year 2): $18,600

Careers Outcomes in Athletic Training

The employment outlook for athletic trainers is excellent—higher than the national average at 17 percent job growth over the next 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

FAQs

• What are the requirements for MSAT admissions?
  • Submit the Athletic Training Student Application through ATCAS (application fees are paid directly to ATCAS).
  • Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Successful academic performance resulting in a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7.
  • Official transcript(s) of all college coursework (submit to ATCAS).
  • Complete 50 observation hours under the supervision of a certified/licensed athletic trainer. Evidence of observation hours completion should be submitted to ATCAS in the form of an hour's log signed by the supervising athletic trainer, or a letter of confirmation written by the supervising athletic trainer.
  • Application personal statement should address your professional goals and desire for pursuing athletic training as a career (submit to ATCAS).
  • Two letters of recommendation (submit to ATCAS). The makeup of the recommendations should be: one from a certified/licensed athletic trainer and one from a college faculty member.
  • Interview with the MSAT Admissions Committee (if selected for the interview process).
  • Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or higher (students may be enrolled in prerequisite courses at the time of application):
    • 8 Credits in Anatomy/Physiology with Lab
    • 4 Credits in General or Inorganic Chemistry with Lab
    • 3 Credits in English Composition (not literature)
    • 3 Credits in Nutrition
    • 3 Credits in Exercise Physiology
    • 3 Credits in Statistics or Research Methods
    • 4 Credits in Physics with Lab
    • 3 Credits in General Psychology
• What are the admission deadlines?
  • The MSAT program only accepts full-time students. Applicants will be admitted to the program on a rolling basis until the cohort is full (18 students per year). Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time for application completion and admissions consideration. Review of submitted applications will begin on September 1. After November 1, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as space allows until May 1.
• What courses will I be taking?
  • Refer to the curriculum and courses section above.

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Degree Overview

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Overview:

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at Bridgewater College equips students with the expertise and skills necessary to excel as athletic trainers in diverse settings. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences, rigorous academics, and close-knit relationships with faculty and clinical educators, preparing graduates to become confident and proficient healthcare professionals.

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Objectives:

• Develop critical clinical decision-making skills based on current research and extensive clinical experiences.
• Cultivate a strong understanding of the athletic trainer's role within interprofessional healthcare teams.
• Achieve outstanding outcomes in athletic training certification and job placement.
• Foster ethical and purposeful leadership qualities in both professional and personal aspects of life.

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Program Description:

The MSAT program is a rigorous, two-year, full-time program that combines comprehensive classroom instruction with substantial hands-on clinical immersion. The program culminates in two final semesters devoted exclusively to clinical experiences, immersing students in real-world healthcare settings. Additionally, the program boasts a 100% first-time pass rate for the athletic training board exam (BOC) and a 100% job placement rate within three months of graduation for the class of 2023.

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Outline

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Program Content:

The MSAT program curriculum provides a thorough foundation in athletic training, encompassing comprehensive coursework and extensive clinical experiences.

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Structure:

The program is structured over two years, with students progressing through didactic coursework and culminating in two semesters dedicated entirely to clinical immersion.

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Course Schedule:

• Year One:
• Spring: Athletic Training Seminar I, Clinical Experience III
• Year Two:
• Summer II: Emergency Care, Athletic Training Applications II, General Medical Conditions, Clinical Experience IV, Professional Knowledge Assessment III
• Fall: Health Promotion, Clinical Immersion I, Professional Knowledge Assessment IV
• Athletic Training Foundations: Introduction to the professional field of athletic training, encompassing ethical principles, scope of practice, and legal considerations.
• Patient Examination & Care: Development of comprehensive patient examination and assessment skills, incorporating hands-on application and critical thinking.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Training in evidence-based therapeutic interventions, including rehabilitation techniques, modalities, and injury prevention strategies.
• Clinical Experiences: Extensive practical experience in diverse clinical settings, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge and develop essential clinical skills under the guidance of qualified professionals.
• Professional Knowledge Assessment: Continuous assessment of theoretical and practical knowledge through comprehensive examinations.
• Health & Exercise Psychology: Exploration of the psychological aspects of athlete health and performance, including motivation, stress management, and injury recovery.
• Management Concepts in Healthcare: Development of essential management skills for athletic training professionals, encompassing effective communication, resource allocation, and ethical decision-making.
• Emergency Care: Acquisition of critical skills for managing medical emergencies in athletic settings, including CPR, first aid, and emergency response protocols.
• Health Promotion: Strategies for promoting healthy lifestyles and injury prevention among athletes.
• Clinical Immersion: Full-time immersion in diverse clinical settings, providing comprehensive and integrated hands-on experiences.
• Athletic Training Seminar: Ongoing professional development through critical discussion, case studies, and presentations.

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

Continuous evaluation is conducted throughout the program, utilizing a combination of methods including:

• Written examinations: Assessing theoretical knowledge and understanding of key concepts.
• Practical skill assessments: Demonstrating competency in patient examination, therapeutic interventions, and emergency care procedures.
• Clinical performance evaluations: Supervised observation and evaluation of students' clinical skills in real-world settings.
• Case studies and project work: Applying knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems and challenges.

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Assessment Criteria:

Comprehensive assessment criteria cover both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, evaluating students' ability to:

• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology, injury mechanisms, and treatment protocols.
• Perform accurate patient assessments, diagnoses, and interventions.
• Apply evidence-based practices and critical thinking to patient care.
• Exhibit professional behavior, ethical conduct, and effective communication skills.
• Successfully manage emergencies and respond effectively in critical situations.
• Integrate theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a real-world clinical setting.

Bridgewater College: A Summarization

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Overview:

Bridgewater College is a private, liberal arts college located in Virginia. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing a close-knit community and personalized learning experience. The college prides itself on its affordable tuition, making a college degree accessible to a wider range of students.

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Services Offered:

Academics:

Bridgewater College offers a diverse selection of 60 majors and minors across various disciplines.

Admissions & Aid:

The college provides comprehensive support for prospective students, including application assistance, financial aid options, and a net price calculator to estimate individual costs.

Life at Bridgewater:

The college fosters a strong sense of community, with opportunities for student involvement in clubs, organizations, athletics, and social events.

Visit:

Prospective students can schedule campus tours, meet with current students and faculty, and experience the college environment firsthand.

Other:

Bridgewater College offers additional services such as career counseling, alumni networking, and a campus store.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Bridgewater College emphasizes a close-knit community where students are encouraged to participate in various activities and events. The college provides a supportive environment for students to thrive academically and socially.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Tuition:

Bridgewater College offers a competitive tuition rate, making a private college education more accessible.

Personalized Learning:

The college prioritizes small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships, fostering a personalized learning experience.

Strong Community:

Bridgewater College cultivates a strong sense of community, encouraging student involvement and fostering lasting connections.

Focus on Experiential Learning:

The college offers opportunities for students to engage in research, internships, and study abroad programs, enhancing their practical skills and knowledge.

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Academic Programs:

Bridgewater College offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:

Undergraduate:

60 majors and minors across various disciplines, including the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences.

Graduate:

Four graduate programs, focusing on areas such as education, athletic training, and business.

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Other:

Connections Campaign:

The college is currently running a $35 million campaign to raise funds for scholarships, teaching and learning initiatives, and capital projects.

Summer Research Awards:

Bridgewater College provides funding for students to conduct research projects under the guidance of faculty members during the summer.

International Opportunities:

The college offers study abroad programs and opportunities for students to engage in global learning experiences.