Program Overview

Overview of the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at Xavier University is designed to empower students to serve others through competent and compassionate healthcare. With rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical experiences, students strengthen their professional skills and expertise to provide exceptional care to athletes of all ages. The program is available in two formats: a 2-year program for students who have already completed their bachelor's degree, and a 5-year program for students who do not yet have a bachelor's degree.

Admission Requirements

• The admission process for the MSAT program is straightforward. For optimal consideration, it is advisable to submit the application by early November.
• Application materials include:
  • An online application
  • One official transcript of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework
  • Documentation of 40 hours of observations in an athletic training practice setting
  • Answers to five short questions about observation experiences, career goals, and personality
  • Two letters from professional and/or academic references
  • Technical Standards
• For the 2-Year MSAT degree option, applicants must meet the following prerequisites:
  • Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA
  • Complete the following courses with a minimum grade of "C" (C- is not acceptable):
    • Eight credits in Human Anatomy and Physiology + Lab(s) OR Four credits in Human Anatomy + Lab and Four credits in Human Physiology + Lab (total of 8 credits)
    • Exercise Physiology
    • Chemistry + Lab
    • Physics + Lab
    • Nutrition
    • Psychology
    • Statistics
    • English Composition (Writing course)
    • Biology (if any of the other prerequisite courses were taken in a biology department, they may fulfill this requirement)
  • Completion of 40 hours of observations in an athletic training practice setting
• For the 5-Year MSAT degree option, prospective students majoring in exercise science at Xavier may apply if they meet the conditional prerequisites outlined below:
  • Completion of Xavier University's core and Exercise Science degree requirements
  • Completion of a minimum of 97 credits
  • Overall 3.0 GPA
  • A minimum grade of "C" in each prerequisite course (C- is not acceptable)
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all prerequisite courses
  • Completion of 40 hours of observations in an athletic training practice setting

Curriculum

The athletic training program consists of 54 credit hours, blending didactic courses and hands-on clinical experience. The curriculum is designed to equip students to diagnose injuries, offer therapeutic and preventative treatment, and provide holistic care to athletes. The program is divided into two years, with the following courses:

First Year

• Summer:
  • ATTR 500: Care and Prevention
  • ATTR 501: Athletic Training Skills
  • ATTR 510: Anatomical Kinesiology
• Fall:
  • ATTR 521: Lower Extremity Injuries
  • ATTR 531: Therapeutic Intervention I
  • ATTR 540: Evidence-Based Practice
  • ATTR 561: Clinical Experience I
• Spring:
  • ATTR 522: Upper Extremity Injuries
  • ATTR 523: Head, Spine & Thorax Injuries
  • ATTR 532: Therapeutic Intervention II
  • ATTR 541: Research I
  • ATTR 550: Interprofessional Collaboration
  • ATTR 562: Clinical Experience II

Second Year

• Fall:
  • ATTR 600: Medical Issues in AT
  • ATTR 610: Administrative Concepts in AT
  • ATTR 633: Therapeutic Intervention III
  • ATTR 642: Research II
  • ATTR 663: Clinical Experience III
• Spring:
  • ATTR 650: Contemporary Issues in AT
  • ATTR 664: Clinical Experience IV

Outcomes

The MSAT program is designed to provide real-world preparation, equipping students to receive comprehensive instruction that qualifies them to sit for and pass the BOC exam, which then permits them to enter the field as certified athletic trainers. Xavier graduates are working as Certified Athletic Trainers for various organizations, including FC Cincinnati, Boston Red Sox, Xavier University, and Michigan State University.

Tuition and Fees

The tuition for the MSAT program is $722 per credit hour, with a total of 54 credit hours required for the program. Additional fees include a Student ID Fee, Graduate Student Association Fee, and other miscellaneous fees. The amounts listed are for the academic year and include classes from Summer 2025 through Spring 2026.

FAQ

• What is the career outlook for athletic trainers?
  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects athletic trainers' employment to grow 14 percent annually, four times faster than the rate of employment growth for all occupations.
• Is Xavier's MSAT program accredited?
  • Yes, Xavier's MSAT degree program fulfills the curricular guidelines established by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA).
• Is Xavier's MSAT program in-person or online?
  • The MS in Athletic Training at Xavier University is an in-person program, with classes held at Xavier's campus in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• How long is the MSAT program? Is it possible to attend part-time?
  • Xavier University's MSAT program is a 2-year program for students who have already completed their bachelor's degree. There is also a 5-year program option for students who do not yet have a bachelor's degree. Due to its rigorous nature and experiential learning requirements, Xavier only offers the MS in Athletic Training as a full-time and in-person option.