Master of Science in Athletic Training

Lundgren (director), Anderson, Potteiger

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) prepares students to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) national examination. Successful completion of the BOC examination is required in order for the student to work as an entry-level Athletic Trainer. Students will typically take this exam during their last semester of graduate studies. The MSAT has a competitive admission process. Entrance into North Park as an undergraduate student does not guarantee entrance into the MSAT. North Park undergraduate students seeking entry into the 3 + 2 accelerated master program should complete the Athletic Training application by May 1st of the year prior to which they intend to start the graduate-level coursework. If a candidate for the MSAT has already completed a bachelor’s degree or is in the process of completing their bachelor’s degree, they are eligible for the 2-year graduate sequence of the MSAT (providing the prerequisite coursework is fulfilled by the start date). The 2-year graduate sequence has rolling admission with a deadline of May 1st of the summer the candidate wishes to start the program. The MSAT is a cohort program that begins in the summer and lasts six sequential semesters (i.e., summer/fall/spring and summer/fall/spring).

  • Application requirements for the MSAT include:
  • Completion of the Athletic Training Program Application
  • Successful completion (“C” or better) in the following (or equivalent) courses by program start date:
  • Human Anatomy
  • Human Physiology
  • Biology
  • Psychology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • CPR/AED Certification
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (official transcripts must be received within 90 days of start of program*)
  • 50 hours of clinical observation under the supervision of an Athletic Trainer (AT)
  • Two professional letters of recommendation; one from AT supervising observation hours
  • Verification that student can meet technical standards

*3+2 students are exempt from needing completed bachelor’s degree before beginning graduate sequence.

This cohort program has a maximum capacity of 16 students. There is a competitive admissions process. The top 16 candidates from the pool are identified in relation to their profile as described above. Simply meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee entry in the MSAT program.