Curriculum

The MSAT program prepares students to become healthcare practitioners who collaborate with other medical professional in providing optimal care for patients involved in active lifestyles.  The curriculum and clinical experiences prepare students for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam required to become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). The MSAT curriculum focuses on professional content and hands-on application with a varied patient population.  In addition to quality classroom instruction, students will be provided with ample opportunities to develop clinical skills under the supervision of an athletic training preceptor. Patient contact will include student-athletes at CCSU and non-athletic/non-orthopedic patients outside of CCSU. The MSAT program requires continuous enrollment and progression.

Program Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge (Cognitive)
   • Demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge and understanding necessary for the safe practice as a health care professional in the areas of prevention, clinical evaluation, diagnosis, immediate care, treatment and rehabilitation.
   • Demonstrate the ability to document findings of initial evaluations, management plans, and referrals.
2. Knowledge (Skills and Application)
   • Demonstrate the acquisition of the established necessary skills that are the basis for clinical proficiency.
   • Demonstrate the ability to investigate, integrate concepts and problem solve in order to communicate the assessment findings to the patient and other health care team members.
   • Demonstrate the ability to use comprehensive therapeutic judgment and the ability to identify modifying influences or deviations from the norm.
3. Practice Ethically, Professionally and Compassionately
   • Demonstrate the ability to provide health care services of an athletic trainer to a variety of patient populations without prejudice to age, activities, gender, and social or cultural difference.
   • Demonstrate the ability to function as a health care provider during challenging situations by remaining composed and professional, while affording quality compassionate care to the patient.
   • Practice confidentiality and abide by professional ethical standards of the profession.
4. Professional Development and Collaboration
   • Practice with the intent to advance personal professional knowledge and clinical skills by remaining current in the profession through participation in seminars and research, in order to best serve the patient population through the practice of evidence-based medicine.
   • Participate in advocating the athletic training profession through engagement with local community events by volunteering time and professional skills.
   • Practice with a commitment to share the knowledge and skills of the athletic trainer in support of joint collaboration efforts that lead to improving the quality of patient care.

Admissions Requirements:

There are 2 paths to gain admission to the MSAT.  CCSU students enrolled in the 3+2 accelerated program can apply to the Master’s Degree in Athletic Training in their junior year.  Students who already hold a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in exercise science or a related field, apply directly to the MSAT.  Candidates for admission will be considered based on the following criteria:

1) Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.70, preferably a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale (where A is 4.00)

2) A letter of application demonstrating a command of the English language which includes detailed reasons for wishing to pursue graduate study in athletic training

3) Two letters of recommendation, preferably one of which is from an instructor who can attest to the applicant’s preparedness for graduate study in athletic training

4) Successful completion (C- or better) of the following courses, either the specified CCSU courses or their equivalents:

a. Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs (8 credits)

• (EXS 207, EXS 208, EXS 211, EXS 212 or BIO/BMS 318 and BIO/BMS 319 at CCSU)

b. Biomechanics/Kinesiology or Physics (3 credits)

• (EXS 216 or PHYS 111 at CCSU)

c. Human Nutrition (3 credits)

• (EXS 307 or BIO 401 at CCSU)

d. Exercise Physiology (3 Credits)

• (EXS 408 at CCSU)

        e. Courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology  (3 Credits each)

Instructions for uploading the letter of application, and for obtaining and submitting the letters of recommendation, will be found within the online application.

The application deadline for Summer admission is April 1.

Admission Process:

Students submit an application to the Graduate Recruitment & Admissions Office.  The Program Director is notified electronically once a student has a complete application for the MSAT.  A complete application consists of undergraduate transcripts, essay, 2 letters of recommendation.  The program director reviews the applicant's material in conjunction with other MSAT faculty.  The program director sends a decision to the Graduate Recruitment & Admissions Office with a recommendation who then officially notifies the applicant. 

Requirements

Total Credit Hours: 60