Nora Beltz

Entry-Level Master's Program

Hometown: Lexington, MA
Undergraduate degree: Biology and Religious Studies from Colby College, Waterville, ME
Research interest: In development stages
Directed research: In development stages
Plans after graduating: Work in a college or university setting, pursue further education in exercise physiology or physical therapy and rehab

MS in Athletic Training, Entry Level concentration

Program Coordinator: Marjorie King, PhD, A.T.C., P.T. , e-mail: making1@plymouth.edu
Associate Professor of Athletic Training
BS, University of New Hampshire; BS, Simmons College; MS, University of Massachusetts, PhD, University of Virginia

The Entry-Level concentration is designed to provide students interested in the field of Athletic Training the opportunity to develop the necessary skills and knowledge through classroom experiences and clinical rotations to meet the competencies set forth by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Education Council, and to further develop skills and knowledge in the field of Athletic Training through research and advanced courses in Athletic Training. During each semester, for a minimum of four semesters, students will enroll in a practicum in Athletic Training. During the practical experience, students will be placed under the direct supervision of an approved clinical instructor. Students must have at least a grade of "B" in the following four core courses: Orthopedic Assessment I, Orthopedic Assessment II, Modalities in Sports Medicine and Therapeutic Exercise in Athletic Training to continue their practicum experience. The entry-level option is a two-year program that begins each summer.

Admission Requirements

Admission is competitive, limited and not guaranteed even to those who meet the minimum requirements. It is strongly suggested that completed application and all supporting materials for this program be submitted by February 1. However, applicants will be considered until maximum enrollment is met. Supporting materials include the:

• Prerequisite worksheet
• Written documentation of 50 hours of observation under the supervision of a BOC certified athletic trainer.
• A Physical Form must also be completed and submitted.

Students must verify that they can comply with the program’s Technical Standards. Technical Standards are available to all interested students and can be obtained in paper form by contacting the Health and Human Performance Department.

Prerequisites

1. Bachelor's degree from accredited institution of higher learning
2. 3.0 undergraduate grade point average
3. Comprehensive statement of professional goals
4. GRE or Millers Analogy Test (GRE preferred)
5. Three letters of recommendation
6. Minimum of 50 hours observation under direct supervision of a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer. Original letters of documentation must be submitted as part of the application.
7. Minimum grade of C in the following college/ university courses (must be taken within the past seven years):
   Anatomy (with lab) - 4 credits
   Physiology (with lab) - 4 credits
   Kinesiology - 3 credits
   Exercise Physiology - 3 credits (sample syllabus)
   Nutrition - 3 credits (sample syllabus)
   Personal Health - 3 credits (sample syllabus)
   Fitness Education and Assessment - 2–3 credits (sample syllabus)
   First Aid and CPR (and current certification)

Deficient in Prerequisites?

Plymouth State University offers all the necessary courses to complete the pre-requisite requirements, which must be completed prior to initiating the two-year entry level master’s program. A student may make a three-year commitment and attend Plymouth State University while completing their pre-requisites and initiating work on the core degree requirements. Upon successful completion of the pre-requisite coursework (as defined by the pre-requisite requirements), a student will continue on with the Athletic Training components of the entry-level master’s program.

Required Courses

AT 5600 Research Design in Health Science - 3 credits
- OR - ED 5030 Research Design - 3 credits
AT 5000 Psychomotor Skills in Athletic Training - 3 credits
AT 5010 Orthopedic Assessment I - 3 credits
AT 5020 Orthopedic Assessment II - 3 credits
AT 5100 Athletic Training Administration - 3 credits
AT 5200 Pharmacology in Sports Medicine - 2 credits
AT 5250 Therapeutic Exercise in Athletic Training - 3 credits
AT 5300 General Medical - 3 credits
AT 5500 Modalities in Sports Medicine - 3 credits
AT 5750 Practicum in Athletic Training I - 3 credit
AT 5760 Practicum in Athletic Training II - 3 credit
AT 5770 Practicum in Athletic Training III - 3 credit
AT 5780 Practicum in Athletic Training IV - 3 credit
AT 5800 Current Issues in Athletic Training - 3 credits
AT 5255 Introduction to Burdenko Conditioning - 1 credit

Minimum Total for MS in Athletic Training, Entry Level Concentration - 42 credits

Sample Course of Study

Summer, First Year through Spring, Second Year (PDF 36 kb)

Clinical Education Sites

Plymouth State offers both collegiate and secondary school clinical education experiences. During both academic years, students are expected to participate in preseason clinical experiences in the month of August as well as during January winter break. Please view our clinical education sites page for detailed information.

Human Performance Lab

All Athletic Training master's students have the opportunity to engage in a research project. These projects may be either faculty supervised (Directed Research), or student driven (Thesis). The Human Performance Laboratory at Plymouth State University serves as a working laboratory for students and faculty engaged in educational and research activities.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are not available in the entry-level program. Please note: the entry-level program is time intensive. Classes are scheduled in the mornings to allow for afternoon (sometimes nights and weekend) clinical practicum times. Clinical time is also influenced by the assigned team coverage, therefore there may be some night and weekend commitments depending upon the team and the season. There is not much additional time to allow for other work.