Plymouth State University > Athletic Training

Athletic Training Graduate Programs

Master of Science

DescriptionDegree OptionsWhy PSU?Admission InformationFinancial InformationLearn MoreContact Information
From pre-game taping to practice and game medical coverage to injury assessment and rehabilitation, Plymouth State University’s Master of Science (MS) degree programs in athletic training will prepare you for success on and off the field. Working closely with faculty members who are experienced and respected professionals in athletic training, students like you will have opportunities to excel. If your goal is to become a BOC certified athletic trainer or expand your education as a certified athletic trainer, Plymouth State’s Professional or Post-professional programs in athletic training will help you get there.

Choose from one of two athletic training programs:

Students interested in Athletic Training will select either the Professional or Post-Professional option. Students who have completed their bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training should select the Post-Professional option. Students seeking a CAATE accredited program in preparation for taking the Board of Certification exam in Athletic Training should select the Professional option.

Please note, the curriculum requirements below are for the current academic year 2022-23. Students applying for admission for the upcoming academic year, should carefully read the prerequisite requirements for admission to the Fall 2022 cohort.

Curriculum Requirements

Why choose Plymouth State for your master’s degree in athletic training?

  • Immediate hands-on experience working with student athletes, health care professionals, and faculty who are leaders in the field.
  • On-site athletic training experiences at various clinical education sites, including Plymouth State University athletics, Holderness School, New Hampton School, Tilton School, and Plymouth Regional High School.
  • Small class sizes. With approximately twelve graduate students per class in the Professional Program, you’ll get the one-on-one interaction with faculty that larger athletic training programs often can’t offer.
  • Graduate assistantships are available to students enrolled in the Post-Professional in Higher Education program.
  • PSU is located in the foothills of the White Mountains and in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.  Hiking, skiing, rock and ice climbing, canoeing and kayaking are just minutes away.
  • Just 2 hours from Boston and 3.5 hours from Montreal.

Plymouth State is an NCAA Division III school with 24 varsity athletic teams, including men’s and women’s lacrosse, soccer, basketball, skiing, and ice hockey, x-country, track and field; as well as football, wrestling, softball, and baseball and women’s volleyball. More than 700 student athletes participate in team sports each year. The Physical Education Center has 33-acres of the best playing and practice fields in Division III, in addition to a three-court gymnasium, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a wrestling room, tennis courts, and the Vailas Performance Center. The University’s 860-seat ice arena, serves as a teaching facility for instruction and research in ice activities and a home for the varsity men’s and women’s ice hockey teams. In Fall 2015, ALLWell North opened. The 107,600-square-foot complex includes a large-scale multi-use including a full-size track and indoor tennis courts.

Athletic Training, Professional

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but since enrollment is limited, we encourage prospective students to apply by January 31st for priority consideration. The application process is completed through AT-CAS. This is a cohort program that begins in the fall semester of each year. Admission is competitive, limited, and is not guaranteed even to those who meet the minimum requirements. Students must verify that they can comply with the program’s Technical Standards.

Prerequisites

  • Baccalaureate degree from accredited institution
  • 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Comprehensive statement of professional goals
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • 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.
  • Completed Health Screening within the last 6 months with proof of immunizations
  • Current CPR/BLS for Healthcare Providers certification
  • Minimum grade of B in the following college or university courses (must be taken within the past seven years):
    • Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab): 4 credits
    • Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab): 4 credits
    • Kinesiology: 3 credits
    • Exercise Physiology: 3 credit
  • Additional prerequisites in:
    • Chemistry: 3 credits
    • Biology: 3 credits
    • Physics: 3 credits
    • Nutrition: 3 credits
    • Psychology: 3 credits
    • Statistics: 3 credits
Athletic Training, Post-Professional

The application deadline for admission into the master’s program is January 31 of each year. This is a cohort program that begins in the fall semester of each year. Athletic Training candidates must submit a completed graduate program application online, have BOC certification and one year of experience (preferred) as a certified athletic trainer (ATC), and provide proof of current CPR/AED certification.

“How much will my graduate program cost?” and “How will I pay for it?” are two of the most common questions asked when considering continuing your education. Here is some basic information about tuition, financial aid, scholarships and Graduate Assistant opportunities. We encourage you to click the links on this page for additional information and resources.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Tuition for the Athletic Training program is assessed at a per semester flat rate, and differs slightly for NH residents and non-residents.

More information is available through the Student Account Services Office.

Financial Aid

Graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of student loans only. You will need to complete the FAFSA at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester you wish to begin taking classes. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid – please review our international admission requirements to learn more.

More information can be found on the Financial Aid webpages.

Scholarships

Each year, Plymouth State offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to admitted graduate students. Selection criteria include academic and professional achievements, commitment to graduate study, and achievement or pursuit of personal or professional goals. Visit the PSU Scholarship Opportunities webpage for additional information.

Graduate Assistant positions

Graduate Assistant positions are available only to students in the Post Professional program. GA positions are awarded on a rolling basis therefore we recommend you applying as early as possible but no later than January 15th for the upcoming year. Applications for assistantships should be sent to Dr. Julie Bernier, the Athletic Training Program Director.

We would be happy to provide you with more information about our graduate programs - here are a few ways to learn more!

INQUIRE - Complete a brief inquiry form and we will connect you with the program coordinator and provide you with additional information about the curriculum, admission requirements, faculty information, and more.

VISIT - We hold information sessions and campus visits throughout the year, or we can schedule an in-person advising appointment - come check out our beautiful campus in Plymouth, NH

EMAIL - Have a quick question about our wide array of graduate programs and certificates? Send us an email at forgrad@plymouth.edu

CHAT - We would be happy to chat with you - just submit a question to one of our admissions advisors.

Want an answer right away? Give us a call - the Admissions Office is open Mon-Fri from 8:00am-4:30pm at 603-535-2237 or 800-FOR-GRAD.

Graduate Admission Team - Whether you are just graduating with your bachelor’s degree or have been out of school for a while, we are here to help guide you through the application process, assist in getting you registered for your first semester of classes, and provide you with “next steps, information, and resources on campus.

Program Coordinator/Advisor - Once you have been admitted into a graduate program, you will be assigned an academic advisor who will be your go-to person for class scheduling, program and/or curriculum questions, and academic guidance.

Office of the Registrar - can assist with course registration, transcript requests and degree conferral information

Student Account Services - please contact them with questions regarding your bill, employer reimbursement, or financial holds on your account.

Financial Aid Office - is here to assist financial aid, student loans, or other financial related questions.