From keeping athletes safe on and off the field, to injury assessment and rehabilitation, to collaborative healthcare alongside physicians, Plymouth State University’s master of science (MS) degree programs in athletic training will prepare you to provide high-quality healthcare to the physically active.
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.
The MS in Athletic Training program offers two concentration areas:
- Professional Program - for those seeking a CAATE-accredited program in preparation for taking the Board of Certification examination in athletic training
- Post-Professional Program - for those Certified Athletic Trainers seeking combined clinical and teaching roles in Athletic Training higher education.
Athletic Training, Professional
The CAATE-accredited Professional 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 required of CAATE (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education) programs. During each semester, for four semesters, students will complete clinical rotations in an athletic training setting. During the clinical rotation, students will be placed under the supervision of a clinical preceptor. Students must earn a minimum grade of B in the following core courses:
- Lower Extremity Assessment,
- Upper Extremity Assessment,
- Spine, Posture, and Function,
- Therapeutic Interventions I and II.
The Professional concentration is a two-year program that begins each fall. PSU also offers a 3+2 option for Undergraduate students to complete a bachelor’s and masters in Athletic Training in 5 years. Students interested in the 3+2 option should apply for the BS in Allied Health Sciences with an option in 3+2 Athletic Training.
Athletic Training, Post-Professional in Higher Education
The MS in Athletic Training Post-Professional master’s program provides students the opportunity to further develop skills and knowledge through research and advanced courses in athletic training and education. The Post-Professional program is designed to prepare certified athletic trainers for a variety of teaching and leadership roles in higher education.
Our Athletic Training Professional-Level MS degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). You can learn about our program's BOC pass rate, program retention rate, student employment/placement rates, and more on their website.
Curriculum & Requirements
Students interested in Athletic Training will select either the Professional or Post-Professional Option. For students who have completed their bachelor's degree in Athletic Training should select the Post-Professional option. Students who are seeking a CAATE accredited program in preparation for taking the Board of Certification exam in Athletic Training should select the Professional option.
Athletic Training, Professional
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AT 5400 | Preventative Theories and Psychomotor Skills | 4 |
| AT 5410 | Lower Extremity Assessment | 4 |
| AT 5420 | Upper Extremity Assessment | 4 |
| AT 5430 | Spine, Posture and Function | 4 |
| AT 5440 | Athletic Training Administration | 4 |
| AT 5450 | Pathology and Pharmacology in Sports Medicine | 4 |
| AT 5460 | Research Design and Statistics | 4 |
| AT 5470 | Therapeutic Intervention I | 4 |
| AT 5480 | Therapeutic Intervention II | 4 |
| AT 5490 | Athletic Training Capstone | 4 |
| AT 5810 | Clinical Athletic Training I | 4 |
| AT 5820 | Clinical Athletic Training II | 4 |
| AT 5830 | Clinical Athletic Training III | 4 |
| AT 5845 | Clinical Athletic Training IV | 10 |
| Total Credits | 62 | |
Athletic Training, Post-Professional
Any student admitted to the MS in Athletic Training, Post-Professional program must have NATABOC certification prior to coursework.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Core Component | ||
| ED 5030 | Research Design | 3 |
| AT 5460 | Research Design and Statistics | 4 |
| AT 5950 | Graduate Thesis Students who enroll in AT 5950, Thesis will enroll continuously until thesis is complete, up to a max of 12 credits | 6 |
| or AT 5900 | Directed Research | |
| Major Elective Component | 21-24 | |
ED 5000 | Understanding Social Behaviors | |
ED 5060 | Exploring Learning Theories and Cognitive Growth | |
ED 5140 | Assessment: Principles and Practices | |
AT 5630/5640 | Principles & Theories of Strength and Conditioning | |
AT 5700 | Instructional Strategies in Burdenko Conditioning | |
AT 5875 | Special Topics in AT | |
AT 6100 | Advanced Practicum in Athletic Training | |
AT 6310 | Fundamentals in AT Ed Instruction I | |
AT 6320 | Fundamentals in AT Ed Instruction II | |
AT 6500 | Independent Study | |
Any HL, HH, EX, OH, PBH, PE 5000 or higher | ||
Any AT 6000 or higher | ||
| Total Credits | 34-36 | |
- risk management, injury prevention, planning and implementation of prevention strategies
- pathological mechanisms in the development, progression and epidemiology of injuries, illnesses and diseases
- recognition, clinical examination, diagnosis, appropriate referral and management of common risk factors, orthopedic injury, and illnesses in the physically active individual
- providing appropriate care and referral for injuries and illnesses in the physically active individual
- planning, implementing, documenting and evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic modalities in the treatment of injuries and illnesses
- planning, implementing, documenting and evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic exercise programs for the rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries and illnesses
- pharmacologic applications and governing regulations relevant to the treatment of injuries, illnesses and diseases
- recognize, intervene and refer patients with sociocultural, mental, emotional and psychological behavioral problems and issues
- provide appropriate nutritional advice for active individuals
- development, administration, and management of a healthcare facility for the physically active individual
- professional responsibilities and avenues for professional development in the promotion of athletic training
- exhibit the use of clinical best practices and evidence-based medicine.
- demonstrate use of technological resources in gathering and disseminating educational and professional information
- apply the skills required of an entry-level position or advanced graduate work
Athletic Training prepares you to pursue a career in athletic training where you will prevent, care for, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate injuries that happen within the active population.
Admission Information
Requirements
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
- 2.5 undergraduate GPA
- Comprehensive statement of professional goals
- Two 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
- Students must meet minimum Technical Standard requirements to be eligible to participate in the MS in AT Professional-level Program. A completed Technical Standards form must be submitted as part of the application process.
- Minimum grade of C 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
- 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.
Candidates interested in applying for and Athletic Training GA positions should submit the GA application to Dr. Aimee Pascale at aimee.pascale@plymouth.edu no later than January 15 for full consideration.
2024-25 Master of Science Flat Rate Programs Per Term
(2 terms/year)
| 2024-2025 Per Term Charges |
NH Resident | Out-of-State Resident |
| Tuition | $8,760 | $12,140 |
| Mandatory Fees | $646 | $646 |
| Enrollment Fees | $30 | $30 |
| Per Term Total | $9,436 | $12,816 |
| Total Annual Direct Billed Costs | $18,872 | $25,632 |
| Program Fees (MS in Athletic Training only) | $410 | $410 |
| Total Annual Direct Billed Costs for MS in Athletic Training | $19,282 | $26,042 |
For the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program the program fee covers:
- Student kit/pack
- Uniform shirt
- BOC practice exams
- BOC Certification Exam registration
Additional program expenses include:
- Background checks
- Travel to off-campus clinical sites
- Required uniform clothing (Athletic Training only)
- Books
- Materials
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 Student Financial Services website.
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.
Additional scholarships are awarded annually to qualifying students in MS in Athletic Training programs through the New Hampshire Athletic Trainers' Association (NHATA), Eastern Athletic Trainers' Association (EATA), and National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA).
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