Athletic Training

Plymouth State University offers a 3+2 program that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences and a Master of Science in Athletic Training. Students interested in pursuing this program should apply for admission to the BS in Allied Health Sciences program.

The 3+2 program will provide qualified students with an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful healthcare provider as a Certified Athletic Trainer. We offer two pathways to earn the Master of Science degree in Athletic Training.  Students may apply to the 3+2 program which will allow qualified students to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Sciences and if they meet requirements, enter into the MS degree Professional Program in Athletic Training after their third year as an undergraduate student. This allows students to complete both the  Bachelor’s and Master’s in 5 years.

The second pathway is for those who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree and wish to complete a two-year Master’s degree. Students who already possess a Bachelor’s degree click here.

The Professional Program in Athletic Training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification exam.

PSU has a long history of educating Athletic Trainers for successful careers in the field.  Graduates of the program have gone on to work as Certified Athletic Trainers at Colleges and Universities, High Schools, clinics, hospitals and in major league baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), US Olympic teams, and within Japanese professional baseball and soccer leagues.  Additionally, many PSU Athletic Training alumni continue their education earning the PhD, Physician Assistant, or Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees.

Requirements for early admission to the MS degree

The following requirements must be met in order to be granted early entry into the MS program:

• Must complete all required courses of the BS in Allied Health Sciences (through the 3rd year)
• Must earn an overall 3.2 GPA
• Must earn a minimum grade of B in the following courses:
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology II
  • Kinesiology
  • Exercise Physiology
• Complete additional prerequisites in:
  • Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, Nutrition, Exercise Prescription
• In order to be granted admission to the Professional Program in Athletic Training (MS), students must be able to meet the Technical Standards. For information on our Technical Standards for Admission click here.

Clinical Education Experiences:

Once a student has entered the MS degree in their 4th year, an intensive four-semester clinical education experience is the backbone of the program, allowing students to apply their knowledge and gain practical experience.  All Plymouth State University students in the Professional Program in Athletic Training are required to complete a minimum of 800 and a maximum of 1200 supervised and approved clinical hours.

Additional program expenses:

• Purchase of appropriate athletic training clinical attire (practice/game shirts, khaki pants/shorts, closed-toe shoes)
• Clinical Proficiency Documentation Journals
• Membership in the National Athletic Trainers’ Association is required
• Required immunizations necessary to complete clinical assignments
• Background checks as necessary for clinical placements
• Travel to clinical sites
• Board of Certification exam expenses

Bachelor of Science in  Allied Health Sciences
(Years 1, 2, and 3)

Master of Science ~Professional Program in Athletic Training 

(Years 4 and 5*)

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Athletic Training are able to:

1. Demonstrate competency and proficiency in the following entry-level athletic training areas:
   1. risk management, injury prevention, planning and implementation of prevention strategies
   2. pathological mechanisms in the development, progression and epidemiology of injuries, illnesses and diseases
   3. recognition, clinical examination, diagnosis, appropriate referral and management of common risk factors, orthopedic injury, and illnesses in the physically active individual
   4. providing appropriate care and referral for injuries and illnesses in the physically active individual
   5. planning, implementing, documenting and evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic modalities in the treatment of injuries and illnesses
   6. planning, implementing, documenting and evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic exercise programs for the rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries and illnesses
   7. pharmacologic applications and governing regulations relevant to the treatment of injuries, illnesses and diseases
   8. recognize, intervene and refer patients with sociocultural, mental, emotional and psychological behavioral problems and issues
   9. provide appropriate nutritional advice for active individuals
   10. development, administration, and management of a healthcare facility for the physically active individual
   11.  professional responsibilities and avenues for professional development in the promotion of athletic training
2. Exhibit the use of clinical best practices and evidence-based medicine.
3. Demonstrate use of technological resources in gathering and disseminating educational and professional information
4. Apply the skills required of an entry-level position or advanced graduate work