Athletic Training, Master of Science in (M.S.A.T.)
Degree: M.S.A.T.	Semester(s) of entry: Summer	Deadline dates: Mar 15, with priority given to applications received by Feb 1	Test requirements: GRE

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (M.S.A.T.) is an entry-level program for students interested in becoming certified as athletic trainers. Athletic training is a recognized by the American Medical Association as an allied health profession. Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) are unique health care providers who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses that occur to athletes and the physically active. Typical undergraduate backgrounds include exercise science, kinesiology and the life sciences, but other degrees will be considered provided prerequisite courses have been completed.

Prerequisites for the program include human anatomy and physiology (one semester each or one year total, six credits minimum), kinesiology, personal health, exercise physiology, and nutrition. Other recommended courses include exercise or sport psychology, biomechanics, statistics, chemistry and physics.

The course of study offered by VCU is a 24-month program beginning during the summer semester, in July, in the first year. Students complete a total of four semesters and two summer sessions.

The M.S.A.T. program has earned initial accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. The M.S.A.T. program is fully accredited by the CAATE and is scheduled for a continuing accreditation site visit in the 2012-13 academic year. Students who successfully complete the M.S.A.T. program will be eligible to register with the Board of Certification Inc. and take the certifying examination. Virginia requires state licensure by the Virginia Board of Medicine to practice as a certified athletic trainer.

Technical standards

The master’s-level athletic training program at VCU is a rigorous and intense, and it places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for admitted students to achieve the knowledge, skills and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency, the Council for the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.

The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the M.S.A.T. program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted to the program. Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification exam.

Candidates for selection to the athletic training program must demonstrate:

The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with the patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the program will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards. VCU’s Office of Disability Support Services will evaluate a student who states he or she could meet the program’s technical standards with accommodation and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws. The university will then determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation; this includes a review of whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account whether accommodation would jeopardize clinician/patient safety or the educational process of the student or the institution — including all course work, clinical experiences and internships deemed essential to graduation.

Application process

Application to the athletic training program is a two-step process. Students must first apply directly to VCU’s Graduate School and complete all application materials requested in that process. Supplemental application materials must also be completed and submitted to the program director. For more information on the application process and to access these supplemental materials, visit the School of Education Web site at www.soe.vcu.edu/departments/hhp/MS_hlthMovSc_athletic.htm. The selection of students for admission to the athletic training program is competitive. The application deadline for admission is March 15, but priority will be given to applications received by Feb.1. Review of applications will begin Feb. 1 and continue until the class is complete.