Master of Science in Athletic Training

Athletic Training (Professional) – MS8174

Delivery Mode: Hybrid

Term of Entry: Fall

Program Overview

The Ohio University Athletic Training Program centralizes our students’ intellectual, professional and personal development through mentored education and service to the campus and community. With research as its focus, the program instills evidence-based clinical practice with an emphasis on medically underserved populations and emerging practice settings.

Since 1972, Ohio University has been on the forefront of athletic training education. Ohio University’s professional athletic training program provides students the ability to combine their knowledge and skills learned in the classroom with the experiences they gain at clinical sites.

During the first year, students complete semester-long clinical rotations where they will have the opportunity to take knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and apply them directly to patients. Working with preceptors, students help provide supervised healthcare services to athletes involved in Ohio University intercollegiate athletics, Ohio University club sports, local high schools sports, and a general population of clinic and hospital patients. During the second year, students complete two immersive experiences that are at least eight weeks long. The second year will also provide students the opportunity to have clinical experiences in emergent settings such as performing arts, physician practice, rodeo, etc. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in collaborative research projects with faculty.

The athletic training program has seven athletic training faculty members and is supported by the intercollegiate athletics sports medicine staff. Several other medical and healthcare professionals contribute to the program’s academic and clinical components. Program graduates are eligible for national certification (ATC) by the Board of Certification (BOC) and state licensure. In Ohio, licensure is granted by the Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board. Students taking a normal course load (full-time) can complete the program in two years (24 month). This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Upon graduation students receive a Master of Science in Athletic Training degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program:

• Students will be able to apply evidence-based medicine in the delivery of patient-centered care.
• Students will be able to critically analyze the results of a medical history and physical exam in order to develop an accurate diagnosis and effective intervention plan.
• Students will be able to accurately interpret the results of diagnostic tests in order to deliver an effective intervention plan.
• Students will be able to accurately assess the challenges of providing athletic training services to a medically underserved population.
• Students will be able to execute strategies to overcome the obstacles associated with delivering effective health care to a medically underserved population.
• Students will be able to demonstrate professional standards that align with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Code of Ethics and the foundational behaviors of professional practice.
• Students will be able to effectively communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals.
• Students will be able to engage in healthcare team collaboration to provide patient-centered care.
• Students will be able to demonstrate principles of lifelong learning and ongoing professional development as defined by the Professional Assessment Tool.
• Students will be able to engage in interprofessional education and collaborative practice.

Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates are eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and are eligible for licensure. Athletic trainers work in a variety of settings including secondary schools, colleges/universities, clinics, physician practices, military, and performing arts.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/ahsw/athletic-training/professional

Further information can be obtained by emailing Kristine Ensign, PhD ensign@ohio.edu

Admission Requirements:  Applicants for Ohio University’s professional Master of Science in Athletic Training program must meet the following requirements to be considered for conditional admission:

1. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0
3. Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 based upon the program prerequisite courses
4. Preferred GRE score of 300 with a preferred writing score of 4.0
5. Minimum 50 hours of observation with a credentialed athletic trainer or healthcare provider
6. Three letters of recommendation
7. Prerequisite courses are below. For specifics on acceptable courses, please see the program website

• Required topics: One course in each of the following:
  • Biology with lab
  • Human anatomy with lab
  • Human physiology
  • Physics with lab
  • Chemistry with lab
  • Nutrition
  • Psychology
  • Exercise Physiology

8. Application to the Program is through a centralized application service found at http://atcas.liaisoncas.org/.

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements