Master of Science in Athletic Training (MS)

Minimum Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Admission to Weber State University (Students apply only to the MSAT and will be admitted to WSU and the MSAT concurrently.  Students do NOT need to apply through the WSU general admissions process)  
• Minimum 3.0 GPA* 
• Submit Graduate Athletic Training Student Application through ATCAS (found online at: https://atcas.liaisoncas.com)
• Submit Application Essay/Personal Statement (see online application in ATCAS for details)
• Two References - at least one reference must be a college-level instructor 
• Grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses (all prerequisites must have been completed within the last 10 years prior to application)**
• Documentation of at least 50 observations hours with a Certified Athletic Trainer (or similar healthcare provider for international applicants)
• Program Interview - in person or over the phone
• Completed Technical Standards Form - can be completed after admission (Form can be found at:  https://www.weber.edu/msat/admission.html)
• Official Transcripts from ALL other colleges/universities attended (send directly to ATCAS)
• Proof of immunizations (completed after admission)
• Hepatitis-B vaccination (can be completed in first semester if deficient)
• Pay Application fee (paid directly to ATCAS)

* Grade point averages between 2.75 and 2.99 will be considered.

** Students who are deficient in four or fewer prerequisite courses may be admitted on a conditional basis if the courses can be added to the schedule while still meeting the prerequisites prior to each graduate course.

The priority application deadline is January 15 for the following fall semester. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling admissions basis if available slots still exist. Students are encouraged to apply by the January 15th deadline, as the program will likely reach capacity at that point. The online application may be accessed on-line at:  https://atcas.liaisoncas.com.

Post-Admission Requirements

After formal admission to the Athletic Training Master’s degree program, students are required to complete an FBI background check and drug test. The WSU Master of Science in Athletic Training Program enters into Affiliation Agreements with multiple healthcare facilities and schools throughout the state. These agreements provide WSU MSAT students and faculty authorized access to facility resources and patients. In response to stipulations contained within one or more of these Agreements, the WSU MSAT requires students admitted to the program to submit to an FBI level criminal background check as well as a urine drug test. This screening process has been mandated by the WSU MSAT in an effort to more effectively protect the safety and well-being of the patients, clients, and residents of those facilities, and is fully supported by the Department of Athletic Training and the MSAT faculty.

Both the background check and the drug test will be completed during the student’s first semester. The expenses (approximately $80) will be paid for by the student.

Additional Admission Requirements for International Students

All international students and any applicants educated outside the U.S. must demonstrate proficiency in English. Those whose native language is not English, or whose language of instruction for their undergraduate degree was not English, will be required to submit an official score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) which is not more than two years old and on which a minimum score of 563 (paper-based), or 85 (internet-based) with a minimum score of 17 in each section, has been earned.  The MSAT Program also accepts the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - applicants may have an official score report sent to the MSAT Program Director which is not more than two years old and on which a minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each section, has been earned.

Students who have not earned the minimum required English proficiency scores may still be admitted conditionally.  Student who have at least a score of 70 on the TOEFL examp (internet-based) would be required to begin ESL and other coursework at Weber State University one semester prior to beginning MSAT coursework.  During this preparatory semester, students would be required to complete, with a grade of a C+ or better, approximately 8 credits of ESL courses and complete, with a grade of C or better, approximately 6 credits of MSAT prerequisite courses. 

Students who have a 61-69 score on the TOEFL exam would be required to begin ESL and other coursework at Weber State University for two semesters prior to beginning MSAT coursework.  During this preparatory semester, students would be required to complete, with a grade of a C+ or better, approximately 8 credits of ESL courses per semester and complete, with a grade of C or better, approximately 6 credits of MSAT prerequisite courses per semester. 

The MSAT Program Director will determine which ESL and prerequisite courses are most appropriate based on the student’s undergraduate coursework and English proficiency scores. 

Minimum English Proficiency scores for conditional admissions:

TOEFL (internet-based) - 70 (one semester); 61 (two semesters)
TOEFL (paper-based) - 525 (one semester); 500 (two semesters)
IELTS - 6.0 (one semester); 5.5 (two semesters)

Selection Process

1. All applications will be ranked by using a numerical scale to rate the elements of the application.
2. Students receiving the highest scores in the rating process will be invited to enter the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program. The selection committee is comprised of the MSAT faculty. The number of students chosen to enter the program each year will vary, in compliance with accreditation guidelines related to professor and preceptor-to-student ratios. Selection into the MSAT is competitive and satisfaction of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
3. Applicants not invited to enter the MSAT may reapply the following year. All applicants who reapply must meet all requirements in effect at the time of reapplication. Students who choose to reapply must review the program website and/or catalog for current admission requirements at that time.
4. All students selected for the MSAT must provide evidence of being able to meet the Technical Standards for Admission of the program. Only those students who verify that they can meet those technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, will be allowed to enter the program.  The Technical Standards can be found on the program’s website at:  https://www.weber.edu/msat/admission.html

Retention Requirements

1. After students are selected into the MSAT, retention in the program will be based on the following criteria:
   1. Grade “B-” or better in all required MSAT courses (includes Graduate Practicum courses).
   2. Maintain an overall Weber State University Graduate GPA of 3.0.
   3. Adhere to MSAT Athletic Training Student Handbook Policies.
2. Students who fail to meet the retention criteria will be placed on probation in the MSAT program for one semester. If standards are not met by the end of the probationary period, the student will be dismissed from the program. Students who receive a grade lower than a “B-” in any required MSAT course must repeat that course and receive a grade of “B-” or higher to remain in the program. Failure to repeat the course (when offered) will result in dismissal from the program. Students who receive a grade lower than a “B-” in two or more MSAT courses will be dismissed from the program.

Early Admission for Weber State students

Students enrolled in any Bachelor’s degree program at Weber State with 75 credits completed towards a degree may apply for early admissions consideration. Students applying for early admissions are still required to complete all Admissions requirements listed above. To be eligible for early admissions consideration, the following must be completed prior to application.

Students must have completed 17 credits of MSAT prerequisites as follows:

• 8 credits of Anatomy and Physiology
  • ZOOL 2320 - Human Anatomy (4)  or HTHS 1110 LS - Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4) ; AND
  • ZOOL 2420 LS - Human Physiology (4)  or HTHS 1111 - Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)  
• 9 additional credits from the MSAT prerequisite requirements (see below).
• Students must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA in their completed prerequisite courses.
• The required 50 observation hours with a Certified Athletic Trainer must completed prior to application.
• Students will also need to complete a program interview during the early admission process.
• The early admission process will take place in March of each year. Please refer to the program website for specific deadlines: https://weber.edu/msat.

Advisement

Students enrolled in the MSAT program will be assigned a faculty advisor. Students will be encouraged to meet with their faculty advisor at least once a semester and to engage in dialogue when necessary regarding academic success, clinical assignments, and/or personal or professional issues.

Transfer Credits

In compliance with the Higher Education Act, Weber State University only accepts transfer credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities.

Students who have completed graduate athletic training coursework at another CAATE-accredited professional master’s degree program in Athletic Training may apply for up to 9 transfer credits. The transfer of graduate credits from non-CAATE-accredited programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Approval of all transfer credits requires an official transcript, a copy of the course syllabus, and approval by the WSU MSAT Program Director.

• Program Code:  2057MS
• CIPC:  510913

Program Learning Outcomes

• Promoting health lifestyle behaviors with effective education and communication to enhance wellness and minimize the risk of injury and illness. (Injury and Illness Prevention and Wellness Promotion)
• Implementing systematic, evidence-based examinations and assessments to formulate valid clinical diagnoses and determine patients’ plan of care. (Examination, Assessment, and Diagnosis)
• Integrating best practices in immediate and emergency care for optimal outcomes. (Immediate and Emergency Care)
• Rehabilitating and reconditioning injuries, illnesses and general medical conditions with the goal of achieving optimal activity level based on core concepts (i.e., knowledge and skillsets fundamental to all aspects of therapeutic interventions)
• Using the applications of therapeutic exercise, modality devices and manual techniques. (Therapeutic Intervention)
• Integrating best practices in policy construction and implementation, documentation and basic business practices to promote optimal patient care and employee well-being. (Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility)