Athletic Training, M.S.
Master of Science Degree
3+2 Master of Science Degree (Including B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science or Applied Health Science-Integrative Health)
Athletic trainers are allied health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize patient and client activity and participation. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. (www.NATA.org)
The M.S. in Athletic Training prepares students to become entry-level athletic trainers and qualifies them to take the BOC Exam (national board exam). It is a rigorous academic program that builds upon foundational course work in anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, psychology, and other science related courses to provide students didactic and clinical experience exposure to the evidence-based decision making process used to examine, diagnose, and create appropriate prevention, treatment, and wellness interventions for clients across the age and ability spectrums. A degree in Athletic Training offers graduates opportunities to practice in a variety of settings. These settings include, but are not limited to, high school, college, and professional athletics, outpatient clinics, industrial rehabilitation sites, physician practices, the performing arts, safety settings, and higher education. Upon program completion, students will also be prepared to take the CHES (certified health education specialist) and CSCS (certified strength and condition specialist) exams. Acceptance into the Athletic Training Program is competitive and not guaranteed.
Once admitted into the program, students are required to maintain an overall minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and satisfactory performance during the clinical experiences to remain active in the athletic training program. Failure to maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA for one semester will result in a one-semester probation. Graduate students may not earn less than a “B” in more than one class over the course of their program). In addition to the Piedmont University graduation requirements, Athletic Training Majors must also complete a minimum of 900 hours of practical clinical experience (as assigned by the Program) pass level-specific competency exams, and complete all required skills in the Master Log prior to graduation (program-specific requirements are available in the health Sciences Policies and Procedures Manual).
A CAATE-accredited degree in Athletic Training is necessary for students to be eligible to sit for the National Board of Certification Exam and practice as Certified Athletic Trainers. In 2015, the CAATE, in partnership with the NATA and Board of Certification, announced the mandatory transition of all undergraduate professional Athletic Training programs to the graduate level. To meet this goal, Piedmont University began a 3+2 program in Fall 2017, in which incoming undergraduate students who wish to become Certified Athletic Trainers will earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five academic years (BS in Exercise and Sport Science and MS in Athletic Training). This program also allows students who hold a bachelor’s degree from another institution to complete the master’s in two academic years through a traditional admission route. As of Fall 2017, the program is no longer admitting students into the undergraduate degree track; students wishing to major in Athletic Training can enter the graduate track through both the 3+2 and traditional routes. The first graduate students will apply in Spring 2019 to begin coursework in Summer 2019. The Piedmont University Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program has been placed on probation as of February 11, 2020, by the CAATE, 6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3101. The program is actively working to address the deficient standard, and is accepting both 3+2 and traditional graduate students as the process resolves.
Admission Criteria (3+2 and Traditional Entry)
Acceptance into the Athletic Training Program is competitive and not guaranteed. Prospective students must meet the minimum criteria listed below to be considered for admission to the program:
- Ability to meet the Technical Standards of Admission as documented by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant
- Admission to Piedmont University
- Declare Athletic Training as a major
- "C" or better on all required prerequisite coursework, with minimum 3.0 GPA in the pre-requisites
- Completed application, cover letter, and professional resume (due January 15th of the application year; rolling admission afterwards until the cohort is full)
- Copy of unofficial transcripts (Final, official transcripts due before summer classes begin)
- 35 clinical observation hours with a Certified Athletic Trainer
- Copy of First Aid and CPR certification cards (must be valid through the start of summer courses)
- Copy of immunization records, including MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Hepatitis B and a current TB skin test (within 12 months)
- Overall cumulative minimum GPA of 2.8 and minimum 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses
- Two letters of recommendation (if already enrolled at Piedmont, one must be from a faculty or staff member)
- Successful background check and drug screen (must use the University’s chosen vendor for both; completed after interviews)
- Successful interview (interviews are extended in February)
- Current medical physical as documented by a licensed MD, PA, or No within the last 12 months
Prerequisite Courses: (3+2 and Traditional Entry)
All students applying from outside of Piedmont University who will complete all requirements for a Bachelor's degree at their home institution by the end of the application semester (traditional route) must have all prerequisites completed at that time. Prospective students must have completed, or be currently enrolled in, the following courses when applying to the Athletic Training program (only grades of “C” or better will be accepted)
• Anatomy and Physiology I and II with lab (8cr)
• Biology with lab (4cr)
• Chemistry with lab (4cr)
• Physics with lab (4cr)
• Basic Nutrition or Sport Nutrition (3cr)
• Exercise Physiology (3-4cr)
• Psychology(3cr)
• Statistics (3cr)
Provisional Admission and Transfer Policy (3+2 Track only):
All students applying in their 3rd year from Piedmont University or transferring from an outside institution into the 3+2 track must have all General Education Core courses, all prerequisite courses, and a minimum of 90 credit hours completed by the end of the application semester Prospective students must have completed, or be currently enrolled in, the prerequisite courses listed above when applying to the Athletic Training program (only grades of “C” or better will be accepted). In addition to the Admission Criteria above, these students must also submit the following:
- An application for admission with the required essay
- Official transcripts from each college, university, or technical school attended. Transfer applicants must present a satisfactory academic record (normally at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale with all grades being considered) from each institution attended
- Only courses from regionally accredited institutions and foreign institutions approved for semester abroad will be accepted for credit
- Courses from regionally accredited technical colleges in the State of Georgia may be accepted pursuant to Articulation Agreements between Piedmont University and the specific technical college
- Only grades of “C” or higher are transferred in all courses
- Developmental, orientation, student-assembly, and cultural-events credits are nontransferable
Graduate Admission:
Students applying for the 2-year professional program must hold a bachelor's degree in exercise science, health science, or related field from a regionally accredited institution (students with degrees in other areas should contact the program for a list of leveling courses).
Graduation Requirements: (3+2 and Traditional Entry)
-
If on the 3+2 track, completion of a minimum of 165 credit hours, of which all 65hrs in the professional phase of the program must be completed at Piedmont University;
- Complete all professional phase required courses and elective coursework with no more than one grade lower than a “B”
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- Demonstrate didactic and clinical competence by: maintaining a >74% test average in all graduate-level courses; passing all Level A, B, C, and D competency exams with an average grade greater than or equal to 74%; Complete all remediation plans as designed. Students will not complete the program until they successfully pass the final Level D exam (a maximum of three attempts are allowed).
- Demonstrate satisfactory performance during the clinical experiences (≥74% on all evaluations)
- Complete all required skills as documented in the Master Log on e*Value
- Complete all required clinical hours (900hrs) as documented in the Practicum (required) and Internship (recommended) courses
- Demonstrate satisfactory performance on the thesis project and presentation (≥74% on each)
Athletic Training (3+2) Curriculum Outline
Pre-Athletic Training Core
Exercise and Sport Science Concentration
Applied Health Science-Integrative Health Concentration
Athletic Training Concentration (Beginning in 2019-2020)
| ATRG 5120 | Practical and Emergency Techniques in Athletic Training | 3 |
| ATRG 5125 | Physical Assessment and the Patient Experience | 3 |
| ATRG 5201 | Practicum I in Athletic Training | 2,2,4 |
| ATRG 5221 | Practicum II in Athletic Training | 2,2,4 |
| ATRG 5222 | Therapeutic Modalities | 4 |
| ATRG 5303 | Orthopedic Assessment: Upper Extremity | 3 |
| ATRG 5322 | Therapeutic Exercise | 4 |
| ATRG 5323 | Orthopedic Assessment: Lower Extremity | 3 |
| | | |
| ATRG 6301 | Practicum III in Athletic Training | 2,4,6 |
| ATRG 6321 | Practicum IV in Athletic Training | 2,4,6 |
| ATRG 6402 | Organization and Administration of AT Programs | 3 |
| ATRG 6420 | Seminar (Capstone Course) | 3 |
| HSCS 5100 | Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 3 |
| HSCS 5302 | Pathology and Pharmacology | 4 |
| HSCS 5410 | Research Methodology in Health Sciences | 3 |
| HSCS 5411 | Current and Emerging Issues in Health Policy, Economics, and Advocacy | 3 |
| HSCS 6411 | Assessing Healthcare Quality | 3 |
| | | |
| | CHOOSE ONE: | |
| HSCS 5301 | Implementation and Evaluation of Health Programming | 3 |
| HSCS 5340 | Coaching Behavior Change | 3 |
| | | |
| | OPTIONAL: | |
| HSCS 5420 | Advanced Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| HSCS 5440 | Nutrition for Health Programming | 3 |
| ATRG 5499 | Internship in Athletic Training | 1-6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 65 |
General Education
Piedmont University Requirement
| PDMT 1101 | Intro to University Life and Liberal Arts Tradition | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 1 |
Students who have not completed a minimum of 24 semester credit hours of college-level coursework upon admission to Piedmont University must meet this University requirement.
Total Credit Hours: 165
Athletic Training (MS-only) Curriculum Outline
| ATRG 5120 | Practical and Emergency Techniques in Athletic Training | 3 |
| ATRG 5125 | Physical Assessment and the Patient Experience | 3 |
| ATRG 5201 | Practicum I in Athletic Training | 2,2,4 |
| ATRG 5221 | Practicum II in Athletic Training | 2,2,4 |
| ATRG 5222 | Therapeutic Modalities | 4 |
| ATRG 5303 | Orthopedic Assessment: Upper Extremity | 3 |
| ATRG 5322 | Therapeutic Exercise | 4 |
| ATRG 5323 | Orthopedic Assessment: Lower Extremity | 3 |
| | | |
| ATRG 6301 | Practicum III in Athletic Training | 2,4,6 |
| ATRG 6321 | Practicum IV in Athletic Training | 2,4,6 |
| ATRG 6402 | Organization and Administration of AT Programs | 3 |
| ATRG 6420 | Seminar (Capstone Course) | 3 |
| HSCS 5100 | Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 3 |
| HSCS 5302 | Pathology and Pharmacology | 4 |
| HSCS 5410 | Research Methodology in Health Sciences | 3 |
| HSCS 5411 | Current and Emerging Issues in Health Policy, Economics, and Advocacy | 3 |
| HSCS 6411 | Assessing Healthcare Quality | 3 |
| | | |
| | CHOOSE ONE: | |
| HSCS 5301 | Implementation and Evaluation of Health Programming | 3 |
| HSCS 5340 | Coaching Behavior Change | 3 |
| | | |
| | OPTIONAL: | |
| HSCS 5420 | Advanced Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| HSCS 5440 | Nutrition for Health Programming | 3 |
| ATRG 5499 | Internship in Athletic Training | 1-6 |
Total Credit Hours: 65