Athletic Training

The Master of Athletic Training (M.A.Trg.) is a professional program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The M.A.Trg. program  prepares students to take the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) examination and earn the ‘ATC’ credential. Didactic courses and clinical experience courses focus on prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries resulting from physical activity. This is a five-semester program starting in the summer term.

Option 1: Five-Year Program. This unique option allows the student to complete a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Athletic Training (M.A.Trg) degree in five years.

• During years 1-3 students follow the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Exercise Science guidelines and curriculum**.

• Students apply to the M.A.Trg. program through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS) during the third year (typically Junior standing).

• Accepted students begin the M.A.Trg. program in the summer.

• During year 4 students complete both Exercise Science and M.A.Trg. courses. The Exercise Science degree is awarded in August.

• During year 5 students complete M.A.Trg. courses. Upon successful completion of all program and Graduate College requirements, the M.A.Trg. degree is awarded in May.

** Transfer students and students who change majors must follow the Exercise Science policies and curriculum.  This may extend the time line for program completion.

Option 2: Two-Year Program. Students who have a conferred Bachelor’s degree in a related field will follow Option 2.

• Students apply to the M.A.Trg. program through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS) .

• Accepted students begin the program in the summer.

• Years 1 and 2 students follow the M.A.Trg. Plan of Study for Option 2

• Upon success complete of all program and Graduate College requirements, the M.A.Trg. degree is awarded in May.

Requirements for 2023-24 Admission
 

Program Website: ndsu.edu/hnes/graduate_programs/athletic_training_professional/ 

1. Overall GPA of 3.0 at the time of application (3.0 GPA or higher maintained to start of program)
2. The following courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or better earned and documented on official transcripts prior to the start of the program in Summer 2023.
   • Human Anatomy and Lab                               1 semester
   • Human Physiology and Lab                            1 semester
   • General Physics                                              1 semester
   • General Chemistry                                          1 semester
   • Biology                                                            1 semester
   • Biomechanics and/or Kinesiology                   1 semester
   • Medical Terminology                                       1 semester
   • Nutrition                                                           1 semester
   • Psychology                                                      1 semester
3. ​Statement of Purpose: Please include the following information in your statement:
   1. Reasons why you are pursuing graduate studies at NDSU
   2. Explain your interest in pursuing a career in Athletic Training
   3. Background preparation for Athletic Training
   4. Relevant skills and experiences you have acquired
4. Writing sample: Pitch the profession of athletic training as if you were speaking to a new student in the profession. Maximum word count: 300 words.
5. Two letters of recommendation – at least one letter must be from an instructor/professor. They must testify to integrity (i.e. professionalism, communication skills, work ethic) of the student.
6. Documentation of a minimum of 20 hours of observation completed under the direct supervision of a BOC ATC® in an athletic training room setting. Twenty hours must be completed within one (1) calendar year of application. Form can be found on M.A.Trg. website. Submit signed form under supplemental materials.
7. Documentation of current CPR Training in one of the following:
   1. American Heart Association: BLS Healthcare Provider/BLS Provide
   2. American Red Cross: CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
   3. American Red Cross: Basic Life Support of Healthcare Providers 
      
      Submit copy of certificate under supplemental materials.
8. International students must meet the following English Language Test score requirements for HNES Graduate Programs:

            TOEFL (ibt): 100          IELTS: 7       Duolingo: 125         Academic PTE: 68

Application Process

1. Apply online through ATCAS: https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login.
2. After creating your account, select the NDSU M.A.Trg. program.
3. Follow steps to pay the $35 NDSU application fee.

Application submission does not constitute acceptance into the program nor is acceptance guaranteed simply upon completion of requirements. Only completed applications will be reviewed. Admission requirements are weighted. Overall GPA and interview performance carry the major percentage of the weighting process. Exceptions to the requirements can be made on recommendation by the M.A.Trg. Application Committee.

Admission Acceptance/Denial into the M.A.Trg.:

The M.A.Trg. application process is a competitive process.  A committee reviews completed graduate school applications and selects applicants to interview.  The committee will set up a time with the student to complete the interview process (web-based or in person).  Students will be notified by the NDSU Graduate School regarding formal M.A.Trg. program status.  All NDSU Graduate School Policies will be followed accordingly.

Shannon David, Ph.D., ATC
Ohio University, 2013
Contemporary Expertise: Patient-Clinician Relationship, Research Methods and Design, Professional Issue

Matthew Drescher, PhD, DAT, LAT, ATC
Indiana State University, 2023
Contemporary Expertise:  Emergency Medicine, Ethics Education, Quality Improvement, Advanced Manual Therapy