Athletic Training (MS)

Summary

This program will prepare graduate students to enter the health care field of athletic training. Athletic Trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians, and other health care professionals to provide services that include injury/illness prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions sustained or exacerbated by participation in athletics and other physical activity. ATs work under the direction of physicians, as prescribed by state regulatory statutes. ATs are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals, who fall under the allied health professions category as defined by Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Athletic trainers are assigned National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers, and the taxonomy code for athletic trainers is 2255A2300X. Athletic trainers are listed in the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the “professional and related occupations” section along with other mid-level health care professionals.

Catalog Year

2023-2024

Degree

Master of Science

Major Credits

52

Total Credits

52

Locations

Mankato

Accreditation

CAATE

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

This program satisfies licensure-to-practice standards for Minnesota and may satisfy standards for other states or US territories.

Licensure/Certification Disclosure

Apply

Program Requirements

Common Core

Students will gain an understanding of anatomic and pathologic concepts necessary to assess musculoskeletal injury. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the M.S. in Athletic Training degree program

This course provides an introduction to the profession of athletic training and foundational assessment, prevention, and athletic training care techniques. This includes the execution of pre-participation physical exams, emergency preparedness and assessment of environmental illnesses, and taping, wrapping, and bracing procedures. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the M.S. in Athletic Training degree program.

This course prepares students to triage, assess, monitor, respond, and provide immediate care for acute conditions and medical emergencies common among a physically active population. Students will learn to evaluate and manage patients experiencing cardiac, respiratory, and cervical spine compromise, diabetic emergencies, environmental illnesses, anaphylaxis, internal hemorrhaging, shock, and musculoskeletal injuries. This course is intended for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

Principles of etiology, pathology, assessment, recognition, diagnosis, and development of a treatment and referral plan for lower-body injuries and conditions suffered by athletes and physically active individuals. This includes the foot, ankle, lower leg, knee, thigh, hip, pelvis, and lumbar spine. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

The study of neuroanatomical structure, function, and clinical assessment of the central and peripheral neurologic systems. The application and evaluation of the etiology, pathology, assessment and recognition, and the development of treatment and management plan, including the need for referreal for neurological injuries/illnesses suffered by athletes and physically active individuals. This course is designed for graduate athletic training students.

Prerequisites: none

Principles of etiology, pathology, assessment, recognition, diagnosis, and development of a treatment and referral plan for upper-body injuries and conditions suffered by athletes and physically active individuals. This includes the head, cervical and thoracic spine, shoulder complex, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

Advanced study of general medical pathology knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to assess and manage or assist other health professionals in the management of conditions incurred or exacerbated by physical activity or athletic participation. Will include the performance of medical procedures included in the athletic trainer's scope of practice under physician supervision. The course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

The theory and application of the use of physical therapeutic modalities including cryotherapy and thermotherapy, ultrasound, phonophoresis, electrical nerve stimulation, iontophoresis, diathermy, intermittent compression, LASER, and other therapies in the treatment of injuries and conditions suffered by athletes and physically active individuals. This course also includes the principles of tissue healing, pain, and pain control. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course provides the student with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to rehabilitate and/or recondition athletic and physically active patients suffering from a wide variety of injuries, both surgical and non-surgical, associated with their activities. The theory and application of rehabilitation and reconditioning techniques include retraining strength, power, and endurance, restoration of flexibility and range of motion, activity-specific conditioning, proprioception and balance, and agility. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

The theory, application, analysis, and evaluation of the use of manual therapy techniques, including PNF, joint mobilization, soft tissue and myofascial tissue mobilization techniques, massage, and instrument-assisted manual techniques in the treatment of injury/illness suffered by athletes and physically active individuals. This course is designed for graduate athletic training students.

Prerequisites: none

Study of pharmacology knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to monitor and educate patients regarding appropriate pharmacological agents for the management of their condition. This includes indications, contraindications, dosing, proper administrations, interactions, and adverse reactions to medications to be used by the patient upon the order of a physician or other provider with legal prescribing authority. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

Provides an in-depth examination of the dietary needs of the athletic and physically active populations that an athletic trainer provides services to across the lifespan. Content will include fluid replacement, carbohydrate intake and physical performance, nutrient and vitamin intake, the use of ergogenic aids and supplements for performance enhancement, and issues related to disordered eating. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course will prepare the athletic training student to recognize signs/symptoms of various behavioral health issues, develop appropriate referral plans, implement psychosocial intervention strategies to improve patient outcomes, and develop policies and procedures for athletic training facilities to assist patients with behavioral health issues. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course includes healthcare administration and professional development principles and concepts as applied to various athletic training employment settings. Students will gain a working knowledge of administrative and managerial duties of the athletic trainer, including leadership and management skills for planning, budgeting, facility design, information management, and policy and procedure development and implementation, as well as legal and ethical practice in athletic training. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course will include rehearsal, assessment, and clinical practice of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the first fall term of the M.S. in Athletic Training degree program. It will include both clinical simulations and supervised clinical experiences with patients in a real clinical environment on-campus, at other colleges/universities, high school athletics, and clinics and hospitals as assigned by the program. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course will include rehearsal, assessment, and clinical practice of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the first spring term of the M.S. in Athletic Training degree program. It will include both clinical simulations and supervised clinical experiences with patients in a real clinical environment on-campus, at other colleges/universities, high school athletics, and clinics and hospitals as assigned by the program. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course will include rehearsal, assessment, and clinical practice of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the second fall term of the M.S. in Athletic Training degree program. It will include both clinical simulations and supervised clinical experiences with patients in a real clinical environment on-campus, at other colleges/universities, high school athletics, and clinics and hospitals as assigned by the program. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course will include rehearsal, assessment, and clinical practice of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the second spring term of the M.S. in Athletic Training degree program. It will include both clinical simulations and supervised clinical experiences with patients in a real clinical environment on-campus, at other colleges/universities, high school athletics, and clinics and hospitals as assigned by the program, including one full-time immersive clinical experience. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

Research/Methods Course(s)

This course examines research methodologies and the application of statistical concepts for evidence-based practice in athletic training. Students will be prepared to develop a clinical research question, search existing literature for evidence, appraise research designs, interpret and manipulate datasets, and critique the effectiveness of athletic training practices based upon existing scientific evidence. This course is intended for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the M.S. in Athletic Training degree program

Capstone Course

* Both courses are required.

This course will incorporate evidence-based practice principles to guide the student¿s formation of a clinical research question, review of existing scientific literature, and then develop a research proposal for a critically appraised topic. This course is intended for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course will incorporate evidence-based practice principles to progress the student¿s critically appraised topic research project in the degree program. Students will analyze existing scientific evidence to answer a clinical research question and create a research poster for public presentation. This course is intended for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

Degree Plan

The Degree Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual degree plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Summer - 6 Credits

Students will gain an understanding of anatomic and pathologic concepts necessary to assess musculoskeletal injury. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the M.S. in Athletic Training degree program

This course provides an introduction to the profession of athletic training and foundational assessment, prevention, and athletic training care techniques. This includes the execution of pre-participation physical exams, emergency preparedness and assessment of environmental illnesses, and taping, wrapping, and bracing procedures. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the M.S. in Athletic Training degree program.

Second Year

Fall - 12 Credits

This course prepares students to triage, assess, monitor, respond, and provide immediate care for acute conditions and medical emergencies common among a physically active population. Students will learn to evaluate and manage patients experiencing cardiac, respiratory, and cervical spine compromise, diabetic emergencies, environmental illnesses, anaphylaxis, internal hemorrhaging, shock, and musculoskeletal injuries. This course is intended for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

Principles of etiology, pathology, assessment, recognition, diagnosis, and development of a treatment and referral plan for lower-body injuries and conditions suffered by athletes and physically active individuals. This includes the foot, ankle, lower leg, knee, thigh, hip, pelvis, and lumbar spine. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

The study of neuroanatomical structure, function, and clinical assessment of the central and peripheral neurologic systems. The application and evaluation of the etiology, pathology, assessment and recognition, and the development of treatment and management plan, including the need for referreal for neurological injuries/illnesses suffered by athletes and physically active individuals. This course is designed for graduate athletic training students.

Prerequisites: none

The theory and application of the use of physical therapeutic modalities including cryotherapy and thermotherapy, ultrasound, phonophoresis, electrical nerve stimulation, iontophoresis, diathermy, intermittent compression, LASER, and other therapies in the treatment of injuries and conditions suffered by athletes and physically active individuals. This course also includes the principles of tissue healing, pain, and pain control. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course will include rehearsal, assessment, and clinical practice of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the first fall term of the M.S. in Athletic Training degree program. It will include both clinical simulations and supervised clinical experiences with patients in a real clinical environment on-campus, at other colleges/universities, high school athletics, and clinics and hospitals as assigned by the program. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 11 Credits

Principles of etiology, pathology, assessment, recognition, diagnosis, and development of a treatment and referral plan for upper-body injuries and conditions suffered by athletes and physically active individuals. This includes the head, cervical and thoracic spine, shoulder complex, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course provides the student with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to rehabilitate and/or recondition athletic and physically active patients suffering from a wide variety of injuries, both surgical and non-surgical, associated with their activities. The theory and application of rehabilitation and reconditioning techniques include retraining strength, power, and endurance, restoration of flexibility and range of motion, activity-specific conditioning, proprioception and balance, and agility. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

The theory, application, analysis, and evaluation of the use of manual therapy techniques, including PNF, joint mobilization, soft tissue and myofascial tissue mobilization techniques, massage, and instrument-assisted manual techniques in the treatment of injury/illness suffered by athletes and physically active individuals. This course is designed for graduate athletic training students.

Prerequisites: none

This course will include rehearsal, assessment, and clinical practice of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the first spring term of the M.S. in Athletic Training degree program. It will include both clinical simulations and supervised clinical experiences with patients in a real clinical environment on-campus, at other colleges/universities, high school athletics, and clinics and hospitals as assigned by the program. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

Summer - 6 Credits

Study of pharmacology knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to monitor and educate patients regarding appropriate pharmacological agents for the management of their condition. This includes indications, contraindications, dosing, proper administrations, interactions, and adverse reactions to medications to be used by the patient upon the order of a physician or other provider with legal prescribing authority. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course examines research methodologies and the application of statistical concepts for evidence-based practice in athletic training. Students will be prepared to develop a clinical research question, search existing literature for evidence, appraise research designs, interpret and manipulate datasets, and critique the effectiveness of athletic training practices based upon existing scientific evidence. This course is intended for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the M.S. in Athletic Training degree program

Third Year

Fall - 10 Credits

Advanced study of general medical pathology knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to assess and manage or assist other health professionals in the management of conditions incurred or exacerbated by physical activity or athletic participation. Will include the performance of medical procedures included in the athletic trainer's scope of practice under physician supervision. The course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

Provides an in-depth examination of the dietary needs of the athletic and physically active populations that an athletic trainer provides services to across the lifespan. Content will include fluid replacement, carbohydrate intake and physical performance, nutrient and vitamin intake, the use of ergogenic aids and supplements for performance enhancement, and issues related to disordered eating. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course will prepare the athletic training student to recognize signs/symptoms of various behavioral health issues, develop appropriate referral plans, implement psychosocial intervention strategies to improve patient outcomes, and develop policies and procedures for athletic training facilities to assist patients with behavioral health issues. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course will include rehearsal, assessment, and clinical practice of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the second fall term of the M.S. in Athletic Training degree program. It will include both clinical simulations and supervised clinical experiences with patients in a real clinical environment on-campus, at other colleges/universities, high school athletics, and clinics and hospitals as assigned by the program. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course will incorporate evidence-based practice principles to guide the student¿s formation of a clinical research question, review of existing scientific literature, and then develop a research proposal for a critically appraised topic. This course is intended for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 7 Credits

This course includes healthcare administration and professional development principles and concepts as applied to various athletic training employment settings. Students will gain a working knowledge of administrative and managerial duties of the athletic trainer, including leadership and management skills for planning, budgeting, facility design, information management, and policy and procedure development and implementation, as well as legal and ethical practice in athletic training. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course will include rehearsal, assessment, and clinical practice of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the second spring term of the M.S. in Athletic Training degree program. It will include both clinical simulations and supervised clinical experiences with patients in a real clinical environment on-campus, at other colleges/universities, high school athletics, and clinics and hospitals as assigned by the program, including one full-time immersive clinical experience. This course is designed for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none

This course will incorporate evidence-based practice principles to progress the student¿s critically appraised topic research project in the degree program. Students will analyze existing scientific evidence to answer a clinical research question and create a research poster for public presentation. This course is intended for the graduate athletic training student.

Prerequisites: none