Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)

 Accreditation Status

Albany State University is currently seeking accreditation for their new athletic training program and is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The institution will be submitting a self-study to begin the accreditation process on July 1, 2024. Submission of the self-study and completion of an onsite review does not guarantee that the program will become accredited. Students who graduate from the program prior to accreditation WILL NOT be eligible to sit for the credentialing examination for athletic trainers and will not be eligible for licensure in most states.

Mission

The mission of the Master of Athletic Training Program at Albany State University is an all-inclusive approach to preparing students for a successful career in athletic training providing students equal opportunity to develop their skills in both the classroom and clinical settings while promoting professional and ethical standards.

Vision

The vision of the Master of Athletic Training Program at Albany State University is to become an advocate for the profession of athletic training by challenging its students to become highly affected allied healthcare professionals and leaders in the community and workforce who are dedicated to a lifetime of learning and professional engagement and advancement.

Program Goals & Objectives

Albany State University’s Master of Athletic Training Program will:

• Goal 1: Provide educational experiences tailored to developing the cognitive, behavioral, and psychomotor skills necessary for successful athletic training practice.
  • Objective 1.1: Demonstrate entry-level athletic training knowledge and skills consistent with the domains within the profession of athletic training including injury prevention, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate care, treatment, rehabilitation, organization and administration, and professional development.
  • Objective 1.2: Integrate the educational competencies and clinical proficiencies into patient care that is necessary for success as an entry-level athletic trainer
• Goal 2: Support the development of evidence-based Athletic Training practice and application of evidence-based practice within the delivery of patient care in order to advance the profession through scholarship and leadership.
  • Objective 2.1: Demonstrate proficiency in locating and critiquing peer-reviewed medical research.
  • Objective 2.2: Develop and answer focused clinical questions using principles of evidence-based practice.
• Goal 3: Instill critical thinking and interpersonal skills needed to provide culturally competent, intelligent, and comprehensive healthcare to a diverse patient population through collaborative interdisciplinary engagement.
  • Objective 3.1: Display culturally sensitive and competent professional behavior toward individuals and groups of patients by recognizing the impact cultural competence has on the behavior of healthcare providers and how it affects patient outcomes.
  • Objective 3.2: Adhere to ethical and legal practice from the NATA Code of Ethics, BOC Standards of Practice, national, state, and institutional policies
• Goal 4: Promote effective oral and written communication necessary for patient and caregiver education, inter-professional practice and medical record documentation with a variety of constituents including patients, caregivers, peers, supervisors, third-party payers, and other relevant healthcare professionals.
  • Objective 4.1: Demonstrate effective oral and written communication with patients, caregivers and support personnel.
  • Objective 4.2: Demonstrate effective oral and written communication with preceptors, supervisors and other healthcare professionals
• Goal 5: Prepare students for the transition from individualized skill execution to encompassing autonomous practice through clinical education that provides a variety of patient exposures in differing settings.
  • Objective 5.1: Demonstrate proficiency in the necessary integrated clinical education competencies.
  • Objective 5.2: Execute proficiencies in authentic patient interactions.

Policies & Procedures

• MSAT Policies & Procedures Manual (2024)

Technical Standards for Admission

The Master of Athletic Training (MSAT) program at Albany State University is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency.

Athletic training students will be required to verify that they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe, with reasonable accommodations, they can meet the standards. If a student states they can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodations in accord with Albany State University standards, the Director of Disability Services at Albany State University will review the student documentation and determine what academic accommodations can reasonably be provided by the university.

It should be understood by the student that any changes in the student’s medical, physical or psychological status warrants re-examination of this form and possibly a change in the status of the student’s accommodation needs and/or ability to continue in the program. Technical standards will be reviewed annually. It may be necessary to sign additional forms while attending Albany State University as an athletic training student if his/her status changes or if the program technical standards are modified.

Candidates for selection to the Master of Athletic Training program must demonstrate:

1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
2. The sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurate, safe and efficient use of equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
3. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively.
4. The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
5. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
6. The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training curriculum as outlined and sequenced.
7. The flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
8. The affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the athletic training major will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards. Prior to acceptance to the program, the Athletic Training Program Director will take into account whether accommodations would jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework and clinical education experiences deemed essential to graduation.

Note: Adapted from Guidelines for Technical Standards for Entry-Level Athletic Training Education

Admission Criteria

1. All applicants must possess a Bachelor’s Degree with the completion of the following courses with a grade of “C” or better:
   • Human Anatomy and Physiology I
   • Human Anatomy and Physiology II
   • Chemistry
   • Biology
   • Physics
   • Psychology
   • Statistics
   • Exercise Physiology - Strongly recommended
   • Kinesiology - Strongly recommended
2. Submit an application to Albany State University's Graduate School and be admitted in good standing. To enter the program leading to the Master of Science in Athletic Training, the student must meet the requirements established for all graduate degree programs at Albany State University, as established by its Graduate School.
   • Albany State University College of Graduate Studies Requirements:
     • Official undergraduate transcripts
     • Two letters of recommendation
     • Essay
     • Program Interview
   • Athletic Training Program Requirements:
     • Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or above
     • Minimum of 40 hours of observation with a certified athletic trainer
     • Current certification in First Aid and CPR/AED (BLS, Healthcare provider, or Professional Rescuer)
     • Required courses
       • Human Anatomy – 4 credits
       • Human Physiology – 4 credits
         • (or 8 credits total in Human Anatomy & Physiology I&II)
       • Biology – 3-4 credits
       • Physics (Biomechanics may be substituted in some cases) – 3-4 credits
       • Chemistry – 3-4 credits
       • Statistics – 3 credits
       • Psychology – 3 credits
   • Note: All prerequisite coursework is reviewed by the program director during the admissions process. If a course is not a direct pre-requisite match, the course description and/or course syllabus is reviewed to determine if the course contains the appropriate foundational knowledge required for admissions.
3. Submit an MSAT program application.
4. All applicants that meet the minimum program criteria will complete a candidate interview with the program faculty to determine final program admission. 

Program Requirements

Personal Health Insurance Requirements

Health insurance coverage must be maintained by the student throughout the entire time that they remains enrolled and is actively progressing through his/her respective Health Sciences or Athletic Training Program. If a student fails to maintain Health Insurance coverage, then they will be immediately dismissed from his/her respective Health Sciences or Athletic Training Program for failure to maintain the mandatory coverage as required by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. If you have any questions regarding this requirement, please contact your respective Program Director.

Program Progression Requirements

Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Athletic Training program must maintain rigorous academic standards to prepare themselves for the BOC examination. In order to maintain successful progression towards graduation, students must earn a C (75+). Since courses must be taken in the prescribed order outlined in the program’s course sequence sheet, unsuccessful completion of a course may result in program dismissal. Additionally, students must successfully pass a cumulative examination at the conclusion of each clinical course in order to progress to the next semester and next level of clinical education.

Comprehensive Exam (ATTR 6400)

During the second fall semester of the program, students will enroll in ATTR 6400. This is a zero (0) credit course to prepare students for the comprehensive examination which is administered near the end of the fall semester. The comprehensive examination incorporates three sections: written knowledge, practical skills, and written simulation. Students complete all three sections of the examination on the assigned test date. A score of 70% or higher on each section of the examination is considered passing and indicates that a student is eligible to progress to the final clinical experience of the program. If a student does not achieve a passing score, they may petition the program director to retake that section of the examination. Students do not need to retake sections in which they have successfully passed. If the student does not pass after the second attempt, recommendations for remediation are made by the program director. Students must pass the cumulative comprehensive examination before the following spring semester begins in order to continue on in the MSAT program clinical progression. Students will have a max of three attempts to pass the comprehensive exam. Students that are unable to pass the examination by the beginning of the following spring semester, will be removed from the program. Students will be able to reapply for the program the following summer semester and will be reinstated pending a passing grade on the comprehensive exam.

Transportation Requirements

Students are required to obtain their own transportation to and from assigned clinical sites. Students will not be reimbursed for mileage or gas. Attempts will be made to keep clinical sites within the local region, but due to the availability of locations and the number of athletic training students some students will be expected to travel a distance to their clinical site. In addition, some of the more “prestigious” assignments may be located outside of the local region. If you believe that transportation will be a concern for you, please discuss these concerns with the clinical education coordinator prior to the assignment of the clinical experience. Sites might be available via public transportation. For the ideal clinical experience, the student must provide his or her own personal means of transportation.

Students assume full responsibility for incidents that may occur while traveling to and from the clinical experience or while participating in the clinical experience provided by the university. The student should not hold Albany State University and/or related agencies liable if an accident/incident is to occur. Student will be required to travel up to 90 miles from the ASU east campus for clinical rotations.

Clinical Requirements

• Traveling out of town will be necessary. Students are responsible for their own transportation, food, and lodging during clinical rotations unless other arrangements are made by the clinical site or student.
• Students must provide evidence of the following prior to the first clinical practicum:
• Personal Health insurance, or signed decline of insurance form.
  • Prior to starting clinical education experiences, students must have updated immunization records on file, which include: Hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (TDaP). Some outside clinical sites may require additional immunizations from students. The ATS is responsible for keeping all immunizations up to date and submitting appropriate documentation to your clinical coordinator.
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification – American Heart Association Basic Life Support
  • Malpractice insurance (available through Albany State University)
  • Drug screen
  • Background check
• Personal Health insurance, or signed decline of insurance form.
  • Completed health form, including evidence of initiation of the hepatitis B vaccine series, a recent PPD, influenza, proof of varicella vaccination and of requirements as listed on the MSAT Program Immunization Record form.
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification – American Heart Association Basic Life Support.
  • Malpractice insurance (available through Albany State University).
  • Drug screen
  • Background check
• Clinical Practicums must be passed in order to graduate. In the event of unsatisfactory performance, a practicum may be repeated one time at the discretion of the program director.
• Regarding the locations of placements for fieldwork rotations, input from the student will be taken into consideration. However, it is at the discretion of the Clinical Coordinator of the MSAT Program to determine final placements of all fieldwork rotations. Students will be required to drive up to 90 miles each way for one of the clinical placements.
• Once clinical placements have been decided upon and the facilities have been contacted, changes to the locations of the clinical sites cannot be made.

Additional Program Costs

In addition to the cost of tuition and course-related fees students must be aware that there are other fees associated with enrollment in the Athletic Training Program at Albany State University. Some of these fees may include the following items:

• Background checks (child abuse, FBI and state criminal background checks (from national provider not local sheriff’s department) - $50
• Drug screening - $35
• Copy of current physical examination and immunization records (may be additional costs if you need to see your physician and update immunizations)
• Bloodborne pathogen, HIPPA and OSHA training
• Annual certification in CPR/AED for the Health Care Provider & Standard First Aid - $7
• Athletic Training Program clothing/attire/gear
• Travel to clinical sites (gas, parking, etc.)
• Liability Insurance - $15 per year
• ATRACK Membership - $45 annual fee or $90 lifetime fee
• Clinical medical documentation tracking system – ACEMAPP (if applicable)

Program of Study

Prerequisite Coursework

Completed Bachelor’s Degree with courses completed in the following:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology I
• Human Anatomy & Physiology II
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Psychology
• Exercise Physiology (strongly recommended)
• Kinesiology (strongly recommended)

Major-Specific Coursework

Curriculum Pattern

• Downloadable MSAT Curriculum Pattern

Program Outcome Data

NOTE: 2023-2024 is the first MSAT cohort at ASU and is still in progress; therefore, there is no data available concerning retention, programmatic graduation rates, or placement rates at this time.

Albany State University's MSAT program is currently seeking accreditation from the
Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)