Bellarmine’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program prepares you to make an impact in the lives of patients and have a career that merges passion and practicality. Students in our MSAT program attain knowledge, skills, and abilities in healthcare administration, professional development, and responsibility.

At Bellarmine, we believe inter-professional education is essential to working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals. All MSAT students work alongside Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) students and faculty in our on campus athletic training facilities. Students benefit from regular exposure to campus physicians treating injured and ill athletes.

The curriculum maximizes opportunities for DPT and MSAT students to work together in classes, clinical settings, study abroad opportunities to the Dominican Republic, and through active engagement in exploring and addressing community-based needs for athletic training intervention and expertise.

Admission Information

Our two-year 66 credit hour program begins in July each year. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 with a prerequisite GPA of 3.0, completion of prerequisite coursework. Application deadlines: priority deadline is January 15; due to COVID-19 we have extended the final application deadline to May 1, 2020. It takes 4-6 weeks for AT CAS to verify your application and submit it to us once you have completed it, so don’t delay in submitting your application. For a full list of requirements, please visit our MSAT admission page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why get a master’s in athletic training?
Beginning in 2022, the only way to become a certified athletic trainer will be to graduate from a CAATE accredited entry-level master’s program. Now is the time to act!

What can I do with a master’s degree in athletic training?
Athletic trainers with master’s degrees are in demand at:

• colleges and universities
• high schools
• professional sports teams
• physician’s practices
• hospitals
• corporate and government workplaces
• military and veteran facilities

Will I get real world experience?
All MSAT students work with faculty mentors to create and implement independent research projects as part of a culminating experience. In addition to coursework, our program arranges for students to complete clinical experiences at numerous local sites.

What are the prerequisite course requirements?
We require you to show completion of:

• 2 semesters of anatomy and physiology with lab;
• 1 semester of exercise physiology;
• 1 semester of nutrition;
• 1 semester of kinesiology OR biomechanics;
• 1 semester of health sciences chemistry with lab;
• 1 semester of health sciences physics with lab;
• 1 semester of psychology;
• 1 semester of statistics.
• RECOMMENDED NOT REQUIRED: 1 semester of medical terminology.

When should I apply?
The program begins each year in July. The application cycle begins in September. Our priority deadline is January 15, and due to COVID-19 we have extended the application deadline to May 1, 2020. You should allow 4-6 weeks from the point that you submit your application before it will be ready for review by our office, so be sure to apply early.

Program Overview

Students will learn a wide variety of knowledge, skills and abilities and learn how to apply what they know in the areas of healthcare administration, professional development and responsibility. More importantly, they will learn to utilize evidence-based practice to conduct clinical examinations and diagnosis, provide immediate acute care of injuries and illness, formulate and provide therapeutic interventions, promote psychosocial strategies and referral, and prevention and health promotion.

Program Mission and Goals

The Athletic Training program provides students with a dynamic learning environment to foster open dialog and active learning in the classroom and in the clinical setting. The Catholic social justice tradition of Bellarmine University is exemplified by faculty, staff and students working collaboratively to promote the values of cultural awareness, evidence-based practice and positive outcomes. In preparing competent, ethical and compassionate healthcare providers, we develop graduates that become transformational professional and community leaders to meet the needs of a changing world.

Upon completion of the program, students will:

• Demonstrate critical thinking skills to drive decisions.
• Communicate effectively through oral, written and technological means.
• Display entry-level competency in the five domains of athletic training:
  • Injury/illness prevention and wellness promotion;
  • Examination, assessment and diagnosis;
  • Immediate and emergency care;
  • Therapeutic interventions;
  • Healthcare administration and professional responsibility.
• Provide ethical, athletic training care to diverse populations.
• Identify and develop collaborative relationships with other health care professionals and teams.
• Apply the tenets of evidence-based practice in the provision of care to active individuals.
• Articulate the importance of lifelong learning for personal and professional development

Tuition and Fees

Please visit our Graduate Tuition Rate page for the most up-to-date information.

Students also will be responsible for any course fees (as printed in the course schedule), professional fees, and books. Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program are required to complete a significant number of hours in local and regional clinical sites. Graduate students are eligible for up to $20,500 in guaranteed Stafford Student Loans per academic year. Students may also explore the Grad PLUS Loan and alternative loans. Visit our Financial Aid site for more information.

Clinical course fees include:

1. National Athletic Training Association (NATA) membership fee. Bellarmine University subscribes to ATrack Online as a way to track and document clinical education experience hours. ATrack is free to NATA student members. The NATA membership for non-certified students is $65/year for new members and $85/yr. for renewing members. Each student will have their membership renewed yearly and paid for through clinical course fees.
2. As part of the MSAT Program, you will be required to wear approved apparel for your clinical education experiences. Student will receive two polo shirts and one t-shirt each academic year, paid for through clinical course fees. You will be able to order additional items at a cost that is dependent on the clothing retailer. These additional items are not mandatory and therefore are NOT included in the course fees.
3. The cost of malpractice insurance ($15-$25 annually) is covered through clinical course fees. The cost depends on which carrier is chosen by the university.
4. The BOC practice exam fee of $300 is spread out over the 4 clinical class fees.
   

Additional Program Fees

1. Students are required to submit to an annual drug test and background screening at a cost of $95. This cost is NOT part of your course fees.
2. You will have the option to sit for the certified strength and conditioning specialist exam. This exam is an additional cost of $340 for NSCA members and $475 for non-NSCA members.
3. In order to become an athletic trainer, students must pass the Board of Certification exam. The exam cost for first time test takers is $300. Re-take candidates fee is $400.
4. You are responsible for any cost associated with required physicals and immunizations.
5. There may be possible drug testing requirements depending on your clinical placement that is the student's responsibility. Cost will vary depending on clinical site.
6. Students are responsible for their own travel to and from clinical sites. Based upon distance of clinical sites and gasoline prices, your cost will vary throughout the year.

Accreditation and Licensure

Bellarmine University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), 6850 Austin Center Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3184.

Disclosure for Students who Reside Outside of Kentucky

Bellarmine University cannot confirm whether its courses or programs meet requirements for professional licensure in states other than Kentucky. Prior to enrolling in a Bellarmine program, a student who does not reside in Kentucky should contact applicable licensing board(s) in the student’s home state to determine whether the program meets requirements for licensure in the state where the student resides.

Athletic Training licensure contacts: https://www.bocatc.org/state-regulation

Contact Information

Dr. Myra Stockdale ATC, LAT, Associate Professor
MSAT Program Director and Chair
Allen Hall 466
mstockdale@bellarmine.edu
502.272.7614

Dr. Chelsey Franz ATC, LAT, Assistant Professor
Coordinator of Clinical Education
Allen Hall 469
cfranz@bellarmine.edu
502.272.7611

Office of Graduate Admission
502.272.7200, 800.274.4723 x.7200
gradadmissions@bellarmine.edu

Additional Resources