Waters College of Health Professions > Department of Clinical Sciences > Master of Science in Athletic Training

Master of Science in Athletic Training

Format: In person on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah
Credit Hours: 60
Entry Terms: Summer

Get ready to be a leader in athletic training. Georgia Southern University will continue its long tradition of preparing students to enter the profession of athletic training by offering a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)!

Courses and Curriculum

View MSAT Student Handbook

Mission

The Georgia Southern University Athletic Training Program aspires to bridge theory with practice in providing a learner centered, comprehensive educational and clinical foundation to prepare students to enter the allied health profession The mission of the Georgia Southern University Athletic Training Program (GS ATP) is to prepare a diverse student population to enter the allied health profession of Athletic Training and to make a global impact in the communities they serve.

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To achieve this mission, the program has set forth the following programmatic student learning objectives.

Accreditation Outcomes

CAATE Accreditation Outcomes

Student Learning Objectives

SLO 1: Injury/Illness Prevention and Wellness Protection

The student will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and understanding of the importance of injury prevention.

SLO 2: Clinical Evaluation & Diagnosis

The student will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and understanding in the area of diagnostic reasoning and medical decision making.

SLO 3: Immediate and Emergency Care

The student will demonstrate knowledge, skills and understanding of procedures used in emergency situations independent of setting.

SLO 4: Therapeutic Interventions

The student will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and understanding of techniques, procedures, practices, and methods which are designed to provide therapeutic interventions in a health care setting.

SLO 5: Organizational and Professional Health and Well Being

The student will demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of recording details of patient’s health status including communication and documentation.

Athletic Training Curriculum

Course Schedule

Summer Term 1st Year	Credit Hours
ATTR 6181 Emergency Care ATTR 6111 Taping, Bracing, and Casting ATTR 6121 Research Methods in Athletic Training ATTR 7211 Psychosocial Issues in Athletic Training	4 Credit Hours 2 Credit Hours 1 Credit Hour 1 Credit Hour
Fall Term 1st Year
ATTR 6240 Lower Extremity Evaluation ATTR 6340 Lower Extremity Therapeutic Interventions ATTR 6730 Clinical Education I	4 Credit Hours 3 Credit Hours 4 Credit Hour
Spring Term 1st Year
ATTR 6241 Upper Extremity Evaluation ATTR 6341 Upper Extremity Therapeutic Interventions ATTR 6731 Clinical Education II	4 Credit Hours 3 Credit Hours 4 Credit Hour
Summer Term 2nd Year
ATTR 7140 Spine Evaluation & Therapeutic Interventions ATTR 7130 General Medical Conditions ATTR 7730 Clinical Education III	4 Credit Hours 3 Credit Hours 4 Credit Hour
Fall Term 2nd Year
ATTR 7230 Research Writing ATTR 7210 Pharmacology ATTR 7220 Organization & Administration in AT ATTR 7731 Clinical Education IV	3 Credit Hours 1 Credit Hours 2 Credit Hour 4 Credit Hour
Spring Term 2nd Year
ATTR 7790 Clinical Education V ATTR 7310 Graston Certification	8 Credit Hours 1 Credit Hours
Total	60 Credit Hours

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
Admission to Georgia Southern University College of Graduate Studies
GRE scores (280) (Writing 3.5)
Minimum GPA 3.0
Submit Graduate ATCAS
Submission of a personal statement
Three Reference Letters
Documentation of at least 100 observation hours with a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)
Program interview – In person or on video conference
Official transcripts from All other colleges/universities attended
Proof of immunizations-University Required Immunizations

Grade of C or better in all prerequisites or approved similar courses

Pre-Requisite Courses

Biology (BIOL 1103 or similar)

May include topics such as evolution, ecology and the environment, genetics and heredity, diversity of life, cells and cellular energy, biomolecules, and the scientific process.

Chemistry (CHEM 1211 or similar)

The fundamental principles and applications of chemistry designed for science majors. Topics to be covered include composition of matter, stoichiometry, periodic relations, and nomenclature. Laboratory exercises supplement the lecture material.

Anatomy and Physiology I & 2 (KINS 2531 & KINS 2532)

A two semester sequence in which human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach, with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. Course content includes: basic anatomical and directional terminology; fundamental concepts and principles of chemistry and cell biology; histology; the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and somatic nervous systems and special senses. A two semester sequence in which human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach, with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. This course is a continuation of KINS 2531 and includes the endocrine system, autonomic nervous system, cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system and immunity, the respiratory system, the digestive system and metabolism, the urinary system, fluid/electrolyte and acid/base balance and the reproductive systems.

Physics (PHYS 1111)

An introductory course which will include mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, momentum and collisions, and rotational motion and statics), and may also include thermodynamics and waves. Elementary algebra and trigonometry will be used.

Biomechanics (KINS 3543)

Focuses on the study of human motion through an examination of forces acting on the body and the effects produced by these forces.

Psychology (PSYC 1101)

An overview of the fundamental subfields of Psychology, with an emphasis on applying the scientific method to study behavior and cognition in human and non-human animals.

Medical Terminology (HLTH 2510)

Equips the student with the basic skills needed to read, understand and interpret medical terms common to health related issues and tasks.

Research Methods (KINS 3130)

Introduces the student to fundamental principles underlying research methods in kinesiology. Included will be basic procedures for conducting experimental, descriptive, correlational, and qualitative research, computer applications, basic measurement concepts, statistical methods, critical thinking, and scholarly writing.

Nutrition (NTFS 2530)

The basic principles of nutrition and their application to health and wellness. The interrelationship between personal nutrition and health maintenance throughout the life cycle is included.

Structural Kinesiology (KINS 3541)

This course surveys biological systems and physical principles as applied to human movement and the relationship of these systems and principles to the development of the study of human movement.

Physiological Aspects of Exercise (KINS 3542)

Provides an in-depth perspective of physiological and biochemical responses of the human body when subjected to exercise.

One additional psychology course such as:

Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 3101)

Designed to provide an introduction to the concepts of “normal” and “abnormal” behavior, the traditional categories of psychological disorders, and the etiology and treatment of these disorders.

Lifespan Psychology (PSYC 3103)

Examines psychological theories, research and application of psychology as these relate to a comprehensive overview of developmental processes from conception through older adulthood.

Program Acceptance

Review of applications is rolling and application decisions will begin no later than February 15 and will continue until all available seats are filled or May 1.

Program Requirements and Information

Students are responsible for program associated expenses, including transportation associated with clinical experiences. MSAT students must remain in good standing with the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies standards. All students must also maintain required immunizations for the duration of their involvement in the curriculum.

Contact Us!

Athletic Training Program

Steve Patterson, Ed.D., LAT, ATC
Associate Professor of Athletic Training and Athletic Training Program Coordinator
Office: Armstrong Campus-Armstrong Center 233
Telephone: 912-478-8014
Email: spatterson@georgiasouthern.edu

Accreditation

The Master of Science in Athletic Training program intends to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Georgia Southern is currently seeking accreditation for the new program and is currently degree change pending from our current Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training program to the new Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program.

With the transition to the MSAT, the program does not posses a three-year pass rate for the BOC exam but the the Georgia Southern Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training has a current 3-year pass rate of 85% which is well above CAATE required pass rate.

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

Professional License Disclosure

The Department of Clinical Sciences anticipates that graduates of this program will seek the following professional state licenses or certifications: Board of Certification (BOC) to attain Athletic Training Certification (ATC) and state licensure.

For required disclosures on whether this program satisfies the license requirements of all states and territories, check the requirements of your state or territory for Board of Certification (BOC) to attain Athletic Training Certification (ATC) and state licensure.

The Department of Clinical Sciences has determined that the required classes and educational activities of this academic program will qualify a graduate of this program to take the exam for Board of Certification (BOC) to attain Athletic Training Certificate (ATC) in 49 states and territories, excluding California and the District of Columbia, and apply for state licensure in states and territories requiring a license.

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Last updated: 9/16/2024

Clinical Internship/Practicum Experience Update

Many of the clinical programs offered by the Waters College of Health Professions require a clinical internship or practicum experience to fulfill degree requirements. Pursuant to the University's legal agreements, participants in clinical experiences are required to abide by the workplace rules of the clinical site. Sometimes these rules include vaccination requirements. As always, WCHP will continue to make every effort to place students at clinical sites. However, please be aware that we may be unable to locate a site to accept unvaccinated students, which may cause a delay or inability to progress and complete the program of study.

Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus

Department of Clinical Sciences • 11935 Abercorn Street • Savannah, GA 31419