Master of Science in Athletic Training
Become a certified athletic trainer with your master’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Our rigorous athletic training graduate program blends a challenging curriculum with practical, hands-on clinical experiences.
The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association will require a master’s degree for athletic trainers to gain national certification after 2022. The Master of Science in Athletic Training at UL Lafayette will prepare you to earn your national athletic training certification and state licensure, so you’re prepared to work in high school sports, in clinics, and in industry.
This program prepares its students for licensure or certification within the state of Louisiana. Please visit the list of licensure programs for important information if you plan to move out of state.
Mission Statement
The mission of the athletic training master’s degree program at UL Lafayette is to prepare students for professional assimilation through a rigorous education process that blends a challenging academic curriculum with aggressive, hands-on clinical experiences. Through this process, our students will become life-long learners who seek answers to the changing medical environment by exploring and conducting research. Ultimately, graduates of the athletic training program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will be prepared to pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam and become competent Allied Healthcare professionals for the physically active individuals of South Louisiana and the surrounding region.
Athletic Training Program Goals
Through didactic and clinical experiences, students will master the knowledge and clinical competencies related to the core content areas on the path to a successful career as a Certified Athletic Trainer. In addition to the core content, program goals and objectives aim to:
- Develop decision making and critical thinking skills in students
- Develop effective communication skills in students
- Encourage students to be lifelong learners
- Prepare students to pass the BOC exam
- Promote involvement of students in professional associations and in community service
- Encourage significant contributions to the profession through research and service to professional organizations
- Facilitate student efforts in securing a position in graduate school or in the Athletic Training setting
Athletic Training Curriculum
Our athletic training master’s degree program has been designed following Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accreditation* standards, which means you will gain the experience and knowledge needed to become a certified athletic trainer.
The program is a six-semester, full-time, year-round graduate program that begins every June. Students complete the program in a cohort model, following an established semester-by-semester curriculum plan.
The curriculum includes 55 graduate credit hours with four clinical rotations with the option to do a thesis or non-thesis track.
You will benefit from multiple clinical experiences that provide the opportunity to work alongside a certified athletic trainer and to feel the full-time, day-to-day role of an athletic trainer.
CAATE Program Information and Outcomes Page
To view our program data and outcomes, follow the link below.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Athletic Training program, you must:
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Meet the general application and admission requirements for the Graduate School.
- The application must include three letters of recommendations written by individuals who are familiar with your potential ability to complete graduate work or who have supervised your work.
- We recommend that at least one letter of three letters of recommendation required by the Graduate School must be from a certified athletic trainer (AT) who has supervised your observation hours.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or allied health-related field.
- Demonstrate completion of pre-requisite postsecondary coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, nutrition, exercise physiology, statistics, psychology or sports psychology, and biomechanics or structural kinesiology. Learn more about the pre-requisite requirements. NOTE: Substitutions for this coursework may be considered by the program on a case-by-case basis after the application is submitted.
- Have a cumulative 2.75 overall GPA or a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 credit hours including all transfer credit hours.
In addition, the following documents must be sumbitted via emailed directly to MSATProgram@louisiana.edu in the School of Kinesiology for the MSAT program:
- Submit evidence of current First Aid and BLS CPR certification.
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Submit evidence of completion of 100 hours of observation under a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).
- Download a sample observation hours documentation form. If observation hours are completed with multiple ATCs, you will be required to upload one file that includes separate forms from each healthcare provider.
- Submit a current resume and statement of purpose.
- Submit responses to the application questions.
There is no GRE requirement for the Master of Science in Athletic Training program.
Application Deadlines
All students are admitted only once a year, with classes beginning in June.
Application review will begin March 1. We are only able to offer admission to a limited number of students each year. Early application is encouraged.
Start your application for graduate studies in athletic training now! Apply today »
Tuition & Fees
Tuition and fees are based on your state residency and how many credit hours you take each semester. In total, the program requires completion of 55 graduate credit hours.
Contact Us
For more information about the master’s in athletic training, contact:
Aimee Gros, Assistant Professor
Graduate Coordinator/Athletic Training Program Director
aimee.gros@louisiana.edu
(337) 482-5624
Sarah Myers, Assistant Professor
Athletic Training Clinical Coordinator
sarah.myers@louisiana.edu
(337) 482-6615