Athletic Training, MSAT
Athletic Training, MSAT
Athletic Training (MSAT)
Master of Science
Program Delivery
On Campus
Total Credits
52 Credits
About the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program
The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) professional program at UCCS is committed to high-quality education through team teaching by experienced faculty, hands-on clinical experiences with skilled preceptors across diverse clinical sites, and high-impact learning opportunities. The MSAT became the first graduate athletic training program in Colorado when it was awarded CAATE accreditation in the Spring 2020. The MSAT program moved into our unique learning environment, the Hybl Sports Medicine & Performance Center, in Fall 2020.
Athletic training education began at UCCS in 2006, with the introduction of the post-professional Master of Sciences in Sports Medicine (MSc-SM) program which was open to both athletic training and non-athletic training prepared students. In 2015, with the decision by the accrediting body to transition to the Master's degree level for entry into the athletic training profession, UCCS demonstrated its commitment to athletic training through the approval of the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)
Athletic training may be the career for you. Athletic training involves emergency management, patient caregiving, medicine, and sports all wrapped into one profession. If you think athletic training is the career for you, then UCCS may be the right place for you.
What is an Athletic Trainer (AT)?
Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals, recognized by the American Medical Association, who provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions in collaboration with physicians. ATs provide care for a breadth of patients including, but not limited to, professional, collegiate, secondary school, and youth athletes, dancers, musicians, and military personnel. ATs can work in a variety of locations including schools, physician clinics, performing arts centers, hospitals, and manufacturing plants. If you would like more information about the profession of athletic training, please visit the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) website or visit the Career Forecast website.
Mission, Goals and Program History
Programmatic Framework
The MSAT is designed to guide you from basic skill and knowledge acquisition towards becoming an independent proficient athletic trainer. Our model of development focuses on your growth, not only in athletic training skills, but also in critical thinking abilities, interprofessional health care, and leadership skills. We aim to make you a high-quality athletic trainer with the ability to become a leader and advance the field of athletic training.
Interprofessional and Evidence-Based Health Care
Our classes and hands-on experiences will help you to understand how to use what research says and work side-by-side with other health professionals to ultimately provide the best quality health care for a physically active person.
Clinical Education
Our clinical hands-on experiences will help you learn how to become an athletic training and connect what you learn in class to the real world. With exposure to a variety of people and settings, you will start with shorter rotations and transition into more full-time experiences as you move through the program. You will work with our program's excellent preceptors at locations like high schools, colleges, physician offices and military installations.
Mission
The mission of the UCCS Master of Science in Athletic Training program is to prepare students as autonomous, clinically competent athletic trainers through exceptional, holistic, progressive coursework and clinical education experiences; development of interprofessional collaborative practice and leadership skills; and successful completion of the Board of Certification (BOC) examination.
Goals
The athletic training program aims to develop:
- Clinically and culturally competent entry-level athletic trainers
- Confident practitioners grounded in interprofessional evidence-based practice
- Leaders in the profession of athletic training
- Graduates who are successful on the Board of Certification examination (BOC)
Program Outcomes
Through the interprofessional and integrated evidence-based athletic training curriculum, our students will:
- Translate health care theory and research to the practice of athletic training. Develop and utilize quality hands-on clinical injury diagnosis and management skills.
- Provide culturally sensitive and holistic health care to diverse populations, including age, disability, ethnicity, and gender identity.
- Develop critical thinking and independent decision-making skills to the care of athletic related injuries and illnesses.
- Demonstrate leadership skills for interprofessional collaborative practice. Explore the expected outcomes of the Athletic Training (MSAT) program.
Throughout our athletic training program we emphasize our Core Values:
- Empathy
- Humility
- Integrity
- Respect
- Zeal
Degree Options
Students may select from one of two routes towards admission to the MSAT program.
CONCURRENT BACHELOR’S/MASTER’S DEGREE
The concurrent degree program is the route through which a current UCCS undergraduate student (without a Bachelor's degree) may seek 5-year program completion of both the BS in Exercise Science and the MS Athletic Training.
Students in this option will complete all pre-requisite coursework for the MSAT as part of their Bachelor's degree requirements prior to beginning the MSAT program. The Athletic Training Prep option will guide you through coursework to better prepare you for the MSAT, while meeting the requirements for the Exercise Science degree program. Additionally, you can earn up to 10 dual credits that count towards both your bachelor's and master's degrees. You will graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science.
- Declare Major: BS Exercise Science: Athletic Training Prep option (formerly under the BS Health Care Science)
- Progress through the Athletic Training prep option following suggested course sequence.
- Meet regularly with your academic advisor and MSAT Program Director.
- Make formal application to the MSAT
- Application will occur in spring prior to the fall in which you would begin the MSAT, which should be during your Junior (third) year.
- Students who are not successful in their admission into the MSAT portion of the concurrent degree program may continue to work towards timely completion of the BS in Exercise Science and, if desired, may re-apply to the MSAT during the next admissions cycle.
Undergraduate Transfer Students
Students transferring to UCCS in order to complete their Bachelor's degree may be able to pursue the BS/MSAT concurrent degree plan depending upon the courses/credits being transferred. Students may refer to the Best Choices Guide, if available for their institution, to assist in making coursework decisions prior to transferring. All transfer students are encouraged to meet with a transfer advisor, as well as the MSAT Program Director, to determine the appropriate route for admission to the MSAT. Undergraduate transfer students must meet the same pre-requisite requirements for admission to the MSAT.
Students transferring to UCCS with an Associate's Degree
- Should determine whether or not they will be able to pursue the BS/MSAT concurrent degree.
- Must complete Compass Curriculum transfer requirements as required by UCCS.
- From an institution without a Best Choices Guide should meet with a transfer counselor and the MSAT program director as soon as possible prior to, or immediately after, arriving at UCCS to determine transferability of courses and an academic plan for UCCS.
Students transferring to UCCS without an Associate's Degree
- Should determine whether or not they will be able to pursue the BS/MSAT concurrent degree.
- Should determine if a Best Choices Guide is available for their current institution to assist with coursework decisions prior to transferring.
- Should meet with a transfer counselor and the MSAT program director prior to, or immediately after arriving at UCCS to determine transferability of courses and an academic plan for UCCS.
TWO-YEAR MASTER'S DEGREE
Students who have already completed a Bachelor's degree and the required pre-requisites will apply directly to the MSAT program.
A student may apply to the MSAT program after completion of a Bachelor's degree and required pre-requisites (or in the final semester of completion of their Bachelor's degree program and/or required pre-requisites).
Regardless of the Bachelor's degree major, students must meet all pre-requisites (prior to the start of the program) to be considered for admission. A degree in Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Science, Pre-professional, or a similar degree, will most easily meet the pre-requisite requirements.
Transfer Students from another Graduate Program
- Graduate students desiring to transfer from another graduate program must demonstrate completion of all program pre-requisites.
- Within UCCS Graduate School transfer credit policy, up to 9 credits of graduate coursework to be transferred to UCCS upon approval by the program. All transfer courses must be completed with a grade of “B” or better, and may not have been applied to another master’s or bachelor’s degree.
- All MSAT core courses must be completed at UCCS. Approval of transfer courses must be sought prior to applying/transferring to the UCCS MSAT program.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Athletic Training is a 52-credit program. Students in the concurrent degree program can earn up to 10 credits of dual credit that count towards both the bachelor's and master's degrees, essentially making their master's degree 42 credits.
- Master of Science in Athletic Training Courses:
- ATRN 5050 Basic Athletic Training Skills (1cr)
- ATRN 5000 Foundations of Athletic Training II (4cr)
- ATRN 5011 Injury Diagnosis and Management I (4cr)
- ATRN 5012 Injury Diagnosis and Management II (4cr)
- ATRN 5013 Injury Diagnosis and Management III (4cr)
- ATRN 5015 Manual Therapy I (1cr)
- ATRN 6015 Manual Therapy II (1cr)
- ATRN 6010 Pharmacology & General Medical Conditions (3cr)
- ATRN 5051 Athletic Training Laboratory I (1cr)
- ATRN 5052 Athletic Training Laboratory II (1cr)
- ATRN 6053 Athletic Training Laboratory III (1cr)
- ATRN 5061 Athletic Training Clinical Education I (2cr)
- ATRN 5062 Athletic Training Clinical Education II (3cr)
- ATRN 6063 Athletic Training Clinical Education III (4cr)
- ATRN 6064 Athletic Training Clinical Education IV (5cr)
- ATRN 6090 Graduate Research Project (3cr)
- HPNU 6090 Research & Statistical Design (4cr)*
- HPNU 5490 Exercise Considerations for Special Populations -OR- HPNU 6700 Advanced Exercise Science (3cr)*
- HSCI 6120 Health Science Leadership (3cr)*
* Dual credit eligible for UCCS Concurrent Degree students
Course Sequence:
- Concurrent Degree Applicants, please see Athletic Training Prep Advising Guide.
- It is recommended that Athletic Training Prep majors work closely with their undergraduate advisor and with the Athletic Training Program Director to make sure you they on track for bachelor's degree completion and MSAT application.
- Two-year Degree Students
- Students will work the Athletic Training Program Director for advising.
- Two year advising guide (effective Fall 2023)
- Retention Requirements
To graduate, students enrolled in the MSAT must:- Achieve a B- or better in all graduate level MSAT required courses
- Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Continue demonstration of meeting the Technical Standards
- Continue adherence to program policy
Clinical Education
Quality hands-on experience, early and often
We believe that quality clinical education is the cornerstone of athletic training education as it integrates didactic knowledge from the classroom with practical application of athletic training skills and decision making, under direct supervision of a licensed or certified professional, to develop the confidence and real-world experience while adhering to the standards of supervision of clinical education set forth by the CAATE. Foundational behaviors of professional practice will be required and evaluated during all clinical education experiences. The clinical education portion of the student’s education is a component of each of the following courses (ATRN 5061, 5062, 6063, and 6064). To ensure a meaningful educational experience and to meet accreditation requirements strict clinical education requirements and guidelines are upheld by the program.
Clinical education experiences are coordinated to maximize student learning through periods of engagement at our clinical sites in Colorado Springs and surrounding area. Our clinical sites offer students progressive experiences and opportunities to engage with diverse and sometimes unique populations. Students will gain hands-on experience under the guidance of our high-caliber preceptors, with the end-goal of developing independent decision-making skills in preparation for interprofessional practice.
Clinical education experience placements are made based on course sequencing, site availability, and student needs for meeting accreditation requirements. In accordance with UCCS's discrimination policies, placements shall not be prejudicial nor discriminatory. Students are required to complete 13 credit hours of clinical education during the MSAT program. Over the course of the four semesters in the program, the student will be assigned to both on-campus and off-campus clinical education experiences. Clinical education experiences will increase in time commitment over each semester, with the final experience involving full-time 40 hour per week immersion in athletic training. When assigned to an off-campus clinical education site, the students should be prepared to fulfill any additional requirements for that site (e.g. background check, immunizations, orientation) as well as plan for transportation to and from that site.
Where might you do your clinical rotations?
We have several sites eager to provide opportunities for student clinical education.
| High Schools |
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| Colleges/Universities |
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| Other Medical/Health Providers & Outreach Sites |
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Program Fees and Tuition Information
For additional information on MSAT program coursework, watch for information session events or reach out to the program director. Find all program coursework information online here visit the Academic Catalog.
TUITION ASSISTANCE & ASSOCIATED COSTS
In addition to the costs of application and regular graduate student tuition and fees, there are other expenses directly associated with the MS in Athletic Training program. These costs are estimates, and subject to change from year to year. Estimated cost, and frequency the cost will be incurred are listed.
Tuition Assistance
Students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA to UCCS as early as possible.
UCCS Scholarship Applications open Dec 1 and close March 1 each year, students must be admitted to UCCS before they can apply.General scholarship information may be found on the UCCS Financial Aid website, as well as the UCCS Tuition and Fees page. Financial Aid may be contacted by phone at (719) 255-3460.
Out-of-State Scholarship: The UCCS Graduate School awards high caliber incoming graduate students through the Out-of-State Scholarship. As funds are available, MSAT Program faculty will make decisions for any awards allocated to the MSAT program. Two-year degree seeking students who meet the criteria set forth by the graduate school are considered for the award (concurrent degree students, and students utilizing WRGP tuition are not eligible for this award). Award(s) will be made to the highest rated qualified out-of-state student(s), based on the admissions selection criteria. Should there be a tie in ranking among applicants, the MSAT Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, and one other MSAT faculty member will vote on which of the tied applicants will receive the award(s). The award will be decided at the end of February 28th.
Costs and Fees
The following are other expenses or costs directly associated with the MSAT program
The following are other expenses or costs directly associated with the MSAT program. Please refer to the “After Admissions” portion of the MSAT program website for further information regarding several of these items.
Criminal Background Check
$30 annually (additional checks may be required by off campus clinical sites at additional cost to the student)
Students in the MSAT program are required to complete annual background checks through TClogiQ in accordance with department policy. Please refer to the “After Admissions” portion of the MSAT program website for further information.
10-Panel Drug Screen
$28, annually
Students in the MSAT program are required to complete annual drug screening through TClogiQ in accordance with department policy. Please refer to the “After Admissions” portion of the MSAT program website for further information.
CPR/AED for the Health Care Professional or Basic Life Support (BLS)
Cost varies, ~$100, good for two years
Certification must be obtained prior to the start of MSAT courses. Renewal must be made prior to expiration. Can be issued through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Please refer to the “After Admissions” portion of the MSAT program website for further information.
Immunizations
Cost and frequency varies
Verification of immunization is required, and any updates necessary are required prior to the start of the program. Some clinical education sites may have additional requirements beyond the program minimum. Please refer to the “After Admissions” portion of the MSAT program website for further information.
Tuberculosis Testing
~$20 (though cost can vary based on exposure), annually
Students must complete tuberculosis screening annually in accordance with program policy. Please refer to “After Admissions” portion of the MSAT program website for further information.
Health Insurance
Varies, annually
Students are required to provide evidence of adequate health insurance to cover long-term and emergency treatment or to be prepared to pay for services not covered. Please contact Student Health and Wellness Center for insurance information if necessary. Please refer to the “After Admissions” portion of the MSAT program website for further information.
Physical Examination
Cost varies, first year only
Students must provide a signed physical attestation form after completion of physical exam by health care provider (MD, DO, PA, NP) of the applicant’s choice. The physician shall attest to the applicant’s ability to meet the technical standards for the program. The MSAT form will be provided upon admission to the program. Please refer to the “After Admissions” portion of the MSAT program website for further information.
Clinical Education Apparel
~$100, first year (students may opt for additional apparel beyond what is required) Students will be required to wear specified clothing during their clinical education rotations, including collared shirts, chinos, and inclement weather gear. Students will be required to purchase two MSAT Program shirts. All students must have a watch with “seconds” on it.
Travel Expenses (to/from clinical education sites)
Cost varies, based on site and transportation type
In the case of off-campus clinical education experiences, students will be responsible for traveling to and from their primary clinical site at their expense. MSAT program will not provide the student with transportation to these sites, nor will the university or program pay for the student’s expenses related to traveling to those sites. In some cases, the student’s clinical education experience will relocate (e.g., for an athletic event) based on the schedule at that site. It is the responsibility of the student to travel to and from the designated site per the arrangements made between the student and preceptor. Students will be responsible for any tickets, accidents, etc. they may incur while driving to these clinical sites.
Typhon Subscription
$90, first year
Students will be responsible for their subscription to the Typhon curriculum tracking system. Students will utilize this system throughout the program and have the opportunity to create a portfolio within the system that can be used after graduation to demonstrate their abilities. The student will have access to Typhon for 5 years post-graduation.
MSAT Textbook Package
~$900, first year
The MSAT program utilized a textbook package across the program, rather than by course for the ATRN courses. Non-ATRN courses may have additional texts required. The textbook package will be purchased in the first year and utilized for the full two years in the program. This will also include a subscription to the Visible Body anatomy app and the ATu app.
SafeSport for Health Professionals Training
$20, first year
Students are required to complete an online training program, that covers content regarding: mandatory reporting, sexual misconduct awareness education, and emotional and physical misconduct as it relates to ensuring a safe sporting environment.
Clinical Site Fees
Cost varies ~$80, frequency may vary
Some clinical sites require additional verifications and/or trainings that before students may begin rotations. Our local hospitals, including the Hybl Center clinics require the use
of MyClinicalExchange that has an associated fee for access. Students will be directed to the appropriate processes during their clinical education orientation.
Board of Certification Examination
~$380 (depending on NATA membership status), end of 2nd year
This expense will be incurred in/following the semester of graduation and is required in order to practice athletic training in most states. A discounted exam fee is available for NATA student members.
NATA Student Membership (optional)
~$130, annually
Students are encouraged to join their professional organization. Student membership does provide a discount for the BOC examination and professional conferences.
Professional Conferences (optional)
Cost varies
Students are encouraged to attend professional conferences to learn and network with professionals in the field. Attendance at conferences is encouraged, especially in the 2nd year.
Admissions Information
Required Pre-requisite Courses:
General Biology II (cellular biology) w/ lab (4ch)
- Should include topics such as organismic/human cellular metabolism, genetics, etc.; this course should be for majors, and not a survey course nor a plant-based course
Human Anatomy w/ lab (4ch minimum)+
Human Physiology w lab (4ch minimum)+
- +Combined anatomy and physiology is acceptable, but must be a minimum of 8 credits across two semesters and include labs for both semesters; a single semester combined course will not meet this requirement
Exercise Physiology w/ lab (3ch)
Biomechanics or Kinesiology (3ch)
General Chemistry I w/ lab (4ch)
- This course should be for majors, and not a survey course
General Physics I w/ lab (4ch) (algebra-based or higher)
General Psychology (3ch)
Inferential Statistics (3ch)
General Nutrition (or upper division Sport Nutrition) (3ch)
- General Nutrition should be for majors, and not a personal nutrition or survey of nutrition course
Required Pre-requisite Content (The below two requirements can be met with a course, a certification or alternative means as indicated below.)
Exercise Prescription or Health Assessment (3ch)
- Course that includes instruction in items such as exercise prescription, general health/fitness assessment, blood pressure, and movement assessment, etc.
- NSCA-CPT or ACSM-CPT will be considered in place of this requirement
- Demonstration of alternative means that meet this requirement (i.e.: work experiences, etc.)
Care and Prevention of Sport Injuries (3ch)
HSCI 4610 Sport Injury Prevention or ATRN 4000 Foundations of Athletic Training I (available online through UCCS, may be taken to meet this requirement)
- Demonstration of alternative means that meet this requirement (i.e.: medic experience, etc.)
- Athletic training student aid experience will not count as an alternative means.
Recommended Courses (Courses that can enhance a student’s application):
Essentials of Strength & Conditioning
- NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) will be considered as meeting this pre-requisite.
Culture & Health
Medical Terminology
Pre-requisite Review
Prospective applicants may choose to have a pre-requisite review completed. An individual can submit official or unofficial transcripts for review by the Program Director for consideration of meeting the pre-requisites. A course syllabus may be required for complete review of the pre-requisites. The Program Director may also review the courses via the institution’s catalog on their respective website. If the course description is similar to the UCCS course description, the course may be considered for admission. The Program Director will notify the prospective student of the decision via email. Pre-requisite reviews are only good for a 2-year period from time of review.
BS/MSAT Concurrent Degree Program Admissions Requirements
- Completion of UCCS Graduate School Application
- ATCAS application is also acceptable
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- One official transcript(s) from each institution other than UCCS where pre-requisite courses are being/were taken.
- Completion of MSAT Program Application Personal Information
- Personal Statement
- Two (2) Written Recommendations
- One from a college professor
- One from an athletic trainer
- Documentation of 50 hours of observation of an athletic trainer in practice
- We understand that some students may have difficulty gaining access to an athletic trainer to complete observation experiences. The observation requirement is intended to help the prospective student understand the profession they are declaring for their future, however if you are unable to complete the 50 hours of observation, we will accept documentation of interviews conducted with two different athletic trainers that demonstrate your understanding of athletic training as a profession. Please download this document on the observation hours alternative to assist you with meeting this requirement
- Concurrent degree applicants must meet requirements (pre-requisites may be in progress); provisional admission is not considered for concurrent degree students
Two-year Master’s Degree Program Admissions Requirements
- Completion of ATCAS application
- Submission of UCCS Graduate School Application Fee (the UCCS Graduate School application does NOT have to be completed).
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Applicants holding a master’s degree: Master’s GPA of 3.0 or higher
- One official transcript(s) from bachelor's degree granting institution.
- If applicable, applicants with a graduate degree should also submit a transcript from the degree granting institution(s).
- Additional transcripts are required from each institution where pre-requisite courses are being/were taken if not the degree granting institution(s).
- Completion of MSAT Program Application Personal Information
- Personal Statement
- Two (2) Written Recommendations:
- One from a college professor
- One from an athletic trainer
- Documentation of 50 hours of observation of an Athletic Trainer in practice
- We understand that some students may have difficulty gaining access to an athletic trainer to complete observation experiences. The observation requirement is intended to help the prospective student understand the profession they are declaring for their future, however if you are unable to complete the 50 hours of observation, we will accept documentation of interviews conducted with two different athletic trainers that demonstrate your understanding of athletic training as a profession. Please, download this document to record your alternative observation hours to help meet the requirement.
- Submission of GRE scores (optional)
- The GRE is optional for all applicants should the applicant want to strengthen their application.
- Recommended minimum GRE scores: 150 verbal, 148 quantitative, and 4.0 analytical. UCCS institution code: 4874
Note: Provisional admission may be considered for certain cases when an applicant’s undergraduate degree and pre-requisite requirements do not meet admission standards or pre-requisite courses are not yet completed; provisional admission may be considered when the applicant’s career history, advanced degrees, degree program rigor, etc. speak towards the applicant’s ability to be successful in the MSAT Program. Provisional admission will be considered by the admission’s committee on a case-by-case basis and is not a guarantee. Any requirements specified for alleviating the provisional admission status must be completed prior to and not later than the end of the first semester in the program. If pre-requisite course completion is the reason for provisional admission, these courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better prior to the start of the MSAT program as specified in the admissions letter.
How and When to Apply to the MSAT Program
Students should utilize the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS) to apply. Current UCCS students should contact Dr. Elder for further information on applying.
There is a one-time application processing fee charged by ATCAS. Application materials provided within ATCAS will be brought into the UCCS admissions system when complete and verified by ATCAS. The UCCS Graduate Application fee is still required. You can pay your fee here. You DO NOT have to submit a new application to the UCCS Graduate School.
Rolling Admissions: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis beginning Oct. 1-May 30. Applications will be considered in the order in which the completed and verified application is received. Applicants desiring full financial aid consideration should consider a financial aid priority deadline of January 15 to allow time for full processing to meet the March 1 financial aid deadline. Please note there may be financial aid implications for applications received after the financial aid priority deadline.
Note: The MSAT is a controlled admissions program, meaning we have a set number of students who may be admitted each year. Acceptance into the MSAT is, therefore, not guaranteed. Students who are unsuccessful in gaining admission may choose to reapply in a subsequent admission cycle.
International Student Admissions
International students interested in applying to the MSAT program should follow the same application guidelines as all other applicants for either the concurrent or two-year route to admission. Plus, the following additional steps.
In addition to the admissions requirements above, international applicants:
Must take both the TOEFL and the GRE if English is not the primary language. Competitive students should have a composite TOEFL iBT of at least 90, with recommended section scores of: listening 23, speaking 23, reading 22, and writing 22.
Scores must be submitted to UCCS. UCCS institution code: 4874. Comparable KITE scores may be accepted in place of TOEFL.
Admissions interview will include a portion to assist with English proficiency evaluation.
Upon the completion and verification of your ATCAS application, you will receive a private link to upload each foreign post-secondary transcript from institutions you have attended. These transcripts must include all courses and grades, must be issued in the original language, and be accompanied by certified English translations when applicable. This service is provided at no cost for UCCS applicants. More details will be communicated to you via email. Please make sure to check your email for the uploading instructions.
International students currently studying in the U.S. on F-1 visa and either applied for the optional practical training (OPT) or currently on OPT, please note, that UCCS encourages immediate internship placement which will meet the OPT requirement set forth by the visa regulation. Immediate internship participation will allow students to receive curriculum practical training eligibility upon receipt of approved internship/career placement. Internship opportunities should be discussed directly with the academic advisor and are not guaranteed until the applicant has been accepted by the academic program and UCCS.
Please contact the International Admissions Office for information about international student requirements at UCCS:
Susan Eldridge, MA
Graduate Recruitment Specialist
seldrid3@uccs.edu
001-719-255-3996
Admission Decisions
Process for Student Selection to the Program:
Upon review of completed and verified applications, the Athletic Training Admissions Committee will conduct initial review of the applications for meeting minimum qualifications. Qualified applicants will be invited for an on-campus or video conference interview with the Athletic Training Admissions Committee. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis, to be conducted within approximately two weeks of receipt of the completed application (based on availability of the Admissions Committee).
The Athletic Training Admissions Committee members will rate the applicants after completion of the interview process.
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Undergraduate GPA (minimum 3.0 GPA required)
- Cumulative (30%)
- Prerequisite courses GPA (20%)
- Personal Statement (10%)
- Letters of Recommendations (5%)
- Interview (15%)
- Overall Reviewer Rating (20%)
- Demonstration of academic and clinical potential, persistence, grit, motivation, and intellectual curiosity
- Professional and life experiences
- Holistic admissions considerations
- Completion of Observation hours or Athletic Trainer Interview (checked for meeting requirements)
Holistic Admissions Consideration
Our holistic admissions approach provides considerations for students whose individual circumstances may not meet the traditional measures but have more to their story that demonstrates their ability to be successful in the graduate program.
Applicants who do not meet the traditional measures of minimum cumulative GPA requirement or pre-requisite competency (see pre-requisites) can submit additional documentation to support their application. The relevant documentation is determined by the student but must express how the applicant can be successful in the graduate program in spite of a lower GPA and/or applying proficiency in exercise prescription/health assessment and basic sport injury prevention.
Admission Decisions
Applicants will be notified of the admission decision within approximately 10 business days after completion of interview.
Students will be notified of one of four admission decisions: Full Admission, Provisional Admission, Alternate, or Denied.
Once notified of Full or Provisional Admission to the program, an applicant will be asked to respond in one of the following ways:
- Accept admission to the program
- Hold admission: (only valid through January 31)
- Applicants on the hold list will be placed on the list in the order of response.
- Applicants on the hold list must Accept by January 31 or they will be moved to the end of the Alternate list.
- Applicants on the hold list will not have a seat held for them until they Accept. If all seats are claimed prior to a hold applicant
- Accepting, the applicant will be moved to the alternate list.
- Applicants on the hold list may choose to defer their admission to the following year.
- Defer admission
- An applicant may choose to defer their admission until the next application cycle.
- Decline the offer of admission.
Alternates for admission: Beginning February 15, alternates will be offered admission in the order placed on the list, as long as seats remain in the program. Alternates who are not admitted for the current admissions cycle may request, in writing, their application be deferred to the following year for consideration, or may re-apply for a subsequent admissions cycle.
Denied: Applicants who are denied admission may re-apply for a subsequent admissions cycle.
Admission Grievance
If an applicant feels that the evaluation process of admission to the MSAT has been unfair, they can appeal following these steps.
The applicant is responsible to file a written (email) appeal within 15 University working days of the email notification of the admission decision to the MSAT Program Director. After 15 working days, the applicant relinquishes the right to grieve the decision. The MSAT Program Director will forward the appeal to the MSAT Admission Committee.
If a resolution is agreed upon by the applicant and the MSAT Admission Committee, then a written summary of the resolution shall be created and signed by both parties (this may be done electronically) no later than 7 University working days after the resolution. A copy of the resolution will be kept in the applicant’s admission file. (If a member of the MSAT Admission Committee is unavailable to meet regarding the grievance, the remaining committee members will make the decision.)
If the issue remains unresolved, the applicant may bring their grievance within 10 University working days from the date resolution is deemed unresolvable to the Department Chair who will make the final decision on behalf of the MSAT program. A written summary of the final decision shall be signed (this may be done electronically) by the Chair and forwarded to the MSAT Program Director, no later than 7 University working days from receipt of the grievance. If the Department Chair is unavailable, the MSAT Program Director will forward the grievance to the College Dean. This decision is the final decision on admission.
Non-Discrimination Policy
UCCS is committed to providing an environment where all individuals can achieve their academic and professional aspirations free from unlawful discrimination or harassment based on protected class status.
In accordance with UCCS Policy 300-017, UCCS is committed to providing an environment where all individuals can achieve their academic and professional aspirations free from unlawful discrimination or harassment based on protected class status. Further, it is critical to this commitment that anyone who believes they may have been the target of protected class discrimination or harassment in the context of UCCS educational programs, or activities (including clinical sites) to feel free to report their concerns for appropriate investigation and response, without fear of retaliation. Students are encouraged to report protected class discrimination and harassment. Students should report occurrences to MSAT CEC and or appropriate clinical site official (e.g. UCCS Office of Institutional Equity).
After Admission
Immediately after admission, students will be required to complete the following tasks to finalize admission to the program prior to the beginning of courses (failure to complete these requirements will be reviewed by program faculty and may result in revoking of admission).
AFTER ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Complete the following tasks to finalize admission:
| Final Transcript Submission | Submit official final transcript(s) demonstrating successful completion of any pre-requisites in progress at time of application or award of bachelor’s degree |
| Criminal Background Check | All clinical experience sites utilized by the MSAT require criminal background checks for the protection of vulnerable populations. The Department of Health Sciences complies with all policies for this purpose. Please refer to the MSAT Background Check policy for further details. Students who have a previous conviction for a misdemeanor or felony may not be eligible for placement in internship/practicum sites and may have an impact on their ability complete the degree requirements. The Department Chair will review background checks for decisions related to outcomes of the background check. |
| Drug Screening/Testing | All students will be required to submit to a drug test and provide verification of successful screening prior to the first day of classes for each year they are enrolled in the MSAT. Students must complete the Drug Testing process in accordance with Health Science Department Policy. The Drug Test may be conducted in conjunction with the Criminal Background Check. All drug testing results will be reviewed by the Department Chair for decisions related to the outcomes of the test. Please refer to the MSAT Drug Screening Policy for further details. |
| Emergency Cardiac Care Certification | Provide verification of CPR/AED for the Health Care Professional. In order to engage in clinical education, students must maintain current certification in emergency cardiac care (Basic Life Support for Health Professionals or Professional Rescuer). While the program will make re-certification opportunities available, re-certification is ultimately the responsibility of the student. Should a student’s certification lapse, he/she will be removed from their clinical education experience pending re-certification. This break in education experience could delay timely progression in the MSAT program or course completion. Students should plan to complete their re-certification well in advance of expiration if the certification will occur during clinical education course. Students must provide documentation of current American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider CPR with the demonstration portion taken in a classroom setting (online course is not acceptable). Students are responsible for identifying training and renewal classes. If CPR certification expires during a clinical course, then it must be renewed prior to the start of the clinical course. |
| Immunizations | Provide proof of immunization for the following:
Please refer to the MSAT Health and Wellness Policy document for further details. |
| Tuberculosis Testing | Provide verification of baseline testing for mycobacterium tuberculosis infection consisting of:
Please refer to the MSAT Health and Wellness Policy document for further details. |
| Student Health Insurance | Students are required to provide evidence of adequate health insurance to cover long-term and emergency treatment or to be prepared to pay for services not covered. Please contact the UCCS Student Wellness Center for insurance information if necessary. |
Technical Standards
Athletic training is an intellectually, physically, and psychologically demanding profession. The abilities that an athletic trainer needs to practice safely are those described below, in the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) standards, and in the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer role delineation study/practice analysis. All admitted and enrolled students of the Masters of Science Athletic Training (MSAT) program must be able to meet these minimum standards for successful completion of degree requirements. Review of the technical standards by the program will take place after admission to avoid discrimination in the admissions process, however a student must still be able to determine that they can meet the technical standards with or without reasonable accommodation to be granted final admission into the program.
Students will be judged on academic accomplishments, as well as their physical and emotional capacities to successfully complete the program requirements and enter the profession of athletic training. Admitted students should read and understand the technical standards and determine whether or not they can meet the standards with or without reasonable accommodation.
After acceptance, admitted students must provide a signed technical standards form for attesting that he/she meets or requires reasonable accommodation of the technical standards established by the MSAT and UCCS Disability Services for final admission processing. Admitted students should also provide a signed physical exam form after completion of physical exam by health care provider (MD, DO, PA, NP) of the applicant's choice. The exam needs to attest to the applicant's ability to meet the technical standards for the program. Attestation by a physician or other healthcare provider (i.e.: PA) is required using the MSAT Physician Attestation form.
MSAT PROGRAM TECHNICAL STANDARDS:
| Observation | Observation requires the functional use of vision, hearing, and somatic sensations. Students must be able to:
Examples in which these observational skills are required include, but are not limited to:
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| Communication | Students must be able to:
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| Motor Function | Students must have sufficient motor function to:
These skills require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movement and equilibrium. |
| Intellectual Abilities | To effectively solve problems, students must be able to:
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| Behavioral and Social Attributes | Students must possess the psychological ability required for them to:
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Reasonable Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a qualified student who has a disability may request reasonable accommodations. Please work with UCCS Disability Services to discuss your particular circumstance. If a student states he/she can meet the technical standards with accommodations, the University will determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodations; this includes a review of whether the requested accommodations are reasonable, taking into account whether accommodations would jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical experience, and field experience deemed essential for graduation.
Admitted students must be able to meet the MSAT Program Technical Standards throughout the program. Should a student’s physical ability status change, the student shall update their technical standards document and confer with the UCCS Office of Disability Services to determine whether or not accommodation can be made for continuance in the program.
Contact Us
For Information Regarding the Master of Science in Athletic Training and Admission Requirements:
Dr. Mandi Elder
Professor | Athletic Training Program Director
Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences University of Colorado Colorado Springs
aelder@uccs.edu
(719) 255-5157
For Information Related to the Exercise Science undergraduate athletic training prep program see the Exercise Science Degree program.
For Information Related to the Online Application Process U.S. & International Admissions Contact:
Susan J. Eldridge, MA
Graduate Recruitment Specialist University of Colorado Colorado Springs 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
seldrid3@uccs.edu
(719)255-3996
Meet Our Team
 | Amanda Elder, EdD, ATC Mandi Elder is an Associate Professor in the Health Sciences Department. Mandi has been at UCCS since 2008.
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 | Margaret Hunt, MS, ATC
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 | Kathy Liu, PhD, ATC
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 | Alex Constantinides, DO
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