PROFESSIONAL (ENTRY-LEVEL) DEGREE PROGRAM
Julie Cavallario, PhD, ATC
Graduate Program Director of Athletic Training
School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training
2134A Health Sciences Building
757-683-4351
The Master of Science of Athletic Training degree program is a professional (entry-level) athletic training program that addresses the curricular content necessary for safe and proficient patient care. The curriculum addresses the six core competencies expected of all healthcare providers (evidence-based practice, quality improvement, use of healthcare informatics, patient-centered care, interprofessional education and collaborative practice, and professionalism). Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences which provide students with supervised hands-on learning opportunities necessary to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for autonomous clinical practice.
Admission and Entrance Requirements
Requirements for Admission
Students are admitted to the program after completion of a bachelor’s degree and prerequisite coursework. Courses for the program begin in May, during the first summer session, and continue for two calendar years. Specific procedures for admission must be followed, including the verification of meeting the technical standards. Admission into the program is competitive.
An application to the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS) must be submitted. The ATCAS website will be open to applicants on July 1 each year at https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis as they are received each year and continue until all positions are filled. Please follow the directions for the application found at the ATCAS site.
An applicant seeking admission to the MSAT degree program must have:
- a bachelor’s degree and official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate program attended at a regionally-accredited institution or an equivalent foreign institution;
- a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework.
Acceptance into the graduate school does not imply automatic acceptance into the athletic training program.
Other Application Requirements & Prerequisite Courses
The applicant will also need to submit documentation (via ATCAS) demonstrating the following requirements:
- Verification of 15 clock hours of observation with an athletic trainer;
- Two recommendations from professional or academic references; and
- Completion of the following prerequisites at Old Dominion University or another regionally-accredited institution (or international equivalent), with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (the first five must be laboratory science courses):
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy OR Anatomy & Physiology I
- Physiology OR Anatomy & Physiology II
- Biomechanics OR Kinesiology
- Psychology
- Nutrition
- Statistics
Additional Requirements
Continuance and Exit Requirements
Students must meet all requirements for continuance as outlined in the graduate continuance policy for the University. Students completing the program of study must:
- have an overall grade point average of 3.0;
- have a GPA of 3.0 in the major;
- demonstrate writing proficiency;
- satisfy all course competencies;
- pass comprehensive examinations;
- complete a research project;
- provide exit feedback to the program director; and
- file the necessary paperwork for graduation.
