Masters in Athletic Training (MSAT)

Program Description

The MSAT program will be available as an accelerated 3+2 program for students who begin at CCSU.  Students will have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s degree in Athletic Training in 5 years.  Students who already have a degree in Exercise Science or a related field and meet the prerequisite requirements will be able to pursue a traditional 2-year Master’s degree.

The faculty of the Athletic Training Education Program strives to provide the students with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge needed to enter the profession and to pursue advanced study in athletic training or related allied health professions. At Central Connecticut State University, importance is placed on the program's commitment to quality classroom instruction and providing ample opportunities for the development of the athletic training student's clinical skills through patient contact which includes student-athletes at CCSU and non-athletic/non-orthopedic patients outside of CCSU, while under the supervision of an athletic training preceptor. The athletic training faculty places emphasis on the student's analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the performance of practical skills during the athletic training student's clinical rotations in a coeducational setting.

Central Connecticut State University's Athletic Training Education Program is housed in the Department of Physical Education & Human Performance and will grant a Master’s of Science Degree in Athletic Training. The Athletic Training Education Program is designed to prepare the student to assume the role of an entry-level athletic trainer upon graduation and successful completion of the Board of Certification (BOC) Examination.

Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge (Cognitive)
   • Demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge and understanding necessary for the safe practice as a health care professional in the areas of prevention, clinical evaluation, diagnosis, immediate care, treatment and rehabilitation.
   • Demonstrate the ability to document findings of initial evaluations, management plans, and referrals.
2. Knowledge (Skills and Application)
   • Demonstrate the acquisition of the established necessary skills that are the basis for clinical proficiency.
   • Demonstrate the ability to investigate, integrate concepts and problem solve in order to communicate the assessment findings to the patient and other health care team members.
   • Demonstrate the ability to use comprehensive therapeutic judgment and the ability to identify modifying influences or deviations from the norm.
3. Practice Ethically, Professionally and Compassionately
   • Demonstrate the ability to provide health care services of an athletic trainer to a variety of patient populations without prejudice to age, activities, gender, and social or cultural difference.
   • Demonstrate the ability to function as a health care provider during challenging situations by remaining composed and professional, while affording quality compassionate care to the patient.
   • Practice confidentiality and abide by professional ethical standards of the profession.
4. Professional Development and Collaboration
   • Practice with the intent to advance personal professional knowledge and clinical skills by remaining current in the profession through participation in seminars and research, in order to best serve the patient population through the practice of evidence-based medicine.
   • Participate in advocating the athletic training profession through engagement with local community events by volunteering time and professional skills.
   • Practice with a commitment to share the knowledge and skills of the athletic trainer in support of joint collaboration efforts that lead to improving the quality of patient care.

** The last incoming class that is eligible for a BS degree in Athletic Training is fall 2019.  We anticipate our first MSAT class to being in the summer of 2020.

Prerequisite Courses:

The MSAT degree at CCSU is offered through the department of Physical Education & Human Performance within the School of Education & Professional Studies.  This program offers a variety of unique learning experiences that prepares future healthcare professionals. The MSAT curriculum spans 2 calendar years and focuses on professional content and hands-on application with a varied patient population.  The MSAT requires continuous enrollment & progression.  The program prepares the students to become healthcare practitioners who collaborate with other medical professionals in providing optimal care for patients involved in active lifestyles. This degree sequence prepares students for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination which is needed to practice as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).

Additionally, students can complete a 3+2 program that leads toward a BS in Exercise Science and the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) in 5 years of study.

Total Credit Hours: 60