Master of Science in Athletic Training

Offered in Hickory

The Master of Science in Athletic Training is designed as an entry-level degree for persons entering the field of athletic training. The degree is designed to prepare individuals for positions as certified athletic trainers in a variety of employment settings. The program uses an integrative curriculum for the development of strong clinical skills and decision making.

There are two program options:

1. The 4-1 Program is designed for students seeking an undergraduate degree at Lenoir-Rhyne prior to completion of the Master of Science in Athletic Training.
2. The traditional Master of Science degree is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree and desire a degree path toward BOC certification as an athletic trainer.

Faculty within the Athletic Training Program are dedicated educators and professionals with all appropriate credentials. In addition to the faculty, a variety of certified athletic trainers and medical professionals serve as clinical instructors in a variety of employment settings including collegiate athletics, public schools, orthopedic clinics, rehabilitation settings, general medical facilities, and special programs.

The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) at Lenoir-Rhyne is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Admission Requirements

Candidates for admission to the Master of Science in Athletic Training program must meet the following criteria:

1. Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended demonstrating successful or pending completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Minimum cumulative GPA is a 2.7;
2. Submit an official copy of either the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the GRE (unless Career Admission Track applies). Minimum MAT score is a 390; minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147, and Analytical Writing 3.5;
3. If Career Admission Track applies, submit one letter of professional recommendation through the online application;
4. Submit a writing sample clearly articulating goals and life experiences that have impacted the student’s decision to pursue a graduate degree in Athletic Training;
5. Have a current medical form on file which provides evidence of satisfactory physical and emotional health;
6. Documentation of a minimum of 75 observation hours with a certified Athletic Trainer;
7. Complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of a C or better and provided documentation on the prerequisite completion form;
8. Be available for an interview with program faculty as requested.
9. The admissions committee determines admissions decisions based on the whole application and reserves the right to admit, provisionally admit, waitlist, or deny applicants on this policy.
10. Upon acceptance into the program, submit a signed copy of the program Technical Standards;

Prerequisite Requirements

Competency in the basic areas of Athletic Training is required or recommended (depending on course) to begin courses in the AT program. Required prerequisites are Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, General Psychology, Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, and Biomechanics. Recommended courses are Sport and Exercise Psychology, Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries, and Exercise Evaluation and Prescription. The areas of competency are covered in the following LRU courses or their equivalents: BIO 281/ 282 Anatomy & Physiology I and II, HES 211 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries, HES 288 Nutrition, HES 300 Exercise Physiology, HES 303 Biomechanics/Kinesiology, HES 320 Exercise Evaluation & Prescription, HES 330 Psychology of Sport & Physical Activity, and PSY 100 General Psychology.