Athletic Training M.S. Advanced Clinical Practice

Advanced Clinical Practice

36 credits - Thesis Option

36 credits - Non-thesis Option

Purpose of degree:

The Advanced Clinical Practice Master of Science degree in Athletic Training is intended for individuals who are certified as athletic trainers by the Board of Certification® (BOC®) or individuals that have met eligibility requirements to challenge the BOC® certification examination.

A primary purpose is to enhance the quality of health care services for the physically active through the post-professional preparation of advanced practice clinicians and to make the student a potential candidate for specialty credentials through the National Athletic Trainers' Association and other health, orthopedic, and fitness-related associations. Graduates of this program will be ideal candidates for leadership in clinical service, research, education, and administration.

Outcome expectations of students and degree completion:

Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Athletic Training: Advanced Clinical Practice Graduate Program will:

• demonstrate through examinations, on-campus laboratories and clinical evaluations advanced knowledge and understanding of the learning objectives for each course. Advanced knowledge and clinical proficiency in clinical anatomy, therapeutic agents, manual therapies, orthopedic practices and physician extender competencies is required
• demonstrate mastery and clinical proficiency of advanced skills in the affiliated clinical sites (advanced clinical practicums) with the support of qualified clinical preceptors
• demonstrate knowledge and advanced clinical skills that will position them for career advancement and/or acceptance into graduate and/or professional degree programs
• demonstrate the ability to design, construct and assess the results of meaningful, evidence-based research
• demonstrate an understanding of the central issues and current evidence-based research in the field and effectively communicate this knowledge in both written and oral projects
• demonstrate appropriate professional and ethical behavior in relation to the NATA Code of Ethics, BOC® Standards of Professional Practice and state regulations and statutes

Special Resources/Conditions:

The didactic aspects of this program have been designed to be delivered using a variety of innovative and traditional pedagogical methodologies.

Students must be capable of learning in a web-based and hybrid classroom environment. Students must have access to a computer that meets the technological demands for web-based learning.

Students enrolled in this program will work closely with a clinical preceptor who will assist the student in their efforts to integrate theory into practice.

Students in the regional cohort must have reliable transportation and be able to meet the demands of traveling to Advanced Clinical Practice sites.

Program of Study

Undergraduate prerequisites required:

Candidates for the M.S. in Athletic Training must be a graduate of a CaATe-accredited Entry-Level Athletic Training Program (Bachelor’s or Master’s Entry-Level) and be BOC®-eligible.

Typical time to finish:

13 months

Required plan of study:

Summer I: 6 credits

Fall Semester: 12 credits

Spring Semester: 12 credits

Summer II: 6 credits

Final graduation requirement

Completion of thesis and oral comprehensive examination OR written comprehensive examination.