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:

• Advanced knowledge and clinical proficiency in clinical anatomy, therapeutic agents, manual therapies, orthopedic practices and physician extender competencies is required

• Demonstrate through examinations, on-campus laboratories and clinical evaluations advanced knowledge and understanding of the learning objectives for each course.
• 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

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

Admission requirements and deadlines
Admission is limited to those meeting minimum admission standards and student must complete admission application to the office of Graduate Studies.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a CaATe CAATE-accredited institution
• Undergraduate Cumulative GPA: 2.50 
  Undergraduate Major GPA: 3.00 
• Statement of professional goals with resume or curriculum vitae
• Submission of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Letter of Intent for the Master of Science in Athletic Training Advanced Clinical Practice Track
• BOC® certification or BOC® eligible (must have challenged examination once before enrollment)
• Three letters of recommendation (One from the Athletic Training Program Director)
• Proof of professional liability insurance
• Proof of Act 34 & 151 and Fingerprinting (Criminal Record and Child Abuse Clearances)

Summer #1

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Summer #2

Culminating Experience Requirement

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