Master of Science
Program Description
Athletic training is an allied health profession dedicated to the prevention, care, and rehabilitation of injuries to people who are physically active. Potential employment opportunities include working in high schools, colleges, universities, sports medicine clinics, hospital-based physical therapy clinics, fitness centers, industrial health care facilities, law enforcement, the military, and professional sports. Entry-level athletic trainers must successfully pass the Board of Certification (BOC) examination to practice athletic training.
The Master of Science degree in Athletic Training is designed to fulfill BOC examination eligibility and Illinois state licensing requirements necessary to practice in the state of Illinois. Students will participate in a rigorous academic program that includes practicum course clinical rotations to physical therapy clinics, high schools, colleges, hospitals, and physician offices.
All students (3+2 and 2-year program) must satisfy university graduate degree requirements, including academic standards, to continue in and graduate from the degree program. Please review those policies in the Graduate Regulations and Policies Catalog for details.
Master of Science in Athletic Training - 5 (3+2) years option Dual Degree
Program in Exercise Science and Athletic Training
Aurora University offers students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Science in Athletic Training in five years. Students majoring in Exercise Science – Athletic Training Emphasis will apply to the master’s degree program during their junior year (third year). If admitted, they will begin their master’s degree coursework during their fourth year while concurrently completing their Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science.
For the 3+2 Dual Degree Program, students will be accepted into the program following the spring semester of their third year. Aurora University maintains the right to admit only the most highly qualified students from those who have met the admission requirements. Students are encouraged to review Aurora University’s Policy for Students with Disabilities found in the university catalog. Admission requirements and technical standards for athletic training students are found in the Athletic Training Program Policies and Procedures Handbook and on the program website.
Master of Science in Athletic Training - 2 year option
Aurora University also offers students the opportunity to earn a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training in two years if the candidate has a bachelor’s degree in a related field and has completed the following pre-requisite coursework:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Psychology
- First Aid/CPR (Certification must be valid at the time of enrollment in the program)
- Kinesiology, Functional Anatomy, or Biomechanics
- Statistics
- Physics
- Chemistry
Once admitted, students will complete all of the necessary athletic training coursework in 2 years and will then become eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination.
Admission Requirements
Masters of Science in Athletic Training 3+2 Program Entrance Requirements
- Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the point of application to the 3+2 program
- Complete all pre-requisite course requirements
- TB Test – within six months of entrance
- Proof of current Immunizations or waiver
- Technical Standards Form completed
- Criminal Background Check
- Drug Screen
Masters of Science in Athletic Training 2 Year Program Entrance Requirements
- Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the point of application to the 3+2 program
- Complete all pre-requisite course requirements
- TB Test – within six months of entrance
- Proof of current Immunizations or waiver
- Technical Standards Form completed
- Criminal Background Check
- Drug Screen
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ATR-5200 | Emergency Medical Response 1 | 4 |
| ATR-5500 | Principles of Athletic Training 1 | 4 |
| ATR-5510 | Diagnosis of the Lower Extremity 1 | 4 |
| ATR-5530 | Diagnosis of the Upper Extremity 1 | 4 |
| ATR-5540 | Diagnosis of the Head and Spine | 2 |
| ATR-5550 | Principles of Therapeutic Interventions 1 | 4 |
| ATR-5560 | Principles of Taping and Bracing 1 | 2 |
| ATR-5750 | Athletic Training Practicum I 1 | 3 |
| ATR-5760 | Athletic Training Practicum II 1 | 3 |
| ATR-6100 | Athletic Training Internship | 4 |
| ATR-6150 | Administration of Athletic Training | 4 |
| ATR-6350 | Applied Sport and Human Performance | 2 |
| ATR-6500 | Medical Aspects of Athletic Training | 4 |
| ATR-6550 | Applied Therapeutic Rehabilitation | 2 |
| ATR-6600 | Applied Therapeutic Interventions | 2 |
| ATR-6750 | Athletic Training Practicum III | 3 |
| ATR-6760 | Athletic Training Practicum IV | 3 |
| ATR-6800 | Research in Athletic Training I | 2 |
| ATR-6820 | Research in Athletic Training II | 2 |
| ATR-6900 | BOC Examination Prep | 2 |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
| 1 | These courses will be taken during the fourth year by students who are admitted to the Master of Science in Athletic Training Dual Degree 3 + 2 Program. |
Graduate Degree Requirements
- Completion of all coursework specified by the graduate program.
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or higher if specified by the graduate program.
- Submission of all pre-graduation materials required by the graduate program.
- Acceptance of thesis or other required final project by the graduate program.
- Submission of two copies of approved thesis or project in a specified form together with payment of binding fee where applicable.
- Submission of Application for Graduation and payment of any graduation fees assessed by the university.
- In the case of certification programs, submission of all governmental forms.
- Residency Requirement: A minimum of 25% percent of the total credits required for the completion of the graduate degree or post-baccalaureate certificate or credential must be earned at Aurora University. Individual programs may establish more extensive residency requirements, including requirements that specific coursework be completed at Aurora University.
Learning Outcomes
- Evidence-Based Practice: The student will develop an appreciation for the integration of best practices in athletic training. As a practitioner this includes incorporating into their practice the best available evidence, clinical skills, and the needs of the patient to maximize patient outcomes. An understanding of evidence-based practice concepts and their application is essential to sound clinical decision-making and the critical examination of athletic training practice.
- Prevention and Health Promotion: The student will develop proficiency in implementing strategies and programs to prevent the incidence and/or severity of injuries and illnesses and optimize their clients’/patients’ overall health and quality of life. These strategies and programs also incorporate the importance of nutrition and physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and in preventing chronic disease (e.g. diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease).
- Clinical Evaluation And Diagnosis: The student will develop proficiency in the areas of clinical examination skills in order to accurately diagnosis and effectively treat their patients. The clinical examination is an on-going process, repeated to some extent each time the patient is treated. The development of these skills requires a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. Athletic trainers must also apply clinical-reasoning skills throughout the physical examination process in order to assimilate data, select the appropriate assessment tests, and formulate a differential diagnosis.
- Acute Care of Injuries And Illnesses: The student will develop proficiency and understanding in the areas of acute care and illnesses. Athletic trainers are often present when injuries or other acute conditions occur or are the first healthcare professionals to evaluate a patient. For this reason, athletic trainers must be knowledgeable and skilled in the evaluation and immediate management of acute injuries and illnesses.
- Therapeutic Interventions: The student will develop proficiency and understanding necessary to assess the patient’s status using clinician-and patient-oriented outcome measures. Based on this assessment and with consideration of the stage of healing and goals, a therapeutic intervention is designed to maximize the patient’s participation and health-related quality of life.
- Psychosocial Strategies and Referral: The student will develop proficiency and understanding to be able to recognize clients/patients exhibiting abnormal social, emotional, and mental behaviors. Coupled with recognition is the ability to intervene and refer these individuals as necessary. Additionally, athletic trainers appreciate the role of mental health in injury and recovery and use interventions to optimize the connection between mental health and restoration of participation.
- Healthcare Administration: The student will develop proficiency and understanding to function within the context of a complex healthcare system. Integral to this function is an understanding of risk management, healthcare delivery mechanisms, insurance, reimbursement, documentation, patient privacy, and facility management.
- Professional Development and Responsibility: The student will develop proficiency and appreciation for professional development and responsibility. The provision of high quality patient care requires that the athletic trainer maintain current competence in the constantly changing world of healthcare. Athletic trainers must also embrace the need to practice within the limits of state and national regulation using moral and ethical judgment. As members of a broader healthcare community, athletic trainers work collaboratively with other healthcare providers and refer clients/patients when such referral is warranted.