Get your career in shape

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at Alvernia University provides students with an intellectual and clinical foundation, enabling them to play an important role in the health care of athletes, those involved in physical activity, and those who seek to incorporate activity and wellness into their lives. The program combines Alvernia’s Franciscan core values with the foundation of evidence-based practice in theory and clinical experiences. Graduates of the MSAT program become highly qualified health professionals in the field of athletic training capable of “knowledge joined with love.”


Certified athletic trainers provide a critical role as health professionals. Working with physicians, trainers focus on the prevention, assessment, immediate care and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses resulting from sport, recreation, work and other physical activities.

Getting Started

Where You Can Get A Degree

The Master of Science in Athletic Training program is available at the following Alvernia University campus:

Application Instructions

Complete your graduate application.

Submit your transcripts.

Complete your financial aid paperwork.

Register for classes.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our financial aid page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

Request More Information
Loading...
Application of friction massage/trigger point release to patient. Melanie Rynshall, assistant athletic trainer.
Why Alvernia?
• A nationally ranked comprehensive regional university, Alvernia offers doctoral, master's, and post-baccalaureate programs to advance your career or prepare you for a new one.
• Flexible scheduling with evening classes and in-person, hybrid and online formats meet the needs of the busy adult learner.
• Programs are offered at a growing number of convenient locations in Reading, Pottsville, and Philadelphia.
• Alvernia is the ideal choice for graduate students because of a growing number of affiliation agreements with other local institutions and industry partners and dedicated advisors to help through every step of the educational journey.


Program Overview

Curriculum

Accelerated scheduling allows for completion of the MSAT in two years for post-baccalaureate students. Post-baccalaureate students must complete the following coursework indicated below:

Fall Semester 1 (15 credits)

DPT 500 Gross Anatomy (5 credits)

AT 510 Athletic Training Clinical Procedures I (3 credits)

AT 520 Athletic Training Clinical Practicum I (Clinical Evaluation & Pathology 1 - Lower Extremity) (7 credits)

Spring Semester 2 (13 credits)

COR 520 Ethics & Moral Leadership (3 credits)

AT 511 Athletic Training Clinical Procedures II (3 credits)

AT 521 Athletic Training Clinical Practicum II (Clinical Evaluation & Pathology 2 - Upper Extremity) (7 credits)

Summer Semester & Fall Semester 3 - MOD Format (20 Credits)

Summer MOD - 

AT 625 Athletic Training Clinical Procedures III (3 credits)

AT 630 Evidence Based Practice: Clinical Research 1 (3 credits)

Fall Mod 1 - 

AT 610 Athletic Training Clinical Practicum III: Immersive Clinical Experience 1 (6 credits)

Fall Mod 2 - 

AT 615 General Medical Conditions in the Physical Activity (3 credits)

AT 618 Pharmacology in Athletic Training (online) (2 credits)

AT 645 Evidence Based Practice: Performance Enhancement (3 credits) 

Spring Semester 4 - MOD Format (13 credits)

Spring MOD 3 - 

AT 620 Clinical Pathology & Differential Diagnosis (2 credits)

AT 635 Evidence Based Practice: Clinical Research Seminar (3 credits)

AT 640 Healthcare Administration & Professional Responsibility (2 credits)

Spring MOD 4 -

AT 611 Clinical Practicum IV: Immersive Clinical Experience 2 (6 credits)

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Students are required to complete four supervised clinical practicums during the professional phase (years 4 and 5) of the program. The variety of clinical practice settings include:

  • College and university athletics (NCAA divisions 1, 2 and 3)
  • Semi-professional athletics
  • High school athletics
  • Industrial settings
  • Physician practice settings
  • Inter-professional education experiences (traditional and non-traditional patients)


These experiences allow each student the opportunity to practice athletic training skills in a real-world setting with direct patient contact.

Accreditation Statements
  • The university's athletic training program is fully accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
  • Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in 2021 was $48,420.

Traditional practice settings:

  • secondary schools
  • colleges and universities
  • professional sports programs
  • sports medicine clinics


Emerging practice settings:

  • industry
  • the military
  • law enforcement
  • physician practices
  • performing arts
MSAT student Susan Pirollo in athletic training classroom
Student aspires to become athletic trainer, coach
As a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) student and track and field athlete, Susanna Pirollo ’22 is getting a different perspective of athletics.


Get To Know Your Faculty