Graduate
Post-Professional Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)
The Post-Professional Master of Science in Athletic Training is designed for certified athletic trainers seeking advanced clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in evidence-based practice. The program prepares practitioners to become clinical specialists, educators, researchers, and healthcare leaders through advanced study of patient evaluation, rehabilitation, performance enhancement, and applied research.
Program Overview
- Admission Requirements
- Completed online application through the Graduate Application portal.
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities sent directly to gradandadult@alvernia.edu.
- Bachelor’s degree in athletic training, 3.0 overall GPA, and successful completion of all pre-requisite courses.
- Students whose GPA is below 3.0 with unique academic coursework and/or extensive professional experiences may be eligible for initial acceptance.
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Professional Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee. Contact our Graduate Enrollment team to request a fee waiver before submitting your payment!
- 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.
- Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply evidence-based practice principles to clinical decision-making, patient care, and professional practice.
- Critically evaluate and synthesize scientific literature to inform healthcare interventions and outcomes.
- Design, implement, and disseminate scholarly research relevant to athletic training and sports medicine.
- Perform advanced differential diagnosis and clinical assessment of orthopedic, neurological, and general medical conditions.
- Develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs using current evidence and best practices.
- Integrate biomechanical, ergonomic, nutritional, and performance-based principles into patient care and injury prevention strategies.
- Utilize patient-reported outcomes, health informatics, and diagnostic data to optimize clinical decision-making.
- Collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary healthcare teams to deliver patient-centered care.
- Demonstrate leadership, ethical practice, and professional responsibility within diverse healthcare and performance environments.
- Contribute to the advancement of athletic training through scholarly activity, innovation, and lifelong learning.
- Accreditation Statements and Program Information and Outcomes
- The university's athletic training program is fully accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Alvernia's Program Information and Outcomes page on the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) website can be found here.
- 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
Fast-Growing Profession
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,400 openings for athletic trainers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Median Wage
The median annual wage for athletic trainers in 2024 was $60,250, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Opportunities
- Collegiate and professional athletics
- Secondary school athletic programs
- Sports medicine clinics
- Rehabilitation and performance centers
- Occupational and industrial health settings
- Military and tactical athlete programs
- Higher education and clinical instruction
- Research and healthcare leadership
Career Support at Alvernia
Alvernia's Office of Career Development supports students and alumni in job searches and career planning. Its services include individual career advising; résumé, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile reviews; interview preparation and practice; access to career information as well as internship and job opportunities; career fairs and networking connections; and graduate school application support.
Why Study Athletic Training at Alvernia?
The program equips practicing athletic trainers with advanced clinical expertise, scholarly foundation, and leadership skills necessary to excel in contemporary healthcare environments and contribute to the continued growth of the profession.
Smart Ways to Save at Alvernia
Your goals matter—and affordability shouldn’t stand in the way. Alvernia offers multiple ways to make tuition manageable, including payment plans, financial aid options and tuition reimbursement programs. We guide you every step of the way.
Bringing credits with you? Alvernia offers transfer-focused scholarship options and staff ready to help you map a clear path to graduation — whether you’re transferring into a day program or completing your degree at an accelerated pace.
Apply for admission, then complete the FAFSA (school code 003233). Pennsylvania residents should file by the May 1 state grant deadline. Once your FAFSA is received, accepted and you’re registered, we’ll prepare your aid offer
Many employers and organizations partner with Alvernia to offer tuition discounts for working adults. Check whether your workplace is eligible and see how a Preferred Partner benefit can lower your tuition on select programs.
If your employer reimburses you after the semester ends, Alvernia can help you postpone tuition payment for up to 30 days after the semester—at no additional charge—so you don’t have to pay everything upfront.
Get To Know Your Faculty
For more information about Alvernia’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program contact the Graduate and Adult Admissions Office at 610-796-5187 or gradandadult@alvernia.edu. Or reach out directly to Professor of Athletic Training Thomas Franek, Ph.D., LAT, ATC at 610-796-3012 or thomas.franek@alvernia.edu.
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