Athletic Training (MSAT)

Getting Started

Where You Can Get A Degree

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

• Reading

General Notes

• A minimum of 123 credits are required for graduation.
• Credits earned for COM 100 and MAT 100 do not count toward the 123 credits required for graduation; however, COM 100 students may petition for elective credit.
• Where appropriate, courses required for the major can be used to satisfy General Education requirements. However, the credits earned for these courses are applied to either Gen Ed requirements or the major, not both.
• Paths of Knowledge coursework may count towards major or minor requirements, but may not fulfill a second Mid-Level Liberal Arts Exploration requirement.
• Students are expected to follow the catalog requirements for General Education, the major, and additional requirements.
• A minor or second major within the areas listed under Paths of Knowledge automatically fulfills that area of the Gen Ed requirements.

Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the Alvernia web portal or The Common Application. To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, 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.

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Program Overview

Curriculum: General Education

Alvernia students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. You’ll need to complete 54-56 liberal arts core credits and complete community service hours. In addition, Athletic Training majors must complete 64 credits in the major.

First Year Curriculum: Enduring Questions

• SEARCH Seminar-Enduring Questions or Honor Search-Enduring Questions (3 credits: SRH 101 or HNR 160)
• COM 101 Composition & Research: Must earn a C or higher (3 credits)
• THE 105 Foundations of Theology (3 credits)
• PHI 105 Introduction to Philosophy (3 credits)

Mid-Level Liberal Arts Exploration Credits

• Exploring the Natural World (6-8 credits)
  • Lab Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) (MET IN RELATED AREA)
  • Math (Other than MAT 100) (MET IN RELATED AREA – MAT 208)
• Individuals & Communities (6 credits)
  • History or Political Science
  • PSY 101, HIS, POS, SOC, SSC, or ECON 3 (MET IN RELATED AREA – PSY 101)
• Culture & Language (9 credits)
  • Communication (Not COM 100 or 101)
  • World Language – 2 courses in sequence (6 credits)
• Creative Expressions (6 credits)
  • Literature (ENG)
  • Art, Music, or Theatre (MET IN RELATED AREA – THE 210)

Ethical Leaders and Followers Credits

• Theology or Philosophy (200-400 level) (3 credits)
• Theology or Philosophy (Ethics/Morality @ 200 level) (3 credits)

Curriculum: Paths of Knowledge

Paths of Knowledge may count towards minor or Related Requirements, but not Mid-Level Arts Exploration requirements. Choose one path.

PATH 1: Interdisciplinary Study (IS)

Three courses, at least two from Liberal Arts disciplines, not the major, at the 200-400 level from the interdisciplinary minors of Women & Gender Studies, Digital Media, Community & Environmental Sustainability, Community Engagement, Cultural Studies, Leadership Studies or Pre-Law.

PATH 2: Multi-disciplinary Study (MS)

Three courses, at least two from Liberal Arts disciplines, not the major, at the 200-400 level employing multiple disciplinary perspectives to explore the Enduring Questions in one of the following themes: Cultural & Global Studies, Imagination & Creativity, Peace & Conflict, Poverty & Wealth or Sustainability, Science & Technology.

PATH 3: In-depth Disciplinary Study (DS)

Three courses at the 200-400 level in one Liberal Arts discipline other than one’s major, guided by common ideas and methods of inquiry. Students choose from Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communication, Computer Science, Economics, English, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Theology, Theatre or World Languages. This path may be used to give students a firm foundation in a discipline supporting their chosen major, or to pursue an interest in one of the Liberal Arts disciplines. 

Curriculum: Major Requirements

Alvernia students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. You’ll need to complete 54-56 liberal arts core credits and complete community service hours. In addition, Athletic Training majors must complete 64 credits in the major. 

Required Courses (64 Credits) 

• AT 101: Intro to Athletic Training
• AT 113: Emergency Response
• AT 222: Care and Prevention of Athletic Injury
• AT 390: Clinical Seminar
• AT 433: Exercise Physiology
• AT 510: Athletic Training Clinical Procedures I
• AT 520: Athletic Training Clinical Practicum I (Clinical Evaluation and Pathology 1: Lower Extremity)
• AT 511: Athletic Training Clinical Procedures II
• AT 521: Athletic Training Clinical Practicum II (Clinical Evaluation and Pathology 2: Upper Extremity)
• AT 610: Athletic Training Clinical Practicum III: Immersive Clinical Experience 1
• AT 615: General Medical Conditions in the Physical Activity
• AT 618: Pharmacology in Athletic Training (online)
• AT 625: Athletic Training Clinical Procedures III
• AT 630: Evidence Based Practice: Clinical research I
• AT 620: Clinical Pathology and Differential Diagnosis
• AT 635: Evidence Based Practice: Clinical Research Seminar II
• AT 640: Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility
• AT 645: Evidence Based Practice: Performance Enhancement
• AT 611: Clinical Practicum IV: Immersive Clinical Experience 2
   

Required Related Courses (30 credits)

• BIO 103 General Biology with lab*
• BIO 107: Anatomy & Physiology I (co-requisite: BIO 117)*
• BIO 117: Anatomy & Physiology I Lab (co-requisite: BIO 107)*
• BIO 108: Anatomy & Physiology II (co-requisite: BIO 118)*
• BIO 118: Anatomy & Physiology II Lab (co-requisite: BIO 108)*
• BIO 208: Neuroscience for Rehabilitation (pre-requisites: BIO 107/117, 108/118; or BIO 103, 104)*
• BIO 211: Kinesiology (pre-requisites: BIO 107/117)*
• BIO 217: Principles of Sports Nutrition (pre-requisites: BIO 107/117, 108/118)*
• CHE 104 General Chem 1*
• CHE 110 General Chem Lab*
• DPT 500: Gross Anatomy*
• PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology*
• PSY 208: Human Development Across the Lifespan (pre-requisite: PSY 101)*
• MAT 208: Introductory Statistics (pre-requisite: Satisfactory math placement)*
• HCS 305: Informatics
• HCS 310: Health & Wellness over the Lifespan
• HCS 320: Healthcare Science & Cultural Competency
• HCS 330: Healthcare Literacy & Advocacy
• PHY 110: General Physics

*Must earn a "C" or better.

Major Notes

Traditional Freshman and Transfer Students are accepted into the pre-professional phase of the MSAT program upon acceptance to the University.

Students who have completed the criteria listed below can continue with the professional phase of the MSAT Program at the completion of the 3rd year of study (transfer students and/or post-baccalaureate students will enter the professional phase of the program at a point to be determined by the program director):

• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
• Completion of all pre-requisite course work (found in related coursework section) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the following courses: AT 101, 113, 222; BIO 103, 107, 108, 117, 118, 208, 211, 217; CHE 104, 110, PSY 101, 208; MAT 208; and PHY 110.
• Formal application and essay, two recommendation forms and a grade of “C” or better in all courses mentioned above.
• Entry is limited on a space-available basis. There 28 available opening in each MSAT cohort.

All students in the Professional Phase of the MSAT Program must meet the following requirements:

• Obtain a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance form (ACT 151), a Criminal History Record Check (ACT 34), and an FBI Criminal Clearance (ACT 114). All clearances are required upon acceptance into the program and must be renewed yearly. Clearances must be completed prior to beginning any clinical hours (including observational experiences). Students must also complete the Background Checks Notification form. For more detailed information about what clearances are needed, see our Academic Compliance Regulations form.
• Submit a completed health record to the Health & Wellness Center, and complete the Authorization to Release Medical Information form.
• Obtain specific immunizations which includes: a Two-step TB Test, Diphtheria/Tetanus Booster, Measles, Mumps and Rubella and series of Hepatitis B vaccinations, and a Pneumococcal vaccine or waiver.
• Required yearly influenza vaccine or documented refusal.
• Obtain yearly Blood borne Pathogens and OSHA training and complete the Communicable Disease Policy.
• Maintain current certification in CPR and First Aid (Professional Rescuer).
• Provide proof of current health insurance.

Students entering their clinical rotations (professional phase) must:

• Provide transportation for clinical experience off-campus (public or private).
• Must have a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 34), a Criminal History Check (Act 151), and an FBI Criminal History Check on file.
• Must have a completed health record on file at the Health & Wellness Center

Progression Policies

• An individual athletic training course or required pre-requisite course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. However, students must achieve a 3.0 overall GPA AND a 3.0 GPA in the required pre-requisite coursework prior to entering the professional phase of the program. Students may repeat/delete only one MSAT (AT) course throughout the athletic training program.
• Students who receive a grade of less than a “C” in an athletic training course may not progress in athletic training courses for which that course is a prerequisite.
• Professional phase student must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 at all times during the professional phase of the program.

Technical Standards / Policy and Procedures

• The technical standards set forth by the MSAT Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education - CAATE). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the MSAT Program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program or permitted to continue in the program.
• Read the Athletic Training Program Policy and Procedures Manual.

Goal Indicators

Goal 1 Indicator

• 1.1: Describe basic biological systems and processes
• 1.2: Describe the relationship between anatomical structure and function (systems approach) as it relates to physical activity, injury/disease and prevention.
• 1.3: Analyze and describe human movement.
• 1.4: Define and relate principles of healthy lifestyle behaviors.
• 1.5: Describe body’s physiological responses and adaptation to injury.

Goal 2 Indicator

• 2.1: Evaluate and diagnose injuries and illnesses related to physical activity.
• 2.2: Assess and prescribe exercise and rehabilitation therapies for multiple populations.
• 2.3 Select and evaluate preventative measures to influence individual health and function.

Goal 3 Indicator

• 3.1: Demonstrate oral, written, and visual communication that is organized, coherent accurate, and professionally prepared and delivered.
• 3.2: Develop a specialized vocabulary which will allow them to engage in intelligent discourse in the field of athletic training.
• 3.3: Employ technology to communicate effectively and respectfully to a wide variety of groups and individuals

Goal 4 Indicator:

• 4.1: Successfully access and accurately interpret a variety of evidence-based research data to generate a focused clinical question.
• 4.2: Apply scientific evidence to implement safe and effective clinical practices.
• 4.3: Demonstrate critical scholarship that creates new knowledge.

Goal 5 Indicator

• 5.1 Articulate an understanding of moral, ethical, and compassionate care for a diverse population.
• 5.2 Recognize the impact of contextual factors (political, social, regulatory, prayer source, physical, cultural, and technological) around the tenants of Franciscan values on the delivery of care and Athletic Training services.

Goal 6 Indicator

• 6.1 Students will demonstrate an integration of didactic knowledge and skills in supervised clinical practice setting.
• 6.2 Students will demonstrate entry level proficiency through the completion of established clinical proficiencies.

Goal 7 Indicator

• 7.1: Students will demonstrate their ability to integrate themselves into a postgraduation professional setting

Goal 8 Indicator:

• 8.1: Athletic Training Faculty will demonstrate quality instruction.
• 8.2: Preceptors will demonstrate quality clinical instruction / clinical site contributes to quality clinical instruction.
• 8.3: Clinical instructors will demonstrate quality clinical instruction / clinical site contributes to quality clinical instruction

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Students are required to complete four supervised clinical practicums during the program. These experiences allow each student the opportunity to practice athletic training skills in a real-world setting with direct patient contact. The variety of clinical practice settings include:

• Albright College
• Alvernia University
• Berks Catholic High School
• Berks Community Health Center at Oakbrook
• Berks County Rugby Football Club
• Boyertown Area School District
• Exeter Township School District
• Fleetwood School District
• Governor Mifflin School District
• Harley Davidson Lifestyle Center
• Kutztown University
• Lancaster Barnstormers
• Lehigh Valley Health Network
• Muhlenberg School District
• Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster
• Penn State Health
• Quakertown Community School District
• Reading School District
• Spooky Nook Sports/Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster
• St. Luke's University Health Network
• Wilson School District
• Wyomissing Area School District
• York College

Accreditation Statement 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 is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Career Outlook

After earning your Master of Science in Athletic Training, you can pursue a variety of careers.

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

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 2022 was $53,840.

Get to Know Your Faculty

For more information about Alvernia’s Athletic Training program contact the Admissions Office at 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu. Or reach out directly to Associate Professor of Athletic Training Thomas Franek at 610-796-3012 or thomas.franek@alvernia.edu.