(SATRN)
The Master of Science in Athletic Training major is built around 60 credit hours of required clinical classroom coursework to satisfy: the program’s accreditation requirements set forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE); and for the student to meet eligibility requirements to sit for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification examination and state licensure requirements to practice as an athletic trainer upon graduation.
The mission of the Master of Science in Athletic Training at Louisiana State University is to produce entry-level BOC Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) who possess the qualities of cultural competency, clinical proficiency, loyalty, legal and ethical medical practice, professionalism, and accountability in their academic endeavors and career in athletic training.
Goals of the program are to:
- Prepare athletic training students to effectively communicate and build positive professional relationships with patients, administrators, other healthcare providers, and the public.
- Prepare athletic training students with well-rounded clinical and didactic experiences to meet the knowledge and skills requirements of the entry-level certified athletic trainer to effectively practice healthcare.
- Prepare athletic training students to utilize current and emerging technologies in patient education and patient care.
- Prepare athletic training students to integrate research into daily clinical practice through the acquisition, use, and practice of evidence-based medicine.
- Prepare athletic training students to provide culturally competent and efficient medical care to a diverse patient population.
- Develop the foundation of the athletic training students’ professional philosophy that reflects primacy of the patient, professional and patient advocacy, and legal/ethical medical practice.
Admission Requirements:
Students applying to the Master of Science in Athletic Training must meet the following minimum application criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
- Minimum of 3.00 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in the applicant’s last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
- Minimum of 290 GRE score
- Meet the technical standards for admission or show potential for accomplished tasks. The technical standards are available on the program’s website and made available in the ATCAS application system.
- Completion of minimum of 75 hours of observational professional experiences under a BOC credentialed athletic trainer and/or physician (at least 50 hours must be under the BOC credentialed athletic trainer)
- Acceptance to the LSU Graduate School
- Completion of on-campus interviews with program faculty/preceptors.
- Applicants must also submit a 1,000 word or less “Personal Statement” which provides a brief statement of the applicant’s background and interests, a description of her/his experience and skill, and his/her longer-term professional and academic goals and how the program aligns with those goals. A well-formed personal statement should also describe the kinds of topics and/or experiences the applicant would like to explore while enrolled in the program. it is beneficial if applicants can draw a connection between her/his long-term professional interest area and those of the faculty in the School.
Applicants who are narrowly trained or who have taken a significant amount of work on a pass-fail basis or in ungraded courses may be required to submit scores on GRE Subject (Advanced) Tests before their applications can be considered.
Prerequisite Coursework
The applicant must possess a minimum of “B-” or better in the following college coursework:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology (2 semesters with lab)
- Physics (lab not required)
- Nutrition
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Chemistry (lab not required)
- Biology (lab not required)
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Medical Terminology
- Personal Health/Wellness
The student must possess a current certification (at the time of application) in Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare Providers/Emergency Responders.
Applicants are required to complete an application through the CAATE’S common application system (ATCAS) and LSU Graduate School.
Initial Application (LSU Graduate School)
- Applications and supporting materials for all graduate study must be submitted through the online application site for the LSU Graduate School. Official transcripts, official test scores, and other materials that come from third-party sources must be mailed to: LSU Office of Graduate Admissions, 114 West David Boyd Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. These paper documents are stored electronically and departments have access to all materials submitted by and/or on behalf of a student applying to graduate study.
Secondary Application (ATCAS) administered by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
- Must complete a secondary application with ATCAS.
Applications for admission are received and evaluated by the School of Kinesiology. Applicants must adhere to the application deadlines established by the Graduate School and the School of Kinesiology. Students seeking admission must submit satisfactory credentials from previous study and other admission requirements set forth by the LSU Graduate School.
Probationary Admission
Applicants who fail to meet one or more of the requirements for regular admission may be admitted on probation, provided additional evidence of capacity to do satisfactory work is presented. Such evidence might include superior performance in a substantial amount of post baccalaureate work, high GRE scores (GMAT scores, when appropriate), and other achievements.
Provisional Admission
Provisional admission may be considered for applicants who appear to be admissible on the basis of the credentials submitted, but who are unable to supply all of the required official records prior to registration. Students admitted provisionally must submit complete and satisfactory records within 60 days (45 days in summer term) after the first day of class for the semester in which graduate study begins. If these credentials are not received by the date specified, or if they prove to be unsatisfactory, students will not be permitted to register for the following semester. Provisional admission does not guarantee subsequent regular admission.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available to some students. Support may be available through the student’s home department or other units in the form of research or teaching assistantships. A student should contact his or her home department for more information on available assistantship positions. To ensure consideration for financial aid, all application materials should be submitted in accordance with admission deadlines for the appropriate program.
Non-Thesis
No thesis is required.
Comprehensive Examination
- Students must successfully sit for the national credentialing examination for athletic trainers (administered by the Board of Certification, Inc.) and receive results documenting they passed the examination during the student’s final academic semester prior to the deadlines to qualify for Spring graduation.
- In order to graduate from LSU the student must pass the BOC examination. if a student does not pass the BOC examination then the student would be required to successfully complete a written comprehensive examination administered by the School of Kinesiology.
- The student may be permitted to graduate in the Summer semester without a passing attempt on the BOC examination during his/her final Spring semester if the comprehensive examination is successfully completed prior to deadlines to graduate per the LSU Graduate School.
- The national credentialing examination is the requirement in 49 states to practice as an athletic trainer after graduation from a CAATE-accredited athletic training program.