These requirements are from an excerpt from the University Academic Catalog, which outlines the requirements for a student to earn the distinction of being a Castleton University graduate. The complete catalog is available online.
The Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program is a two-year graduate program that prepares students to challenge the Board of Certification examination and enter the profession of athletic training.
Applicants to the program must be enrolled in the Castleton University Kinesiology/Pre-Athletic Training bachelor's degree program OR have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university by the time of matriculation to the MAT program. See below for more specific admissions requirements.
Enrollment in the MAT program is limited and admission is highly selective. New cohorts enter the program annually in the summer and complete a two-year, 67-credit curriculum. The program uses a competency-based approach in both the classroom and clinical settings. A medical model is used to educate students to serve in the role of athletic trainer with emphasis on clinical reasoning skills. The clinical rotations consist of four semesters of extensive experiences that include assignments with men and women's varsity athletic teams, cooperative experiences at other area colleges, high schools, Killington Medical Clinic, and the Vermont Orthopedic Clinic. Students will also work with other health care professionals in the practice settings of emergency medicine, orthopedics, family practice medicine, chiropractic medicine, and physical therapy. Students will complete one immersive clinical experience in which they participate in the full-time experience and day-to-day role of an athletic trainer.
Program Mission StatementThe mission of the CAATE- accredited Athletic Training Program at Castleton University is to provide a comprehensive and progressive academic and clinical education experience for students. This experience at Castleton will prepare students to pass the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and engage in relevant and meaningful careers.We prepare athletic trainers who promote healthy lifestyles and provide contemporary, quality healthcare to their patients and clients.
The AT Program embraces Castleton University's mission to provide a transformational education within an inclusive, respectful, student-centered learning environment.Students will be provided opportunities for intellectual and personal growth through excellence in teaching, close student-faculty interaction, and numerous outside-the-classroom community partnerships.
Program Goals
The Master's in Athletic Training Program will prepare students to:
The Master's in Athletic Training Program will continually strive to provide high quality didactic and clinical instruction and learning opportunities for students.
Admissions Requirements
1. Candidates should be enrolled in the Castleton University Kinesiology/Pre-Athletic Training bachelor's degree program OR have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university by the time of matriculation to the MAT program.
2. A statement that addresses why you want to pursue a master of athletic training degree, previous experience you have had with an athletic trainer or other healthcare provider, and your professional goals. Limit your statement to 500 words or fewer and include a word count at the end of your statement.
3. Current Résumé.
4. Two letters of reference that address your scholarship and potential as a health care professional.
5. Official transcript of all college/university work, both graduate and undergraduate. It is with your success in mind that we carefully review your academic foundation. We encourage interested students to apply. Admission to the program may be granted if the applicant has an undergraduate cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale and shows aptitude for graduate studies as reflected by references, writing ability, and personal objectives.
6. Transcript must verify completion of all of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better:
7. Current CPR certification at the professional rescuer level.
8. Students must meet minimum technical standard requirements to be eligible to participate in the MAT Program. A completed Technical Standards form must be submitted as part of the application process.
Students who meet requirements 1-8 as listed above will be contacted after February 1st to schedule an interview.
Prior to matriculation, students must submit:
Application Deadline and Process:
Students will apply to the program through the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS). Apply now to begin the application process.
The application deadline is February 1st. Program faculty will review completed applications after this deadline. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed after this deadline if space in the cohort permits.
Program Retention StandardsOnce accepted into the MAT Program, students must meet minimum academic and clinical retention standards. The program's Progression, Retention, and Probation policy is available on the MAT website.
Accreditation StatusThe program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Additional FeesAdditional fees and expenses include, but are not limited to: 1. Equipment, supplies, and select laboratory and curricular technology fees; specific course fees can be viewed within the course descriptions, as listed in the graduate catalog. 2. The purchase of appropriate attire to be worn in the clinical setting. 3. Travel to and from clinical sites.
Complete the following 68-credit course sequence:
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
AHS 5011 |
Sports Emergency Care IThis course is the first in a two-course sequence related to emergencies that occur at athletic venues. Students will learn to evaluate and manage traumatic injuries that occur to the cervical spine, thorax, abdomen and face. Evaluation and management of fractures and dislocations will also be included. Students will learn how to triaging those conditions that are life threatening or otherwise emergent, and to make clinical judgments regarding the treatment or intervention plan. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Fee $30 Summer |
|
AHS 5031 |
Therapeutic Interventions IThis is the first of three courses that investigates therapeutic interventions as it relates to orthopedic injuries. A study of the healing process, pain, and basic science of therapeutic modalities are the primary focus in this first course. Students will also practice the selection and application of current taping, wrapping, bracing and padding techniques in order to minimize risk of injury or re-injury during physical activity. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Summer |
|
AHS 5040 |
EBP in Athletic HealthcareThis course investigates how evidence based practice is used in athletic training as a foundation for the delivery of patient centered care. Students will read, analyze, interpret, and discuss current literature within the field of athletic training. Prerequisite: Students matriculated into the MAT program. Summer |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
AHS 5012 |
Sports Emergency Care IIThis course is the second in a two-course sequence related to emergencies that occur at athletic venues. Students will learn to manage patients who are suffering from environmental illnesses, such as cold, heat, lightning, exertional sickling, rhabdomyolyis, and hyponatremia. Students will also learn to diagnose a brain injury, and to develop and implement a management plan for a person with a brain injury. Students will create and implement policies that pertain to emergencies that occur at athletic venues and other settings. Prerequisite: AHS 5011 Fall |
|
AHS 5021 |
Musculoskeletal Assessment and Diagnosis IAn investigation into the anatomy, injury mechanism, evaluation and management of musculoskeletal injuries to the lumbar spine and lower extremity. The student will learn the process of conducting a comprehensive physical exam in order to formulate a clinical diagnosis and treatment or intervention plan. Prerequisite: Students matriculated into the MAT program. Fall |
|
AHS 5025 |
Athletic Training Clinical IThis course enables the student to work one-on-one with a preceptor in order to: 1) demonstrate proficiency in previously learned athletic training skills through simulated scenarios and 2) apply clinical athletic training skills to a real patient population. Focused proficiencies in this clinical course include: emergency medical care, protective equipment management, and taping/wrapping/bracing/padding techniques. When demonstrating a clinical proficiency, the student must analyze a problem, consider the facts at hand, and make decisions about the appropriate course of action. During clinical assignments students are expected to practice in an ethical manner and make clinical decisions based on best practice standards. In addition, this course will include a review of the literature and discussion of current evidence based practice for the focused proficiencies assigned. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Fee $50 Fall |
|
AHS 5032 |
Therapeutic Interventions IIThis is the second of three courses that investigates therapeutic interventions as it relates to orthopedic injuries. A study of different therapeutic modalities and different components of a therapeutic exercise program are the primary focus in this second course. Practical skills in modality application and therapeutic exercise are incorporated. Prerequisite: AHS 5031 Fall |
|
AHS 5220 |
Scientific Foundations of Strength and Conditioning IThis is the first part of a two-course sequence. The content of the fall semester course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive review of muscle and cardiovascular physiology, biochemistry, and endocrinology related to the principles of strength training and conditioning. This course will also assist those students who desire to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Certified Strength and Conditioning (CSCS) exam. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Fall |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
AHS 5022 |
Musculoskeletal Assessment and Diagnosis IIAn investigation into the anatomy, injury mechanism, evaluation and management of musculoskeletal injuries to the cervical spine and upper extremity. The student will learn the process of conducting a comprehensive physical exam in order to formulate a clinical diagnosis and treatment or intervention plan. Prerequisite: AHS 5021 Spring |
|
AHS 5033 |
Therapeutic Interventions IIIThis is the third of three courses that investigates therapeutic interventions as it relates to orthopedic injuries. This course continues the study of therapeutic interventions and studies specific scenario based comprehensive applications. Students will learn to assess patient status, formulate goals, select and apply therapeutic modalities and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation program that restores normal function. Also included is a study of surgical techniques and the therapeutic interventions used following surgery. Practical skills in modality application and therapeutic exercise are incorporated. Prerequisite: AHS 5032 Spring |
|
AHS 5035 |
Athletic Training Clinical IIThis course enables the student to work one-on-one with a preceptor in order to: 1) demonstrate proficiency in previously learned athletic training skills through simulated scenarios and 2) apply clinical athletic training skills to a real patient population. Focused proficiencies in this clinical course include: managing environmental injuries/illnesses and lower extremity injury evaluation and management. When demonstrating a clinical proficiency, the student must analyze a problem, consider the facts at hand, and make decisions about the appropriate course of action. During clinical assignments students are expected to practice in an ethical manner and make clinical decisions based on best practice standards. In addition, this course will include a review of the literature and discussion of current evidence based practice for the focused proficiencies assigned. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Fee $50 Spring |
|
AHS 5050 |
Orthopedic TechnologyThis course prepares future athletic trainers for careers in the clinical orthopedic setting. Students will develop clinical skills to include the application of braces and other assistive devices, casting, splinting, and wound care. Students will also learn to identify and describe the necessary and appropriate diagnostic tests and imaging used by healthcare professionals, and how the results are used to make clinical judgments. After completing this course, students will be prepared to challenge the Orthopedic Physician Extender (OPE) credentialing examination through the American Society of Orthopedic Professionals. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated in the MAT program. Fee $75 Spring |
|
AHS 5221 |
Scientific Foundations of Strength and Conditioning IIThis is a continuation of AHS 5220. Emphasis will be placed on sport analysis, program design, and facility management. The final weeks of this course will be spent reviewing and preparing students to sit for the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Certified Strength and Conditioning (CSCS) exam. Prerequisite: AHS 5220 Spring |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
AHS 6020 |
Health Evaluation and InterventionThis course focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles among various populations. Students will learn to perform a comprehensive health evaluation including but not limited to: vitals, biometrics, body composition, function and fitness level, and nutritional analysis. Students will learn to implement intervention strategies to enhance health including but not limited to: education, disease prevention, nutrition advice, and exercise programs. Prerequisite: AHS 5025 Summer |
|
AHS 6035 |
Principles of Pharmacology for Athletic TrainersThis course is designed to provide the knowledge, skills, and values in pharmacologic applications the entry-level athletic trainer requires to treat injuries and illnesses that occur among athletes and others involved in physical activity. In addition, students will become conversant with medical terminology. Summer |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
AHS 6010 |
Administration in Athletic TrainingThis course will investigate foundational topics in administration and leadership in the Athletic Training profession. The student will gain knowledge in topics related to personnel, basic legal concepts, medical/allied health referral procedures, facility design, pre-participation physical exam, drug testing policies, budget preparation and financial management, ethical practice of athletic training, leadership, insurance and compliance with medical guidelines related to athletic training. Prerequisite: AHS 5025 Spring |
|
AHS 6030 |
Behavioral Health Strategies for Athletic TrainersThis course will explore strategies that athletic trainers should use to identify, refer, and give support to patients with behavioral health conditions including but not limited to suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety disorder, psychosis, mania, eating disorders, and attention deficit disorders. Students will learn how to facilitate case management, while working with other healthcare professionals, and to monitor a patient's treatment and progress. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Fall (second half of the semester) |
|
AHS 6040 |
Clinical Pathology for Athletic TrainersIn this course, students will learn to recognize, treat, and refer, when appropriate, the general medical conditions and disabilities of athletes and others involved in physical activity. Fall |
|
AHS 6045 |
Athletic Training Clinical IIIStudents will participate in a clinical immersion experience where for 8-10 weeks the student's primary responsibility will be to experience the roles and responsibilities of a full time athletic trainer. This course enables the student to work one-on-one with a preceptor in order to: 1) demonstrate proficiency in previously learned athletic training skills through simulated scenarios and 2) apply clinical athletic training skills to a real patient population. Focused proficiencies in this clinical course include: upper extremity evaluation and management, therapeutic interventions implementation, and psychological concerns recognition and management. When demonstrating a clinical proficiency, the student must analyze a problem, consider the facts at hand, and make decisions about the appropriate course of action. During clinical assignments students are expected to practice in an ethical manner and make clinical decisions based on best practice standards. In addition, this course will include a review of the literature and discussion of current evidence based practice for the focused proficiencies assigned. Prerequisite: AHS 5035 Fee $50 Fall |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
AHS 6050 |
Professional Standards in Athletic TrainingThis final culminating course will focus on the essentials of career development, and preparation for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. Much of the content is related specifically to competencies in health care administration and professional preparation. Resume writing, interview practice, and public speaking activities will be included. Prerequisite: AHS 6045 Fee $30 Spring |
|
AHS 6055 |
Athletic Training Clinical IVStudents will demonstrate their proficiency in all clinical athletic training skills through a practical examination. In addition, students will work intensively to develop and write a critically appraised topic of their choice to be submitted for publication. The critically appraised topic will serve as a capstone project. This course enables the student to work one-on-one with a preceptor in order to: 1) demonstrate proficiency in previously learned athletic training skills through simulated scenarios and 2) apply clinical athletic training skills to a real patient population. Focused proficiencies in this clinical course include: general medical conditions evaluation and management and general health evaluation and intervention. When demonstrating a clinical proficiency, the student must analyze a problem, consider the facts at hand, and make decisions about the appropriate course of action. During clinical assignments students are expected to practice in an ethical manner and make clinical decisions based on best practice standards. Prerequisite: AHS 6045 Fee $50 Spring |
|
AHS 6060 |
Exercise Prescription for Special PopulationsThis service-learning course will allow students to apply acquired knowledge and skills in functional movement assessment and exercise prescription. Students will spend half of the semester working with older clients who have been referred by local healthcare practitioners for an exercise program based on their specific health conditions. The other half of the semester will be spent assisting with exercise programming for clients who have developmental disabilities. Students will work in the gym directly with clients, performing functional movement and balance assessments, implementing exercise plans, and monitoring progress. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Spring |
|
AHS 6065 |
Healthcare InformaticsThis course, an integration of cognitive science, computer science, and information science, introduces students to the essential role of informatics in improving patient care outcomes in health sciences, athletic training and nursing practice, and creating a safe care environment. Throughout this course students will have opportunities to organize, evaluate, and use health information and knowledge to critically appraise and use information technology to enhance evidence-based practice. The focus of discussions will include ethical considerations, social networking tools, electronic health records, handheld computers, and e-portfolios in health care environments. Prerequisite: AHS 6045 Spring |