Rose A. Schmieg, Director
Health & Life Sciences Building, Office 352, (540) 545-7385

Educational programming within the Division of Athletic Training is based upon the belief that athletics and physical fitness play an integral role in the overall health and well-being of an individual and have value for society as a whole. People of all ages and abilities may at some time be predisposed to or actually encounter an injury that will need to be tended to by a health care professional. Certified athletic trainers are the experts in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity. As a part of a complete sports medicine team, the certified athletic trainer works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care professionals, athletic administrators, coaches and parents. Certified athletic trainers also work in emerging settings such as with law enforcement, the military, performing arts medicine, and in the physician office setting. The Division of Athletic Training is committed to educating students who possess a strong background in human anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, and are able to apply this knowledge in the actual sports/clinical setting. Shenandoah University athletic training students embrace the process of learning as a lifelong process.

 

The select group of graduate students who complete study in this program are prepared to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) Examination. This program has been uniquely designed to offer clinical field experiences in the fall and spring semesters under the direct supervision of certified athletic trainers in a variety of settings including Shenandoah University, other affiliated colleges and universities, affiliated secondary schools, affiliated professional sport teams, sport performance centers, sports medicine clinics, physician and hospital clinics.

Athletic Training Program Mission

The mission of the Shenandoah University Athletic Training Program is to educate and inspire students to be reflective practitioners who deliver evidence-based, compassionate, and ethical care utilizing a team approach in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Goals and Objectives

Upon completion of the classroom and clinical requirements of the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program, a student will:

• Understand and implement the prevention of injuries to athletes and physically active individuals of all ages and abilities.
• Demonstrate competency in the various methods and well-care practices which can be used to help bring about a reduction in illnesses to athletes and the physically active.
• Assess and administer acute care for injuries and illnesses to athletes and the physically active, and differentiate between cases that require referral to emergency services or other healthcare providers.
• Integrate knowledge and clinical psychomotor skills while problem solving through an orthopedic examination and making a clinical diagnosis
• Demonstrate competency in the application, progression and modification of therapeutic intervention while managing injuries to athletes and the physically active
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the athletic trainer with the biopsychosocial aspects of sports injury and illness, and application of the referral process.
• Understand the role of the athletic trainer regarding healthcare administration in secondary school, collegiate, and clinic-based settings.
• Appraise and synthesize the available research evidence, and contribute to the evidence-based practice in the field of athletic training.  
• Develop a sense of professionalism and incorporate the NATA Code of Ethics into clinical practice.
• Recognize the value of interprofessional communication and practice as a member of a healthcare team.
• Engage in community and professional service opportunities that contribute to the necessities of a local or global society.

Admissions Requirements

Admission into the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program is determined by the Division of Athletic Training Admissions Committee. The committee reviews all completed applications to ensure all prerequisites and admission criteria have been met. 

Applicants are to follow the criteria written below.

1. Completed application through ATCAS (Athletic Training Centralized Application Service).
2. Expected overall GPA 2.8 (3.0 or higher recommended in science/math courses) for undergraduate prerequisite courses.
3. An interview with the Division of Athletic Training faculty.
4. Athletic experience documentation (list all sports that you have participated in as an athlete, coach, referee, manager, or volunteer with a certified athletic trainer).
5. Three references (preferably from a certified athletic trainer, coach, employer, or professor).

6. Essay (3-5 pages and double spaced) that includes the following:

   What specifically interests you about attending SU for an MSAT degree?
   What qualities do you have that will set you apart from other applicants?
   Address any deficiencies (if applicable) with your application (pre-reqs, grades, etc.)
   Discuss how you plan to overcome the deficiencies listed and be successful.
   What are your career goals upon completion of the MSAT degree and passage of the BOC exam?  

7. Completed “Guidelines for Technical Standards for Professional Master of Science in Athletic Training Program” included in ATCAS.
8. All application materials will be viewed and scored on a competitive basis by the Division of Athletic Training Admissions committee. Applications received that demonstrate completion of all materials including completed prerequisite courses verified with official transcripts will be considered in highest priority for full acceptance. Rare exceptions will be granted for “provisional acceptance” in the instance that the applicant has an overall strong application packet but is missing a few pre-requisite courses. These cases will be reviewed individually by the division admissions committee. An applicant that is granted “provisional acceptance” may matriculate into the curriculum but will be given a formal contract of agreement stating where and when the applicant will complete the outstanding pre-requisite course(s) with a grade of “C” or higher. Failure to meet the provisional acceptance contract requirements will result in suspension from the program.

Program Pathways of Entry and Prerequisites

Applicants may apply in any of the following pathways:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution including the 32-37 stated prerequisite courses below
• Completion of the three + two Shenandoah University AT early assurance program (exercise science to MSAT program) including the stated prerequisite courses below
• Completion of the three + two exercise science to MSAT program as a non-early assurance student including the 36-41 stated prerequisite courses below
• Applying as a three + two student from outside of SU. Note, that in this circumstance no BS degree will be awarded
  • For all three + two pathways, the student must have a minimum of 90 college credits completed
• A grade of “C” or above is required for all prerequisite courses.
• Note that the prerequisite classes in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, anatomy, and physiology must be taken at the postsecondary level.
• All prerequisite courses must be less than 10 years old at the time of application.
• Pre-requisite course substitutions may be made at the discretion of the AT Admissions Committee

 

Credits	Course
4	General Biology with lab
4	General Chemistry with lab
4	Human Anatomy with lab-When anatomy and physiology are taken as a combined course, two semesters are necessary to meet this requirement.
4	Human Physiology with lab-When anatomy and physiology are taken as a combined course, two semesters are necessary to meet this requirement.
4-8	One physics course with lab is required. A two-semester sequence is recommended.
3	Statistics
3	Social/Behavioral Science
3	Psychology
3-4	Pick one: Biomechanics, Kinesiology. Exercise Physiology, Physics II
32-37

Undergraduate Pathways to Master of Science in Athletic Training Program

Articulation Agreement Pathway

The School of Health Professions has established an articulation agreement with the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences. This agreement provides a pathway into the graduate admission process by reserving a set number of seats in the program for students applying from within Shenandoah.

Taking advantage of this agreement works as follows: Any student currently enrolled at SU as an undergraduate student applies to the Athletic Training program. The graduate program will evaluate the applications from SU students individually, and as long as they meet admissions requirements, will be invited to interview for the graduate program.  The program has reserved a certain number of seats for SU students in their program, and those seats will be filled with qualified applicants to the graduate school.

This articulation agreement is designed for applicants who have completed the prerequisites and will be obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Shenandoah University. The agreement is available to all students enrolled full time at SU for undergraduate study. If a student applies under the articulation agreement and is not accepted, their application is automatically entered in the pool of traditional applicants. They do not need to reapply that cycle. Students who take a gap year or more will not be eligible and must apply to the graduate program via the traditional pathway.

3+2 Early Assurance for the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program Pathway

In addition to the articulation agreement, the Division of Athletic Training has established a unique admissions process with the undergraduate Office of Admissions for Shenandoah University. The purpose of this program is to allow highly qualified high school students to be guaranteed an admission interview with the graduate program as long as criteria are maintained during the undergraduate years. In order to be admitted to this program as a freshman at Shenandoah University (out of high school) the student must achieve the following:

1. High School GPA: minimum 3.2
2. Minimum High School Course Requirements: Minimum B- in both biology and chemistry   
3. Test Score (only 1 required):
   1. SAT: 1080
   2. ACT: 21
4. Successfully complete an interview with Division of Athletic Training faculty

In order to remain in the program and matriculate into the MSAT Program at the end of three years of undergraduate study at Shenandoah University, the student must fulfill the requirements stipulated in the contract signed upon matriculation to the College of Arts and Science. These requirements include but are not limited to:

1. Successfully complete a minimum of 90 hours of undergraduate coursework with a grade of “C” or above which includes the required prerequisite courses.
2. At the time of application, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale for the 90 hours of undergraduate coursework and for the prerequisite coursework.

Traditional Pathway

A student at Shenandoah completes a bachelor’s degree and applies to the graduate program(s) of their choice following the admissions guidelines and procedure published on the program website.

Any current student or former student, is eligible to apply to the graduate program using this pathway. Students must follow the admission requirements outlined for all candidates found on the individual program web sites.

Admission Application Deadlines

To be granted MSAT early admission status by December 30, ATCAS application must be completed by October 1. ATCAS admission remains open until April 30 for rolling admission decisions for the seats remaining in the new cohort after the early admission decisions have been made. This means MSAT admission decisions are granted until May 1 or until the cohort is full, whichever comes first.

Additional Student Information

Accepted students must submit the following before attending formal classes:

1. Proof of current health insurance coverage completed on Wilkins Wellness Center Shenandoah University Health Form
2. Proof of required immunizations listed on and completed on Wilkins Wellness Center Shenandoah University Health Form
3. Criminal Background check

Guidelines for Technical Standards for Professional Athletic Training Education

The Athletic Training Program at Shenandoah University is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the student enrolled in the program.  An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity.  The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). All students admitted to the Athletic Training Program must meet the following abilities and expectations.  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.

Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam.  The student must successfully complete the Shenandoah University Athletic Training Program to meet this goal.

Candidates for the selection to the Shenandoah University Athletic Training Program must demonstrate:

1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using excepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
3. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively.  Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
4. The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
5. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
6. The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the Athletic Training Program as outlined and sequenced.
7. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
8. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the Shenandoah University Athletic Training Program are required to verify that they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.

The Shenandoah University Office of Student Support Services (540-665-4928) will evaluate documentation from a student who states s/he could meet the Program’s technical standards with accommodation(s) and confirm that the stated condition(s) qualifies as a disability under applicable laws.

If a student states s/he can meet the technical standards with accommodation(s), the Shenandoah University Athletic Training Program staff and the Director of Student Support Services will engage in an interactive process to determine whether or not the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation; this includes a review as to whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account whether accommodation would jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical experiences and internships deemed essential to graduation. 

Please read the two statements below and check the line next to the statement that applies to you:

 

____1.     I certify that I have read and understand the eight technical standards for selection into the Shenandoah University Athletic Training Program listed above, and I believe to the best of my knowledge that I meet each of these standards without accommodation.       

 

____2.   I certify that I have read and understand the eight technical standards for selection into the Shenandoah University Athletic Training Program listed above and I believe to the best of my knowledge that I can meet each of these standards with certain accommodations.  I will contact the Shenandoah University Office of Student Support Services to determine what accommodations may be available.  I understand that if I am unable to meet these standards with or without accommodations, I will not be admitted into the program. 

 

 

_________________________________________                _________________

Signature of Applicant                                                                  Date

 

SU Undergraduate Master of Science in Athletic Training Early Assurance Program

The purpose of the SU undergraduate early assurance program is to allow highly qualified high school students to be pre-admitted into the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program. These students are guaranteed an interview for the MSAT program provided that they meet specific criteria. In order to be admitted into this program as a freshman at Shenandoah University (out of high school) the student must achieve:

1. A high school cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better.
2. Score a minimum of 1080 on SATs.
3. Submit an application for admission to SU as an undergraduate student in one of the following programs: Exercise Science or Kinesiology.
4. Submit the forms for the MSAT Early Assurance program.

This part of the admissions process is handled by the Office of Graduate Admissions for Shenandoah University. In order to remain in the program and matriculate into the MSAT program at the end of three years of undergraduate study the student must:

1. Successfully complete a minimum of 90 hours of coursework (grade “C” or higher).
2. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2.

Although this program provides the students with a guaranteed interview, the student must still complete all of the materials requested as part of the admission process to actually receive formal acceptance into the MSAT program.

Degree Requirements

Master of Science in Athletic Training courses listed below may not be taken out of sequence. A passing grade of “C” or better in each course and maintenance of a minimum of 2.8 grade point average is required for satisfactory progression and graduation. Policies regarding academic standing and graduation are contained in the graduate catalog and the Division of Athletic Training Student Handbook.

Additional Program Requirements

Technical Standards: students complete a Guidelines for Technical Standards Form upon program admission. Additionally, once a student is accepted into the MSAT a Technical Standards Evaluation form is completed by an MD/DO/NP or PA. Should a student have a prolonged absence during the program from illness/injury, a new Technical Standard Evaluation will have to be performed for return to the curriculum. 

 

Trainings:  All students must complete annual bloodborne pathogens training. All students must have Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR, AED) certification before entering their first clinical field experience and maintain this certification through the remainder of the MSAT program.

 

Criminal Background Check: All students admitted to the Master of Science in Athletic Training program are required to authorize a criminal background check. Some students may be required to have a pre-clinical drug test and submit to random drug testing as required by clinical field experience sites. Non-compliance with the criminal background checks and/or drug testing policies may be cause for dismissal from the program.

 

Travel: It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for transportation to and from the clinical field experience site which will be located either on or off campus. 

MSAT Program Expenses (beyond tuition and lab fees)

Please see Tuition and Fees section of the catalog and the MSAT website.

All SU students must be covered by health insurance. To purchase health insurance through SU, please visit the Wilkins Wellness Center at the following link: www.su.edu under Student Life and then Health & Wellness Health Services.

Students must participate in the SU iMLearning Program. Refer to technology fee in Tuition and Fees section.

A unique feature of the SU MSAT program is that clinical field experience sites are either on campus at Shenandoah University, at surrounding high school settings and in NCAA programs in various locations throughout the United States. Shenandoah University Division of Athletic Training is not responsible for, nor will it be able to determine, rental and other associated living costs involved with clinical education at distant sites. Such costs incurred by the students will be determined by current market conditions in the town/city and/or country in which the clinical site is located. Prospective students are encouraged to research market conditions of distant clinical sites to determine what additional costs may be involved during those clinical experiences. This will allow students to make informed decisions on costs associated with clinical field experiences outside of the Winchester area. Listings of the SU MSAT clinical field experience sites may be found at Athletic Training Facilities.