Rose A. Schmieg, Director
Health & Life Sciences Building, Office 353, (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. Athletes 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, athletics administrators, coaches and parents. 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 high schools, affiliated professional athletic training room settings and affiliated sports medicine clinics. The program’s clinical education philosophy embraces the utilization of evidence-based practice for clinical reasoning and decision-making. It is also believed that diversity in clinical field experience settings enriches the overall clinical education experience for students. As a graduate program, the Division of Athletic Training is committed to incorporating clinical research as part of the entry-level educational experience. Students propose, perform, defend and present a scientific study as a culminating project in the curriculum.

Goals and Objectives

Upon completion of the classroom and clinical requirements of the Master of Science in Athletic Training program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of prevention of athletic injuries to athletes of all ages and abilities.
• Demonstrate competency in the various methods and practices that can be used to help bring about a reduction in athletic injuries.
• Integrate scientific knowledge and clinical psychomotor skills along with critical thinking/problem solving abilities to assess and rehabilitate athletic injuries.
• Provide appropriate levels of emergency care for athletic injuries and differentiate between cases that require referral to emergency medical services or to physicians.
• Create, manage and modify a comprehensive rehabilitation program for athletes recovering from illness and injury, facilitating their return to full athletic participation.
• Initiate, organize and administer an athletic training service project to a high school or college athletic training program, sports medicine clinic, corporate fitness setting or the local community.
• Provide information, counsel and guidance regarding the importance, nature and extent of sports health care intervention necessary to maintain the overall health and well-being of an athlete to the individual athlete, coach, parents and other vested parties.
• Recognize the need for understanding, utilizing, and contributing to evidence-based practice in the field of athletic training. Included in this are demonstrating the ability to critically analyze peer-reviewed literature, practicing skills that have been scientifically proven to be effective, and performing a clinical research project.
• Develop a sense of professionalism and incorporate the NATA Code of Ethics into daily practice.

• Embrace the importance of interprofessional education and working as a member of a healthcare team. 

Entrance 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. As an entry-level Master of Science in Athletic Training curriculum, Shenandoah utilizes a 3+2 model in that a student may apply as an undergraduate student who has completed the prerequisite courses without having earned an undergraduate degree. Applicants may also have earned a bachelor’s degree with the prerequisite courses included in it. Courses will only be accepted as prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better.

Regarding the 3+2 model, the applicant must have a minimum total of 90 college credits completed with a grade of “C” or higher for the 52-54 required prerequisite credits.

Admissions Criteria

1. Expected overall GPA 2.8 (3.0 or higher recommended in science/math courses) for undergraduate prerequisite courses.
2. GRE scores will be viewed on a competitive basis with a minimum recommended combined score of 297.
3. An interview on campus with the Division of Athletic Training faculty.
4. Athletic experience documentation listing all sports that you have participated in as an athlete, coach, referee, manager or athletic training student.
5. Three letters of reference (preferably from a certified athletic trainer, coach, employer or professor).
6. Essay expressing your interest in becoming a certified athletic trainer (3-5 pages double spaced).
7. Completed “Guidelines for Technical Standards for Entry-Level Athletic Training Education.”

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 with highest priority for full acceptance. Rare exceptions will be granted for “provisional acceptance” in instances when an applicant has an overall strong application packet but is missing a few prerequisite courses. These cases will be reviewed individually by the program 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 prerequisite course(s) with a grade of “C” or higher. Failure to meet the provisional acceptance contract requirements will result in dismissal from the program.

Processing of applications to the MSAT program is through the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS) at www.atcas.org. Although these applications are processed through ATCAS, they are held to the same standards as Shenandoah University’s other graduate programs. All offers of admission into the MSAT program are determined by the Division of Athletic Training Admissions Committee.

Additional Student Information

Accepted students must submit the following before attending formal classes:

1. Proof of current health insurance coverage on Wilkins Wellness Center Insurance Coverage Form.
2. SU Physical Examination form which includes immunization record. Student must comply with SU TST/PPD Policy.
3. Technical Standards Evaluation form to be completed by a physician.
4. Criminal Background check form.

Prerequisite Courses

Credits required (34 total):

• English Credit(s): 6
• Math Algebra/Pre-Calculus and Statistics Credit(s): 6 *
• Anatomy and Physiology Credit(s): 8
• General Biology Credit(s): 4
• Chemistry I Credit(s): 4
• Introduction to Psychology Credit(s): 3
• Humanity Elective Credit(s): 3

Plus a minimum of six credits from the following (must have a minimum of two of these classes):

• Biomechanics or Kinesiology Credit(s): 3
• Physics I Credit(s): 4
• Physics II Credit(s): 4
• Chemistry II Credit(s): 4
• Biochemistry Credit(s): 4
• Exercise Physiology Credit(s): 3

Plus 12 credits from the following:

• Public Speaking Credit(s): 3
• Developmental or Abnormal Psychology Credit(s): 3
• Sociology Credit(s): 3
• Computer Science Credit(s): 3 
• Nutrition Credit(s): 3
• Human Growth and Development Credit(s): 3
• Community Health Credit(s): 3
• Introduction to Athletic Training Credit(s): 3
• Ethics Credit(s): 3
• Measurement and Evaluation in Health
• Physical education Credit(s): 3

Total: 52-54 credits

*A research design course may be used in place of statistics if the courses syllabus demonstrates use of statistics in planning quantitative research. Other prerequisites may have slightly differing names. Course substitutions must be approved by the program director.

Guidelines for Technical Standards
For Entry-Level Athletic Training Education

The Division of Athletic Training at Shenandoah University, in compliance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. Given the intent of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA, the development of standards of practice for a profession, and the establishment of essential requirements to the student’s program of study, or directly related to licensing requirements, is allowable under these laws.

The Athletic Training Education 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 Education 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, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). All students admitted to the Athletic Training Education 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 BOC exam. The student must successfully complete the Shenandoah University Athletic Training Education Program to meet this goal.

Candidates for selection to the Shenandoah University Athletic Training Education 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.
2. 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.
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 Education 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 Education 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 Learning Resources will evaluate a student who states he/she could meet the program’s technical standards with accommodation and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws. Contact the coordinator of disability services at (540) 665-4928.

If a student states he/she can meet the technical standards with accommodation, then Shenandoah University will determine whether it agrees that 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.

SU Undergraduate Master of Science in Athletic Training
Guaranteed Admissions Program

The purpose of the SU undergraduate guaranteed admissions 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 acceptance into 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 Guaranteed Admissions 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 guaranteed admission, the student must still complete all of the materials requested as part of the admission process to actually receive formal acceptance into the program.

Degree Requirements

The professional degree requirement is successful completion of the 70 credit hours of professional curricular content (not including prerequisite courses) with a grade point average of 2.8 or better.

MSAT Program Expenses (beyond tuition and lab fees)

ATCAS Application Fee$85

Advance Tuition Deposit$500

Campus Parking Fee$115

Text Books Year 1$1,200

Text Books Year 2$540

Athletic Training Clinical Field Experience Uniform$80

Criminal Background Check$50

Technology Fee (per semester)$500

All fees are approximate and are subject to change.

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 above.

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 www.su.edu/at.