Master of Science in Athletic Training
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WE ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2010-2011 ACADEMIC YEAR!
General Information
California University of Pennsylvania has a long history of providing entry level and advanced athletic training education. The Post-Professional Graduate Athletic Training Education Program is in its 19th year and is accredited by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) as an advanced, post-professional degree program in athletic training. This accreditation continues through the 2011-2012 academic year. Students completing this one-year program receive a Master of Science in Athletic Training. Students completing the program also are eligible to receive national certification as a Performance Enhancement Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Students will learn how to use the same Optimum Performance Training Model used by the National Academy of Sports Medicine for training Olympic and Pro.jpg)
fessional athletes. During the course of the program students will also complete a Master’s Thesis, giving them a greater understanding and appreciation of the research process as it pertains to athletic training. Courses and practical experiences will allow students to develop skills beyond entry level, making them more marketable and better prepared to excel in the profession of athletic training.
Accreditation
The Graduate Athletic Training Education Program at California University is reviewed approximately every five years by the Graduate Review Committee and is accredited by the National Athletic Trainers' Association, 2952 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75247 (800) 879-6282. The next re-accreditation review will occur in 2011. California University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Requirements for Admission
Admission into the Graduate Athletic Training Education Program requires a solid background in the profession of athletic training. Materials that must be submitted to be considered for admission are listed in the following section. Guidelines for admission are as follows:
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• A minimum grade point average of a 3.00.
• Students who are currently Certified Athletic Trainers will be given strong consideration if they have attained a minimum of a 2.50 QPA.
• BOC certified or have completed the requirements to take the certification examination.
• Complete the application process listed below.
• Prospective students must be scheduled to take the BOC examination. Priority will be given to students scheduled to take the examination at earlier test windows.
• Students must submit final official transcripts showing graduation from their undergraduate institution to the School of Graduate Studies and Research on or before July 1st after acceptance to the program. • Prior to beginning graduate assistant duties the students must provide or have available:
• Proof of CPR certification, which must be provided prior to the first day of classes.
• Proof of professional liability insurance. Forms will be provided by the Program director.
• Act 34 & 151 clearance (criminal and sexual assault background checks). Forms will be
provided by the Program Director.
• A vehicle in good working in order for travel to affiliated clinical sites if assigned off campus.
Application Procedures
Students interested in applying to the Master of Science in Athletic Training should first ensure the meet the above requirements. If so, the following procedures should be followed to apply for admission. Please submit the following materials:
1. Submit the following to the School of Graduate Studies and Research:
Dean, School of Graduate Studies and Research
California University of Pennsylvania
250 University Avenue
California, Pennsylvania 15419
• Apply online or by paper to the School of Graduate Studies and Research and submit the
application fee.
• An official transcript from each previous institution of higher education attended.
2. Submit the following to the Graduate Athletic Training Education Program:
Thomas F. West, PhD, ATC
Director, Graduate Athletic Training Education Program
Department of Health Science
California University of Pennsylvania
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419
• The Graduate Athletic Training Education Program Application form.
• Two references (names and contact information), with one being your supervising certified athletic trainer and the other from a professor from athletic training and/or related course work.
• A cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae.
• All applications are available by visiting our web site at www.cup.edu/education/hsss and selecting Athletic Training (MS).
Admission decisions for the program will begin in January and continue until all positions are filled. Based on previous years it is recommended that applications be submitted as early as possible in the Spring semester or by April 1st at the latest. After that time applications will be accepted and reviewed until all positions are filled. A pplications will not be evaluated until all pertinent materials have been sent according to the guidelines listed above. The Graduate Athletic Training Screening Committee, after reviewing applications, will select those candidates for admittance to the program on a weekly basis starting in January of each year.
Athletic Training Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Costs
Graduate assistantships are available and will be appointed based on qualifications and experience. Graduate assistants will be appointed to serve as athletic trainers on campus, at local high schools, and with local colleges. The assistantships begin in early August of each year and continue until the third week of May. Graduate assistants work an average of 30 hours per week at their athletic training setting. It is assumed that graduate assistants will devote full time to their studies and to their work related to the assistantship. Employment in addition to the assistantship is not permitted.
Graduate assistants will receive a full in state OR out of state tuition waiver for all three semesters (summer, fall and spring). In addition, free tuition for the year long program, graduate assistants will receive a stipend of $10,000. Students will receive their stipend in 20 biweekly pays of $500 (before taxes) during the length of the contract period. All graduate students will be responsible for fees for all three semesters. For students enrolled in the program during the 2008-2009 academic year, fees totaled $3,102.
*Amounts subject to stay the same or slightly increase each year.
Non-assistantship Positions
The Post-Certification Graduate Athletic Training Education Program offers a limited number of non-assistantship positions. If desired, clinical experience can be arranged by the Program Director in local high schools, colleges and universities. Depending on schedules and course loads, opportunities for clinical experience can be arranged with nearby hospitals, physician offices and sports medicine clinics.
Responsibilities of Graduate Students
1. All students selected for assistantships must pursue the Master
of Science Degree in Athletic training.
2. Students in the Graduate Athletic Training Education Program can
expect to complete the requirements leading to the Master of
Science degree in Athletic Training in one year, providing no
course deficiencies are present.
3. All graduate students will receive a waiver of all tuition costs but will be responsible for fees during the summer sessions, fall, and spring semesters. These fees total approximately $3102.
4. Graduate students begin their career by taking online courses beginning in late May. Students must be on campus starting in early July to begin their cadaver anatomy course. Assistantship responsibilities start in early August.
Requirements for Master of Science in Athletic Training
The Master of Science degree program requires a minimum of 38 semester credit hours, including 26 credits in athletic training and related course work. The remaining 10 credits are taken in related research oriented course work.
Master of Science Coursework
Summer 1-1st 5 Weeks
o ATE 720 – Evidence Based Practice in Athletic Training, 3 credits (WEB)
o ATE 800 - Methods of Research in the Allied Health Sciences, 3 credits (WEB)
Summer 2-2nd 5 Weeks
o ATE 700 - Gross Anatomy of the Extremities w/ Lab, 4 credits
Summer - 10 Weeks
o EDP 600 - Statistical Methods (10 wk. course), 3 credits (WEB)
Fall Semester
o ATE 725 - Pedagogical Studies in Athletic Training, 3 credits
o ATE 810 - Thesis Seminar, 3 credits
o PRF 753 - Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury & Rehabilitation, 3 credits
o PRF 710 - Performance Enhancement in Physical Activity, 3 credits
Spring Semester
o PRF 750 - Performance Enhancement in Program Design, 3 credits
o PRF 760 – Leadership and Professional Development, 3 credits
o ATE 745 - Contemporary Issues in Athletic Training, 3 credits
o RES 849 - Master's Thesis, 4 credits
For additional information, contact:
Thomas F. West, PhD, ATC
Director, Post-Professional Graduate Athletic Training Education Program 
California University of Pennsylvania
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419
724-938-5933
724-938-4342 (FAX)
www.calu.edu/education/hsss
west_t@calu.edu