Master of Athletic Training Program

MAT Curriculum & Course Sequencing

Two-Year Sequence

SUMMER 1st Year – Second Five Week Session

AT 610G Introduction to Athletic Training3
AT 615G Bracing, Wrapping, and Taping Techniques1
AT 618G Emergency Care Procedures in Athletic Training2
AT 619G Athletic Training Pre-Clinical2
Semester Total8

FALL – 1st Year

AT 620G Therapeutic Modalities3
AT 622G Athletic Training Evaluation-Lower Extremity3
AT 630G Evidenced Based Research Methods in Athletic Training3
AT 629G Athletic Training Clinical 12
ES 511G Measurement in Physical Activity3
Semester Total14

SPRING – 1st Year

AT 636G Athletic Training Evaluation-Upper Extremity3
AT 625G Principles of Performance Enhancement2
AT 650G Therapeutic Exercise & Rehabilitation Techniques3
AT 637G Advanced Topics in Athletic Training I1
AT 632G Interprofessional Leadership in Athletic Training1
AT 639G Athletic Training Clinical 22
Semester Total 12

SUMMER – 2nd Year First Session

AT 649G Athletic Training Field Experience*2
Semester Total2

FALL – 2nd Year

AT 635G Athletic Training Administration3
AT 655G General Medical Conditions in Athletic Training3
AT 657G Advanced Topics in Athletic Training II2
AT 659G Athletic Training Clinical 32
Semester Total10

SPRING – 2nd Year

AT 660G Pharmacological Issues in Athletic Training2
AT 663G Athletic Training Seminar2
ES 507G Psychology of Sport and Injury Rehabilitation3
AT 667G Master’s Research in Athletic Training3
AT 669G Athletic Training Clinical 42
Semester Total12
Take BOC Exam

Total Required Hours: 58

*May enroll in AT 649G in second summer or second winter term.


Curriculum Plan

Required Athletic Training Core (36 credit hours)

CourseCredit Hours
AT 610GIntroduction to Athletic Training3
AT 615GBracing, Wrapping, and Taping Techniques1
AT 618GEmergency Care Procedures in Athletic Training2
AT 620GTherapeutic Modalities3
AT 622GAthletic Training Evaluation – Lower Extremity3
AT 625GPrinciples of Performance Enhancement3
AT 636GAthletic Training Evaluation – Upper Extremity3
AT 650GTherapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitative Techniques3
AT 637GAdvanced Topics in Athletic Training I1
AT 632GInterprofessional Leadership in Athletic Training1
AT 635GAthletic Training Administration3
AT 655GGeneral Medical Conditions in Athletic Training3
AT 657GAdvanced Topics in Athletic Training II2
AT 660GPharmacological Issues in Athletic Training2
AT 663GAthletic Training Seminar2

Required Research Core (6 credit hours)

CourseCredit Hours
AT 630GEvidenced Based Research Methods in Athletic Training3
AT 667GMaster’s Research in Athletic Training3

Required Clinical Courses (10 credit hours)

CourseCredit Hours
AT 619GAthletic Training Pre-Clinical2
AT 629GAthletic Training Clinical 12
AT 639GAthletic Training Clinical 22
AT 659GAthletic Training Clinical 32
AT 669GAthletic Training Clinical 42

Athletic Training Emersion (2 credit hours)

CourseCredit Hours
AT 649GAthletic Training Field Experience2

Required Exercise Science Courses (6 credit hours)

CourseCredit Hours
ES 507GPsychology of Sport and Injury Rehabilitation3
ES 511GMeasurement and Physical Activity3

Course Descriptions

AT 610G Introduction to Athletic Training
This course serves as an introduction to the profession of athletic training. Students become familiar with the roles, functions, and professional preparation of an athletic trainer well as the history of the profession and its governing structures. Students are instructed in basic skills and theories of the profession, including: immobilization, measurement of vital signs, ethical issues, and basic injury recognition. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice. Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 615G Bracing, Wrapping, and Taping Techniques
In this course, students learn methods of bracing, wrapping, and taping for athletic and sport needs through didactic and clinical experience. Students learn the techniques then practice them in a class setting. Students are checked off for this competency in the class setting.  Students gain knowledge in methods of taping and wrapping for injury care, prevention of injury, and return to play. Students are exposed to the different brands of bracing, how to properly fit a brace, and their use. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 618G Emergency Care Procedures
Students will learn emergency care procedures through didactic and clinical experience. Students are exposed to evidence based procedures for a variety of emergency situations. The course is designed to introduce students to the NATA guidelines for emergency care procedures as outlined in the NATA position statements. Students learn about emergency care and appropriate treatments to provide in given situations. Students learn how to recognize an emergency situation and the appropriate care that is recommended. Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 625G Principles of Performance Enhancement
This course investigates the foundational concepts for assessing and enhancing performance of physical activities. Student will explore the anatomical and physiological basis of physical activities, including the functional anatomy, which includes the skeletal, articular, and muscular systems as they affect movement, as well as the nutritional concepts that fuel movement. Students will learn and practice assessment techniques for different components of a comprehensive fitness and wellness assessment to include: pre-screenings, cardiovascular fitness, body composition, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, speed, agility, and posture. Techniques for teaching and developing these different aspects of fitness and wellness will be covered. Students will learn how to use this information to design a program to achieve various wellness and performance goals.

AT 637G Advanced Topics in Athletic Training I
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to examine issues that shape the athletic training profession with an emphasis on practical application and professional development. Students learn evidence based approaches to skills associated with the athletic training profession. Other specific topics covered will vary year to year depending on current issues affecting the athletic training profession. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 657G Advanced Topics in Athletic Training II
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to examine advanced issues that shape the athletic training profession with an emphasis on practical application and professional development. Students learn evidence based approaches to skills associated with the athletic training profession. Emphasis is placed on lab reports, imaging results, life-span issues, and evidenced based practices. Specific topics covered will vary year to year depending on current issues affecting the athletic training profession. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 630G Evidence Based Research in Athletic Training
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to become critical consumers of published work, to understand the basic process of performing research in an athletic training setting within the practice domains, and to understand how research contributes to the liberally educated. The course integrates research design principles (variables, validity, etc) with statistical analysis so the student can see how design and analysis of experiments work in concert to answer questions relevant to the profession of athletic training. The course emphasizes the development of practical knowledge and skill through guided discovery and group process. The development of technical writing skills will be emphasized. Students will understand the PICO development and the grading of research. Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 632G Interprofessional Leadership in Athletic Training
In this course, students learn about other allied health professions and collaboration for optimal patient care. Students learn about total patient care and how different professions can impact that care. Students learn to collaborate with other healthcare students to provide optimal patient care. Students gain knowledge about patient-centered care and outcomes. Students participate in Interprofessional Health Partners in conjunction with ATSU and discussion groups with other healthcare students. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 636G Athletic Training Evaluation – Upper Extremity
The purpose of this course is to instruct the students on the proper methods of musculoskeletal evaluation of the upper extremity, thorax, spine, and head. Students learn the mechanical and physiological basis of injury and injury evaluation techniques. Students are instructed on the proper methods of documentation, patient interview, history, observation, palpation, strength testing, and special tests. Students acquire skills in the testing of joint laxity and neurological evaluation. Assessment takes place in the form of written examinations and lab practical/injury scenarios. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 622G Athletic Training Evaluation – Lower Extremity
The purpose of this course is to instruct the students on the proper methods of musculoskeletal evaluation of the lower extremity. Students learn the mechanical and physiological basis of injury and injury evaluation techniques. Students are instructed on the proper methods of documentation, patient interview, history, observation, palpation, strength testing, and special tests. Students acquire skills in the testing of joint laxity and neurological evaluation. Assessment takes place in the form of written examinations and lab practical/injury scenarios. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 665G Psychology of Sport and Injury Rehabilitation
The purpose of this course is to develop a basic understanding of injury and sport psychology and its applied application to working with both athletic and general population clients. Particular emphasis is placed on explaining the psychological, social, and environmental factors that influence injury susceptibility, reaction to injury, and adherence to rehabilitation. This course emphasizes basic assessment and intervention techniques to promote and facilitate adherence to rehabilitation in a variety of professional settings. This course emphasizes the psychological and social issues that impact an athlete. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 620G Therapeutic Modalities
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities. Students acquire a detailed understanding of the psychological and physiological processes of pain and healing. Students use problem-based approach to apply theories, principles, and techniques of thermal, electrical, mechanical, light, and alternative therapies. A laboratory portion addresses proficiency in the application of these modalities. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 650G Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation Techniques
This course involves the study in the appropriate use of physical rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries. Students acquire a scientific and physiological rationale, selection criteria, indications and contraindications of exercise, and return to activity guidelines. Techniques and skills provided in both classroom and laboratory experiences address range of motion, strengthening, proprioception, cardiovascular fitness, and joint-specific protocols. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 619G Athletic Training Pre-Clinical
All AT 619G students are at this time are accepted into the MAT program.  The students complete HIPAA, FERPA, and OSHA (active communicable and infectious disease policy) required trainings. This course serves as an introduction to the athletic training clinical component procedures and policies, application of preventive athletic devices, environmental concerns, and the pre-participation exam.  This course serves as a process to assess student progression through competency assessment. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 629G Athletic Training Clinical 1
AT 629G serves an a process for monitoring student progression of athletic training competencies, acquiring clinical hours under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer, and reinforcing and instructing new information about modalities and lower extremity assessments. Clinical hours occur in a variety of settings with patients. The student completes hours of clinical experience that may extend prior to and/or beyond the academic semester end date. These clinical hours are a component of this course. The clinical experience is an opportunity for the student to apply learned knowledge.  This course serves as a process to assess student progression through competency assessment. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 639G Athletic Training Clinical 2
AT 639G serves an a process for monitoring student progression of athletic training competencies, acquiring clinical hours under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer, and reinforcing and instructing new information about therapeutic rehabilitation techniques and upper extremity assessments. The student completes hours of clinical experience that may extend beyond the academic semester end date. These clinical hours are a component of this course. The clinical experience is an opportunity for the student to apply learned knowledge.  This course serves as a process to assess student progression through competency assessment. This course also serves as a checkpoint for the master’s research project. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 659G Athletic Training Clinical 3
AT 659G serves an a process for monitoring student progression of athletic training proficiencies, acquiring clinical hours under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer, and reinforcing and instructing new information about general medication conditions and administrative topics. The student completes hours of clinical experience that may extend beyond the academic semester end date. These clinical hours are a component of this course. The clinical experience is an opportunity for the student to apply learned knowledge.  This course serves as a process to assess student progression through competency assessment.  Content in this course will focus on the master’s research project. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 669G Athletic Training Clinical 4
AT 669G serves an a process for monitoring student progression of athletic training competencies, acquiring clinical hours under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer, and reinforcing and instructing new information about pharmacology issues and sport and injury psychology. Clinical hours occur in a variety of settings with patients. The student completes hours of clinical experience that may extend beyond the academic semester end date. These clinical hours are a component of this course. The clinical experience is an opportunity for the student to apply learned knowledge.  This course serves as a process to assess student progression through competency assessment.  Content in this course will focus on the master’s research project. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 649G Athletic Training Field Experience
AT 649G serves as a method for students to gain more in-depth experience in the field of athletic training outside of what Truman State University can offer on site. The student selects a field experience that meets their professional goals. The field experience is designed to provide the student with additional athletic training experiences. Students complete four weeks of field experience under direct supervision. The student must have the site approved by the instructor and Program Director prior to beginning field experience hours. The student is required to complete 20 hours per week of field experience.

AT 635G Athletic Training Administration
This course provides students the knowledge and skills necessary for the administration aspect of an athletic training program. Course content includes but not limited to: pre-participation physical exams, legal issues and terminology, emergency planning, record keeping, athletic training facility design, resume development, and administrative/leadership skills. Professional development and the role and structure of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) are included in the course content. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 655G General Medical Conditions in Athletic Training
This course addresses general medical issues generally observed in the athletic training profession. Students are exposed to topics including dermatology, neurological disorders, pulmonary disease, respiratory infections, viral infections, autoimmune disorders, oncology, gastrointestinal conditions, and sexually transmitted infections. A laboratory portion will address proficiency with various diagnostic instruments, including an ophthalmoscope, otoscope, and stethoscope. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 660G Pharmacological Issues in Athletic Training
This course addresses general medical and pharmacological issues generally found in the field of athletic training. The course content covers the various medications used to treat the preceding medical conditions. Students are exposed to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.  Emphasis is placed on evaluation of skills as defined by the clinical proficiencies delineated and published by the Education Council of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and CAATE.

AT 663G Athletic Training Seminar
This course is designed to assess the students’ mastery of knowledge and skills in athletic training, prepare the students for careers, and invite self-assessment. The course utilizes a case study that will cover all domains of athletic training and demonstrate interdisciplinary connections. The course consists of domain specific exams (written and simulation) to help the student prepare for Board of Certification exam.

ES 507G Psychology of Sport and Injury Rehabilitation
This course develops a basic understanding of injury and rehabilitation psychology and its applied application to a variety of physically active populations. Theoretical understanding of the psychological, social, and environmental mediators and moderators that influence injury susceptibility and adherence to rehabilitation is emphasized. Emphasis is placed on the basic assessment and intervention techniques to promote and facilitate adherence within the athletic training and sport environment.

ES 511G Measurement and Physical Activity
TStudents will learn and practice assessment techniques for different components of comprehensive fitness and wellness programs to include: pre-screenings, cardiovascular fitness, body composition, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, speed, agility, and posture. Students will explore the anatomical and physiological basis of physical activities, including functional anatomy, which includes the skeletal, articular, and muscular systems as they affect movement.

Master of Athletic Training Program