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Master of Athletic Training 

Statement of Purpose

The University of Mobile has developed a dynamic approach for a student wishing to pursue the Master of Athletic Training.  

Undergraduate Freshmen or Transfer

Pre-Athletic Training Concentration- allows the student to complete prerequisites for graduate programs in athletic training while completing courses in Kinesiology.

Graduate Students

Master of Athletic Training Program (MAT)- this two year program, 62 credit hour program will prepare the student through both didactic and clinical experiences to sit for the Board of Certification exam their final semester of the graduate program.

Post Baccalaureate students that have previously been granted a degree can apply once prerequisites are completed and all admission requirements have been met. 

Mission of Master of Athletic Training

     In keeping with the mission of the University of Mobile and the College of Health Professions, the mission of the Master of Athletic Training is to challenge each student to become their best self: intellectually, spiritually, and culturally. This path to personal growth and an understanding of God’s purpose is designed to lead the student towards becoming an informed member of society within the athletic training profession.

The ultimate goal for each student is to successfully pass the Board of Certification exam and seamlessly transition into the world of healthcare. It is the hope of the university, faculty and staff that each student will be prepared to collaboratively work with all health care professionals to provide, administer and manage the health care of patients across a lifespan; to participate in research and other activities designed to advance the quality of athletic training services; and to be advocates in building a solid foundation for future professionals, clients and the public regarding the profession of Athletic Training.

Vision

University of Mobile’s Master of Athletic Training program is committed to enriching the field of athletic training through the development of future world changers who embody the spirit of Christ.

Core Principles

Professional Literacy, Academic Proficiency, Critical Thinking, and Communication Literacy

Program Goals

• Provide enhanced opportunities for mentoring and fellowships among faculty, staff, and students.
• Maintain accreditation with SACSCOC as well as discipline- specific agencies.
• Develop new graduate and undergraduate academic programs that support the University mission, serve the market needs of the community, and increase enrollment.
• Promote current academic pedagogy and technology throughout all disciplines.
• Enhance the presence of the Christian intellectual tradition in courses throughout all disciplines of the University.
• Increase the number of internships and experiential learning opportunities for graduate students.

Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO) and Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO) 1: Academic Proficiency- Students within the Master of Athletic Training program will demonstrate proficiency of graduate level athletic training academic content.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

1A. The graduate athletic training student will demonstrate knowledge and skills critical to providing a comprehensive plan of care that encompasses prevention strategies, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate care, treatment, rehabilitation, reconditioning, and administration for all patients.

Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO) 2: Professional Literacy- Students within the Master of Athletic Training program will demonstrate entry-level competency through both didactic and clinical learning experiences the skills and attitudes necessary for professional viability within the field of athletic training.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

2A. The graduate athletic training student will be able to demonstrate quality healthcare that assists patients, communities, and populations with ever-changing needs across the life span with varying diversity, socioeconomic statuses, and activity levels.

2B. The graduate athletic training student will recognize the role of the athletic trainer in injury documentation, health epidemiology and informatics, organization, and administration as a critical component of the healthcare system.

2C. The graduate athletic training student will demonstrate professional and ethical standards, as documented by the Foundational Behaviors of Professional Practice, Code of Ethics, and BOC Standards of Professional Practice.

2D. The graduate athletic training student will be prepared to successfully pass the Board of Certification exam that consists of the following domains of practice:

• Injury and Illness Prevention and Wellness Promotion
• Examination, Assessment and Diagnosis
• Immediate and Emergency Care
• Therapeutic Intervention
• Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility

Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO) 3: Critical Thinking- Students with the Master of Athletic Training program will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to entry level health care providers.  

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

3A. The graduate athletic training student will demonstrate knowledge in the process of research discovery for use within clinical practice.

3B. The graduate athletic training student will develop clinical decision-making skills to assist in patient care.

Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO) 4: Communication Literacy- Students within the Master of Athletic Training program will demonstrate oral and written communication skills at a level suitable for graduate level and professional competence.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

4A. The graduate athletic training student will develop advanced integrative and analytical thinking skills as evidenced by written communication skills.

4B. The graduate athletic training student will develop effective communication skills to assist patients, families, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.  

ADMISSION PROCESS

Requirements:

1. Preferred overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better (effective 8/1/2021- no lower than 2.75 will be accepted)
2. Preferred C or better on all prerequisite coursework
3. Total of 100 observational hours
4. Current CPR card
5. Completion of Technical Standards
6. Three letters of recommendation- through ATCAS
7. Provide Official transcript for all college/university
8. Curriculum vitae/resume

The student should submit information for application through Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS). ATCAS simplifies the athletic training application process by allowing the student to apply to multiple programs with only one application. The application includes sections on biographical information, educational history and record, work and observation experiences, and a personal statement.

Steps for Application

1. Complete an ATCAS application and formally apply to UM-  https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/deeplink/programSearch/organization/5567509477217972368 with completed application and all documents submitted and accepted by posted deadline.
   • Provide Official transcripts and enter courses taken from each college/university attended through ATCAS
   • Three evaluations (ATCAS generated) - one from Certified Athletic Trainer, one from Academic Advisor, and one from Faculty member within student’s major- these evaluations are available through ATCAS (UM students can obtain 2 evaluations from either the AT or the faculty member, but they must have 3 evaluations).
   • Complete the Technical Standards form on ATCAS.
   • Curriculum Vitae along with Personal Statement for Admittance detailing personal and professional goals. Personal statement should be at least 1000 words and focus on previous education, experience, professional interests in athletic training, professional goals, and finally what makes your application stand out above other applicants
   • Submittal of Current CPR (Professional or BLS card).
   • Submit total of 100 hours’ observation with a Certified Athletic Trainer. The hours must reflect the experiences the student obtained (i.e. sports covered, athletic training room, physician’s office, industrial setting, and clinic).
   • Complete supplemental questions.
      

1. ATCAS will verify the student’s transcripts and complete a review.
2. UM’s MAT admission committee will review the applicant’s submission and decide if the applicant meets the requirements for an interview.
3. Notification for interviews will be sent via email or by phone. (Interviews are invitation only).
4. The student will meet either in person or via Zoom for the formal interview with the MAT admission committee.
5. The student will be made aware of the MAT admission committee’s decision via by email.
6. Once selected for admittance into the MAT program, the cost to secure a spot in the program- regardless of early or regular admission- is a 250.00 non-refundable fee that will go directly towards the student’s tuition for Term I.

Admission Timeline

• ATCAS application process will open September 1^st
• Admission Deadline - March 1 (deadline)
• Rolling Admission until all 14 program spots are filled- closes April 1^st

Prerequisites Required- courses may be in progress at the time of application: 

** Courses taken more than 7 years from time of application will not be accepted.

** Effective 8/1/2021

• Sociology- 3 hours- will be removed for 2022 admission cycle
• Research - 3 hours- will be removed for 2022 admission cycle

Post Admission Requirements

Upon acceptance into the MAT program, students will be required to submit the following documents to complete their admission packet:

1. Payment of a placeholder fee of 250.00- the cost to secure a spot in the program. This non-refundable fee will go directly towards the student’s tuition for Term I (summer).
2. A graduate record will be established once the placeholder fee has been obtained and all application documents have been transferred to the graduate admissions committee.
3. The student will receive a UM student ID and email address.
4. The student will be advised for summer and fall term and registration will open in March.
5. The student will be added to the MAT orientation class through Canvas- there is no cost for this course. (must be completed by April 30^th)
6. Once orientation is complete the student will be added to Typhon and be advised to add the following documents to the system for review. (All documents must be loaded prior to May 31^st into Typhon)

• Technical Standards form
• Current Professional Rescuer CPR/ AED card- Adult/ Child/Infant/AED- submitted to ATCAS at time of application.
• Upload Fingerprinting report (15.00) and Background Check (10.00) through Mobile Police Department or any facility that can validate.
• Upload proof of primary health insurance
• Submit a clean 10-panel drug screen- at student’s expense- must not be beyond 30 days of starting Term I.
• Immunization form and verification of records for
  • (MMR) Rubella, Measles, Mumps,
  • Varicella,
  • Hepatitis B,
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap),
  • Tuberculin Skin Test (TST/PPD)
  • Annual flu shot (only for clinical experiences during flu season).
  • Waivers of immunizations can also be attached.

POINT OF ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Undergraduate Pre-Athletic Training Track

Freshmen applicants must meet all requirements specific to the University.

Specific to the School of Health and Sports Science

1. Students will begin the Pre-Athletic Training track with the understanding that there is no guarantee that admittance into the Master of Athletic training program will be granted. Regardless of the student’s path, all aspects of the admission process must be followed. 
2. Apply through ATCAS in the Fall of the senior year: https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/deeplink/programSearch/organization/5567509477217972368 with completed application and all documents submitted and accepted by posted deadline.

** Students will not be allowed to participate in intercollegiate athletics once they are a current student within the Master of Athletic Training program, regardless of the sport.

Transfer Undergraduate Students

All transfer students wishing to pursue the Pre-Athletic Training Track at the University of Mobile must complete all steps related to admission requirements for the university and the School of Health and Sports Science. Regardless of the time of admittance into the university, transfer students must complete all prerequisites prior to admission.

Specific to the University

Transfer applicants must meet all requirements specific to the University.

Specific to the School of Health and Sports Science

Transfer applicants must follow the following steps:

1. Admitted into the University of Mobile as an undergraduate student
2. Meet with advisor and MAT program director to determine the Pre- Athletic Training track for completion of degree requirements and prerequisites.
3. As with any route the student takes to apply for the Masters of Athletic Training- all prerequisites must be gained along with any core courses. Regardless of the student’s path, all aspects of the admission process must be followed.

Senior Year (Fall Semester)

1. Apply through in the Fall of the senior year https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/deeplink/programSearch/organization/5567509477217972368 with completed application and all documents submitted and accepted by posted deadline.

** Students will not be allowed to participate in intercollegiate athletics once they are a current student within the Master of Athletic Training program, regardless of the sport.

Graduate Student

Specific to the College of Health Professions/ School of Health and Sports Science

(The school will accept 14 total students per cohort)

1. Apply through ATCAS https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/deeplink/programSearch/organization/5567509477217972368  with completed application and all documents submitted and accepted by posted deadline.

** Students will not be allowed to participate in intercollegiate athletics once they are a current student within the Master of Athletic Training program, regardless of the sport.

For Undergraduate and Graduate International Students

** At this time, F1 visas cannot be granted for this program.

MAT Program Accreditation Status

The University of Mobile is currently seeking accreditation for their new Athletic Training program and is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  The institution will be submitting a self-study to begin the accreditation process on July 1, 2022. Submission of the self-study and completion of a site visit does not guarantee that the program will become accredited. Students that graduate from the program prior to accreditation WILL NOT be eligible to sit for the credentialing examination for athletic trainers and will not be eligible for licensure in most states. The first class will be accepted in June 2021 with the first graduating class as May 2023. The accreditation site visit is anticipated to occur in Spring 2023.

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