Athletic Training (M.S.)

The University of North Georgia offers a Master of Science with a major in Athletic Training (MSAT). The MSAT program is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, health and physical education, or a related field.

You'll be introduced to not only foundational knowledge in athletic training related material, but also advanced knowledge in the areas of evaluation, rehabilitation, acute care, and other related material. You'll have an opportunity to be exposed to clinical experiences at various locations, including colleges/universities, high schools, rehabilitation clinics, orthopedic clinics, general medical clinics, and other various healthcare settings.

Athletic Training (M.S.) Program Quick Facts

New students admitted summer semester
Full time program on the Dahlonega campus
60 hours completed in 2 years

Cohort format
Clinical rotations offered in north Georgia region

Program Application Deadlines

All application materials are to be received prior to the deadline. Completing your application earlier is better. The admissions committee will review all completed files and will release all admissions decisions after the posted deadline.

Summer Deadline

March 1

How to Apply to the Athletic Training (M.S.) Program

MSAT applicants apply through which allows applicants to use a single, web-based application and one set of materials to apply to multiple programs.
ATCAS application portal opens in July for admission to the following summer semester.

ATCAS is a service of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Application fee is paid to ATCAS.

Degree Seeking Regular
Early Admission Requirements

Baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the ) with at least an overall grade point average of 3.2 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate ̨��swag procedures.

Required Supplemental Documents

Letter of intent/personal statement detailing why you wish you gain admission to the MSAT program at ̨��swag

Current resume

Two letters of recommendation. One recommendation must be from a currently BOC-certified and state-licensed, registered, or certified athletic trainer

Proof of 50 (minimum) observation hours under a currently BOC-certified and state-licensed, registered, or certified athletic trainer using this form (PDF) or equivalent

If accepted, the following documents must be received prior to the first day of the initial semester. Students who have not submitted all of the following prior to the first day of the semester will not be allowed to attend

Proof of CPR (Basic Life Saving via American Heart Association or the American Red Cross)

Background check

̨��swag physical form filled out by a physician

̨��swag and AT immunization forms

Technical Standards form signed by a physician

Completion of all pre-requisite courses with a minimum grade of C.

The program may use an interview (in person, virtually, or through an auditory-only format).

Regular Requirements

Baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the ) with at least an overall grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate ̨��swag procedures.

Required Supplemental Documents

Letter of intent/personal statement detailing why you wish you gain admission to the MSAT program at ̨��swag

Current resume

Two letters of recommendation. One recommendation must be from a certified athletic trainer

Proof of 50 (minimum) observation hours under a certified athletic trainer using this form (PDF) or equivalent

If accepted, the following documents must be received prior to the first day of the initial semester. Students who have not submitted all of the following prior to the first day of the semester will not be allowed to attend.

Proof of CPR (Basic Life Saving via the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross)

Background check

̨��swag physical form filled out by a physician

̨��swag and AT immunization forms

Technical Standards form signed by a physician

Completion of all pre-requisite courses with a minimum grade of C. Students may be able to complete remaining prerequisite courses during the first semester of the program (the first summer semester) provided these have been completed by the end of that semester with approval of the program faculty. If a student cannot complete prerequisite requirements over the summer semester, they will not be able to continue in the program.

The program may use an interview (in person, virtually, or through an auditory-only format).

Note: The program may use an interview (in person, virtually, or through an auditory only format).

Applying to ̨��swag

Pre-Requisite Courses

Required

General Biology Equivalent

General Chemistry Equivalent

General Physics Equivalent

Anatomy & Physiology I & II

General Psychology + 1 Additional Psychology course (Growth & Development and/or Abnormal Psychology preferred)

Nutrition

Structural Kinesiology or Biomechanics

Statistics

Recommended

Epidemiology

Public Health

Exercise Physiology

Medical Terminology

Research Methods
Step 1Application and Application Fee

Step 2Official Transcripts

Step 3Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.

Step 4Graduate Assistants

Step 5Persons Aged 62 or Over

MSAT applicants apply through which allows applicants to use a single, web-based application and one set of materials to apply to multiple programs.

ATCAS application portal opens in July for admission to the following summer semester.

ATCAS is a service of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Application fee is paid to ATCAS.

University of North Georgia does not require a separate application fee.

Applicant's responsibility is to follow ATCAS and program-specific instructions.

Submit one set of official transcripts from each institution attended for all course work, undergraduate and graduate level.

Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions. Please request a transcript from each institution attended.

Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.

Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia ̨��swag Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate ̨��swag unopened.

Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to grads@ung.edu. Depending on the transcript service you are using, grads@ung.edu may not be an available option. You may then select any admissions or undergraduate admissions @ung.edu address. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.

International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the ̨��swag office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of or members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the ) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate ̨��swag. Applicants who have received degrees outside of the United States may be required to submit proof of English proficiency. Applicants will be notified if a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score is required. If required, scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Personal copies and photocopies are NOT accepted. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two calendar years from the test date. Required minimum scores are, TOEFL internet based - 79, TOEFL computer based test - 213, TOEFL paper based test - 550, IELTS - 6.5.

Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) currently accepts transcript credential reports from four specified agencies. For more details,

Graduate ̨��swag will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at ̨��swag. You do not need to order official transcripts from ̨��swag.

If you completed your undergraduate degree at ̨��swag and then attended another institution, request official transcripts only from schools attended after graduating from ̨��swag.

Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to ̨��swag seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

Learn More

Interested in applying for a graduate assistant position at ̨��swag?

Visit and select Grad Assistant to view available positions.

When prompted on the , select "Yes" to be added to our email communications about upcoming positions.

Graduate assistants are required to have health insurance. For additional information, visit

Submit a birth certificate or Georgia driver’s license to enable ̨��swag to determine eligibility.

Must be a resident of Georgia and 62 years of age or older at the time of registration.

May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory or shop fees.

Learn More

Non-Degree

MSAT program does not permit non-degree students.

Transient

MSAT program does not permit non-degree students.

All International

An international student is someone who has not been granted or does not have U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency. In order for these students to study in the United States, they must obtain an F-1 visa.

International students are not admissible for the summer term. This program only admits new students in the summer term and therefore, does not permit F-1 visa student admission.

Appeal of Graduate Admission
A candidate whose application is denied has the right to appeal the decision. A written letter of appeal must include strong evidence to support the basis for your appeal. The appeal should consist of information beyond what was previously submitted in your admissions file and detail your ability to be successful in graduate studies.

Students whose appeals are granted will be admitted as provisional students.

Students are not eligible for financial aid while taking courses under a provisional admission status.

Students may not appeal for regular admission.

Email your letter of appeal as a pdf attachment to grads@ung.edu.

Learn More About the Athletic Training (M.S.) Program

Upon decision by the Athletic Training Strategic Alliance for all Athletic Training Programs to transition to the Master’s level, the University of North Georgia has subsequently decided to transition our Athletic Training Program to the graduate level. Both University and Board of Regents (BOR) approvals have been acquired, acknowledgement of degree level change by the Southern Accreditation for Colleges and Schools has been granted, and the program is currently undergoing its substantive change process from the Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

The Athletic Training Program at ̨��swag has a long-standing history of success as an undergraduate program (initial accreditation in 2002) and is excited to embark on a new journey as a graduate level program. The Master’s of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) at ̨��swag is designed as a traditional graduate program, where students will acquire an undergraduate degree from an accredited Institution and, upon completion of all pre-requisite coursework, apply to the program as a traditional graduate student. The MSAT program is a cohorted program consisting of six semesters of coursework and 60 credit hours of courses.

The program will begin in the summer with foundational coursework that will prepare students to take part in their initial clinical rotation in the fall. Students will take part in five semesters of clinical rotations, culminating in a semester-long immersive clinical rotation. More information regarding clinical rotations can be found under the clinical rotations tab above.

The mission of the Athletic Training program at ̨��swag is to provide quality academic and clinical preparation for individuals pursuing any career in the field of athletic training. Through a program that reflects intellectual engagement, advocacy and service, and evidence based practice, students will become well rounded allied healthcare professionals. The program strives to develop an atmosphere conducive to learning where students are able to develop academically, professionally, and personally. Please take a look at our program and feel free to reach out to any of the faculty should you have any questions.

Mission

Goals

Students will understand, demonstrate, and access skills and techniques to prevent injury and illness and promote wellness.
Students will demonstrate the ability to examine, assess, and diagnose orthopedic and general medical conditions.
Students will be able to implement immediate and emergency care for optimal outcomes.
Students will be able to assess and implement appropriate therapeutic interventions for a variety of different pathological conditions.
Students will demonstrate an understanding and apply the knowledge to healthcare administration and professional responsibility.
Students will participate in a broad array of high-quality clinical experiences with skilled preceptors.

Download a complete list of goals and objectives. (PDF)

The MSAT program at University of North Georgia is considered a traditional master’s program, in that anyone who has an undergraduate degree and meets the admission requirements, may apply to the program. Our program is a cohorted program, meaning that students are admitted once a year and move through the program as a unit.

Students will progress in a sequential and progressively rigorous program, culminating in an immersive clinical experience during the student's final semester in the program. Explore the course planning guide (PDF) and plan of study (PDF).

̨��swag’s athletic training program is pleased to offer students a wide variety of clinical experience throughout their time in the program. Students will be given the opportunity to take part in clinical experiences in the following settings:

College/University Setting (̨��swag and Young Harris College)
High School (various locations)
Semi-professional Athletics (Atlanta Gladiators Hockey)
Sports Medicine Clinic
Orthopedic Clinic
Various Interprofessional Education Experiences

The program constantly strives to add new, exciting, and clinically challenging experiences. Students’ clinical experience will culminate in a fully-immersive clinical rotation that may take place off campus at locations all over the United States.

The following requirements must be met for a student to remain in the Athletic Training Program (ATP) at ̨��swag:

Compliance with the rules and regulations prescribed for all graduate students at ̨��swag.
Compliance with the ATP rules and regulations in the Athletic Training Student Handbook.
Adherence to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Code of Ethics
Adherence to the expectations found in the Program Standards of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
Maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) level CPR certification (American Red Cross or American Heart Association)
Maintenance of a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
Earning course grade of “C” or better in all coursework

Due to its unique clinical experiences and program of study, students will accrue the following fees throughout their time in the Athletic Training Program:

Uniform & Associated Fees
Professional Liability Insurance
National Athletic Trainers’ Association membership dues (optional)
Travel Expenses – Will vary by clinical rotation

Questions?

For questions about the program, contact:

Dr. Ryan Hipp
ryan.hipp@ung.edu
706-867-4551

For questions about the application process, contact:
Graduate ̨��swag
grads@ung.edu
706-864-1543

Professional Licensure and Certification

The University of North Georgia offers degree programs that meet the educational requirements students need to apply for professional licensure and certifications in Georgia. However, the programs may not meet education requirements for licensure or certification in other states.

For additional information, please review the Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure.

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