Master of Science in Athletic Training

All students applying for admission to the CUW MSAT program will be required to submit the following initial application materials:

• Application, with a personal statement
  • ATCAS application
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• Verification of 20 hours of athletic training observation (waived for the 2021-2022 application cycle, due to covid related challenges)

Following a positive initial application review, students will be required to submit the following:

• Proof of CPR certification
• Background check
• Handbook agreement signatures with the Extracurricular Activity Policy
• Immunization records 

Dual Degree MSAT Program Admission Requirements

• Dual Degree
  • 3.00 GPA
  • BIO 191 & BIO 192: C minimum
• Dual Degree Scholars
  • 3.50 GPA
  • BIO 191 & BIO 192: B minimum
• Prerequisite coursework:
  • BIO 191: Human Anatomy & Physiology I
  • BIO 192: Human Anatomy & Physiology II
  • EXPH 470: Exercise Physiology
  • HHP 342: Nutrition for Wellness & Performance
  • MSAT 175: Seminar in Athletic Training I
  • MSAT 275: Seminar in Athletic Training II
  • MSAT 350: Applied Biomechanics & Arthrokinematics
  • PSY 101: General Psychology
  • SCI 110: Introduction to Life & Physical Sciences OR postsecondary coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics

Graduate MSAT Program Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3.00 GPA
• Anatomy & Physiology: C minimum
• Postsecondary coursework in:
  • Anatomy
  • Biology
  • Biomechanics
  • Chemistry
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Nutrition & Public Health
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Psychology 

Application Deadlines

Early/Priority Admission: December 1

Rolling admission thereafter.

Technical Standards for Admission

The technical standards required for admission, retention, and completion reflect the minimum physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities and characteristics necessary in the athletic training field.  These ensure that students pursuing and completing the MSAT program are able to complete the program and fulfil all clinical education requirements in a timely manner, with or without reasonable accommodation.

 Technical Standards for Admission, Retention, and Completion

1. Students must possess the physical capacity to handle the day-to-day rigors of athletic training. Students must possess sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques.  Students must accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
2. Students must demonstrate 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.
3. Students must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and accurately in both the verbal and written form.
4. Students must demonstrate the ability to act and react appropriately to various stressful and changing situations in athletic training.
5. Students must demonstrate autonomy, dependability, reliability, and flexibility.
6. Students must demonstrate a desire to learn and improve on a daily basis.
7. Students must demonstrate a genuine concern for all associated with the MSAT program. Students are expected to represent the MSAT program in a positive manner at all times and provide the best patient care possible. 
8. Students must demonstrate a respect for the LCMS doctrine and other religious beliefs.

Reasonable Accommodations

Applicants to the MSAT Program will be required to verify that they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.  If a student determines that he/she can meet the technical standards with accommodation(s), then the University will determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation(s).  This includes a review that the accommodation(s) are reasonable, whether the accommodation(s) would jeopardize clinician and/or patient safety, and implications to the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework and clinical experiences deemed necessary for graduation.

MSAT Program Handbook

Accreditation status

The Master of Science in Athletic Training program at Concordia University Wisconsin is a master's level professional program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Regarding certification

The Board of Certification nationally certifies athletic trainers for professional practice. Individual states also have established standards of practice for the athletic training profession. We will provide you with the contact information for each state's regulatory body.

BOC pass rates

The Concordia University Wisconsin athletic training program prepares athletic training students for the Board of Certification (BOC) Computer Based Examination, which one must pass in order to practice professionally as an athletic trainer.

Program Retention Rate 

Program Graduation Rate 

Graduate Employment/Placement Rate

Student Classification and University Tuition and Fees

Students in the 2+3 Dual Degree MSAT Program will be considered undergraduate students through the completion of the Year 4.  At this time, students will receive a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine degree and switch to graduate student status for the remainder of the program.  Students in the 2+2 Dual Degree MSAT Program, Scholars Track will be considered undergraduate students for the duration of the four (4) year program.  The students in the Graduate Program will be considered graduate students for the duration of the program.

The students in the MSAT program must be aware that their student status (undergraduate vs. graduate) will significantly affect tuition and financial aid.  Please refer to the CUW website, the CUW Undergraduate Academic Catalog, and the Graduate Academic Catalogs for detailed tuition, fee, and financial aid information.  

Athletic Training Program Costs

• The MSAT program application process requires that each applicant obtains and submits a specific background check, at the student’s expense. Additional background checks may be necessary, at the student’s expense.  The approximate cost of the initial background check is $38.00
• Following admission into the MSAT program, students may be responsible for obtaining additional background checks, flu shots, vaccinations, drug screens, and any other relevant requirements (at the student’s expense) in order to be eligible for certain specific clinical education sites.
• All students admitted into the MSAT program will be required to purchase one CUW Athletic Training polo shirt. The approximate cost of the required polo is $34.00.
• Each student will be required to be tested for TB annually, at the student’s expense. The cost of this testing is dependent on the method and location.  For certain students, this is covered by their personal health insurance.  For those who wish to complete this testing on campus, the CUW Health Center offers TB testing for $10.00.
• While most clinical education experiences will take place on the CUW main campus, all Athletic Training Students will be assigned to some off-campus clinical education experiences. The Athletic Training Student will be responsible for fuel, car maintenance, and automobile insurance for this purpose. 
• Certain MSAT classes require a laboratory fee. The current fees are as follows:
  • MSAT 525, Athletic Training Foundations with Lab: $40.00
  • MSAT 535, Emergency Care in Athletic Training with Lab: $40.00
  • MSAT 585, Seminar in Athletic Training III: $75.00

MSAT Scholarships

The CUW MSAT program has endowed three Athletic Training Scholarships.  All eligible students will be informed of these scholarship opportunities by the Program Director prior to the application deadline.  All scholarship decisions will be made by the Athletic Training Scholarship Committee.