The Athletic Training Department offers two degree programs:
- Master of Science in Athletic Training - Advanced Clinical Practice
- Master of Science in Athletic Training - Professional Practice Program
The M.S. in Athletic Training - Advanced Clinical Practice is intended for individuals who have met eligibility requirements to challenge the BOC® certification examination. The program is designed to advance the student's knowledge and clinical skills to enhance the quality of healthcare services for the physically active.
The M.S. in Athletic Training - Professional Practice Program is intended for the post-baccalaureate student interested in obtaining the entry-level competency as an athletic trainer. The program is designed to prepare the student to challenge credentialing as an athletic trainer through the Board of Certification® and appropriate state regulatory agencies.
Advanced Clinical Practice
36 credits - Thesis Option
36 credits - Non-thesis Option
Purpose of degree:
The Advanced Clinical Practice Master of Science degree in Athletic Training is intended for individuals who are certified as athletic trainers by the Board of Certification® (BOC®) or individuals that have met eligibility requirements to challenge the BOC® certification examination.
A primary purpose is to enhance the quality of healthcare services for the physically active through the post-professional preparation of advanced practice clinicians. Graduates of this program will be ideal candidates for leadership in clinical service, research, education, and administration.
National accreditation(s) of the program:
The Master of Science in Athletic Training will pursue accreditation through the National Athletic Trainers' Association Post-Professional Education Review Committee.
Outcome expectations of students and degree completion:
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Athletic Training: Advanced Clinical Practice Graduate Program will:
- demonstrate through examinations, on-campus laboratories and clinical evaluations advanced knowledge and understanding of the learning objectives for each course. Advanced knowledge and clinical proficiency in clinical anatomy, therapeutic agents, manual therapies, orthopedic practices and physician extender competencies is required
- demonstrate mastery and clinical proficiency of advanced skills in the affiliated clinical sites (advanced clinical practicums) with the support of qualified clinical preceptors
- demonstrate knowledge and advanced clinical skills that will position them for career advancement and/or acceptance into graduate and/or professional degree programs
- demonstrate the ability to design, construct and assess the results of meaningful, evidence-based research
- demonstrate an understanding of the central issues and current evidence-based research in the field and effectively communicate this knowledge in both written and oral projects
- demonstrate appropriate professional and ethical behavior in relation to the NATA Code of Ethics, BOC® Standards of Professional Practice and state regulations and statutes
Mission statement of the department:
The mission of the Advanced Clinical Practice model is to enable Athletic Trainers (AT) to improve their clinical knowledge and skills through a specific program of advanced clinical practice and scholarship.
A primary objective of this program is to prepare the student for employment requiring advanced knowledge and skills, and to make the student a potential candidate for specialty credentials through the National Athletic Trainers' Association and other health, orthopedic, and fitness-related associations.
Special Resources/Conditions:
The didactic aspects of this program have been designed to be delivered using a variety of innovative and traditional pedagogical methodologies.
Students must be capable of learning in a web-based and hybrid classroom environment. Students must have access to a computer that meets the technological demands for web-based learning.
Students enrolled in this program will work closely with a clinical preceptor who will assist the student in their efforts to integrate theory into practice.
Students in the regional cohort must have reliable transportation and be able to meet the demands of traveling to Advanced Clinical Practice sites.
Program of Study
Undergraduate prerequisites required:
Candidates for the M.S. in Athletic Training must be a graduate of a CAATE-accredited Entry-Level Athletic Training Education Program (Bachelor's or Master's Entry-Level) and be BOC®-eligible.
Typical time to finish:
13 months
Required plan of study:
Summer I: 6 credits
ATEP 510
|
Clinically Oriented Anatomy
|
ATEP 544
|
Current Trends in Athletic Injury Prevention and
Management
|
Fall Semester: 12 credits
ATEP 515
|
Pathomechanics of Musculoskeletal Disorders
|
ATEP 570
|
Introduction to Research
|
ATEP 587
|
Advanced Clinical Practicum
|
ATEP ___
|
Elective course work - Approved by adviser
|
Spring Semester: 12 credits
ATEP 513
|
Applied Statistics and Analysis in Athletic Training
|
ATEP 574
|
Research Practicum
|
ATEP ___
|
Elective course work - Approved by adviser
|
Summer II: 6 credits
ATEP 588
|
Advanced Clinical Practicum II
|
ATEP ___
|
Elective course work - Approved by adviser
|
Final graduation requirement
Completion of thesis and oral comprehensive examination OR written comprehensive examination.
Admission requirements and deadlines
- Admission is competitive and is limited to those meeting minimum admission standards. Student must complete admission application to the Graduate College.
- Bachelor's degree from a CAATE accredited institution
- Undergraduate grade point average of 2.50 Cumulative GPA, 3.00 Major GPA
- Statement of professional goals with resume or curriculum vitae
- Submission of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Letter of Intent for the Master of Science in Athletic Training Advanced Clinical Practice Track
- BOC® certification or BOC® eligible (must have challenged examination once prior to enrollment)
- Three letters of recommendation (One from Athletic Training Program Director)
- Proof of professional liability insurance
- Proof of Act 34 & 151 and Fingerprinting (Criminal Record and Child Abuse Clearances)
- Proof of Pennsylvania Licensure -- State Board of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine. (Permanent or Temporary Licensure is required BEFORE starting the program.)
Graduate Assistantships:
Graduate Assistantship (GA) positions are available through the department. Graduate Assistantships, including stipend and variable tuition waivers are available and will be awarded based on qualifications and experience. The GA position will be directly related to the academic course work and clinical preceptorship experience. The GA may work with a variety of allied healthcare professionals (i.e., orthopedists, physician extenders, emergency room personnel, and physical therapists) in diverse health care settings.
For more information, contact: Dr. Gerard D. Rozea at 570-422-3065 or by e-mail at grozea@po-box.esu.edu.
Professional Practice Program
48 credits
Purpose of degree:
The Professional Practice Master of Science degree in Athletic Training is designed to enable the post-baccalaureate student the opportunity to demonstrate entry-level competency as an athletic trainer while exhibiting scholarship and advanced competency in specific areas of the sports medicine community.
A primary outcome of the Professional Practice Program is to prepare the student to challenge credentialing as an athletic trainer through Board of Certification (BOC®) and appropriate state regulatory bodies.
National accreditation(s) of the program:
The Master of Science in Athletic Training Professional Practice Program will pursue accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Outcome expectations of students and degree completion:
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Athletic Training: Professional Practice Program will:
- demonstrate a sound understanding of the knowledge and skills addressed within the athletic training competencies for best practice.
- demonstrate a sound evidence-based approach to (1) injury prevention and health promotion, (2) orthopedic clinical examination and diagnosis, (3) acute care of injuries and illnesses, (4) therapeutic interventions, and (5) psychosocial strategies.
- cultivate a professional responsibility and development through a structured progression of clinical education that evolves into a commitment of continuing education at clinical/professional symposia.
- complete the eligibility requirements for the Board of Certification (BOC®) for Athletic Trainers.
- demonstrate appropriate professional and ethical behavior in relation to the NATA Code of Ethics, BOC® Standards of Professional Practice and state regulations and statutes
Mission statement of the department:
The mission of the Professional Practice Program is to prepare graduate students as competent entry-level athletic trainers and scholarly practitioners in the athletic training profession. Furthermore, a student-focused learning environment that offers educational challenges and unique clinical opportunities are afforded to the future athletic trainer.
Furthermore, there may be opportunities to acquire other value-added knowledge and skills within the program that would allow for potential candidacy of specialty certifications through the National Athletic Trainers' Association and other health, orthopedic, and fitness-related associations.
Special Degree Offerings for the Non-traditional student:
The didactic aspects of this program (i.e. course sequencing and scheduling) have been designed with sensitivity for the post-professional learner. Courses may be delivered on ESU campus or at ESU's Lehigh Valley Center in Bethlehem, PA. The program's coursework will be delivered through the traditional academic semester. The Professional Practice Program contributes to an innovative, convenient and flexible pedagogical format aimed towards degree completion and certification eligibility as a certified athletic trainer.
Program of Study
Admission Requirements:
Candidates for the M.S. in Athletic Training (Professional Practice Program) must successfully complete the following pre-requisite coursework:
- Anatomy with laboratory (4 credits)
- Physiology with laboratory (4 credits)
- Physics with laboratory (3 credits)
- Nutrition (3 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
- Sports Psychology or similar course (3 credits)
- Prevention & Management of Athletic Injuries (3 credits)
- Kinesiology: Applied Anatomy (3 credits)
- Exercise Physiology (3 credits)
- Current Advanced First Aid and CPR Cert. (3 credits)
Typical time to finish:
6 academic semesters (2 years)
Required plan of study:
Summer I: 6 credits
ATEP 529
|
Measurement and Evaluation of Lower Extremity
Injuries
|
ATEP 531
|
Organization and Administration in Athletic Training
|
Fall I: 10 credits
ATEP 530
|
Measurement and Evaluation of Upper Extremity
Injuries
|
ATEP 533
|
Therapeutic Exercise in Sports Medicine
|
ATEP 544
|
Current Trends in Athletic Injury Prevention &
Management
|
ATEP 594
|
Athletic Training Clinical Laboratory I
|
Spring I: 10 credits
ATEP 532
|
Therapeutic Modalities in Sports Medicine
|
ATEP 545
|
Rehabilitation for Special Populations
|
ATEP 570
|
Introduction to Research
|
ATEP 595
|
Athletic Training Clinical Laboratory II
|
Summer II: 3 credits
ATEP 536
|
Primary Care for the Athletic Trainer
|
Fall II: 9 credits
ATEP 513
|
Applied Statistics and Analysis in Athletic Training
|
ATEP 597
|
Athletic Training Externship
|
Spring II: 10 credits
ATEP 550
|
Seminar in Athletic Training
|
ATEP 574
|
Research Practicum
|
ATEP 540
|
Functional Rehabilitation & Sport Specific
Conditioning
|
ATEP 596
|
Athletic Training Clinical Laboratory III
|
Admission requirements and deadlines
- Admission is competitive and is limited to those meeting minimum admission standards. Student must complete admission application to the Graduate College.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum undergraduate GPA 2.50 (4.00 scale)
- Admission to the ESU Graduate College
- Submit scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Letter of intent and statement of professional goals with resume or curriculum vitae
- Three letters of recommendation
- Minimum of 50 hours of direct observation of Certified Athletic Trainers in at least two different settings
- Proof of professional liability insurance
- Proof of Act 34 & 151 (Criminal Record and Child Abuse Clearances) and Act 114 (Fingerprinting)
- Reliable transportation
Core Performance Standards for Admission & Progression
Applicants and students admitted into the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) offered through the Department of Athletic Training must possess the necessary intellectual, physical, emotional, social and communication skills to provide safe and effective athletic training services. Core performance standards for the Athletic Training Program at East Stroudsburg University are listed below. These examples are not inclusive of all expected abilities.
Candidates for selection to the ATEP Professional Practice Program must demonstrate:
- The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, and integrate concepts and to problem-solve, to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
- Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
- Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.
- The ability to communicate and function well during periods of high stress.
- The tactile dexterity, visual and auditory abilities necessary to observe, monitor, assess and treat patients.
- The appropriate effective skills, demeanor and conduct that relate to professional education and quality patient care.
Compliance with these core performance standards does not guarantee a student's admission into the program, or eligibility for the BOC® certification examination. During the initial advising period, students must verify they understand and meet those core performance standards, or, that they believe with certain accommodations, they can meet these standards. The Office of Disability Services will review the student's documentation and discuss any accommodation requests. Students should contact the Office of Disability Services at 570-422-3954 for additional information or to schedule an appointment.
Clinical Education Plan
Clinical education represents the athletic training student's formal acquisition and practice of the entry-level athletic training clinical proficiencies. The Field Experience and Internship plan requires an average of 20 hours/week. All athletic training students will be assigned to a Clinical Preceptor during their directed field experiences. Students are required to fulfill a clinical experience with exposure to upper extremity, lower extremity, equipment intensive and general medical experiences of both genders.
Students enrolled in this program will work closely with a clinical preceptor who will assist the student in their efforts to integrate theory into practice.
Athletic Training Professional Organization
The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is the professional membership association for certified athletic trainers. Founded in 1950, the NATA has grown to more than 30,000 members worldwide today.
The Eastern Athletic Trainers' Association (EATA) formed in January 1949 when a few athletic trainers in the northeast decided to gather and share information. Today, the EATA encompasses all members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association who reside in either District I or District II. The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society (PATS) is a progressive organization of health care professionals who work under the direction of a licensed physician.
Certified athletic trainers working in the Commonwealth protect and enhance the health and welfare of our clients through prevention, recognition, management, and rehabilitation of injuries.
For more information, contact: Dr. Keith A. Vanic at 570-422-3314 or by e-mail at kvanic@esu.edu.