Athletic Training, M.S.
Master of Science Degree
3+2 Master of Science Degree (Including B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science)
(Beginning 2019-2020)
Athletic trainers are allied health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize patient and client activity and participation. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. (www.NATA.org)
The M.S. in Athletic Training prepares students to become entry-level athletic trainers and qualifies them to take the BOC Exam (national board exam). It is a rigorous academic program that builds upon foundational course work in anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, psychology, and other science related courses to provide students didactic and clinical experience exposure to the evidence-based decision making process used to examine, diagnose, and create appropriate prevention, treatment, and wellness interventions for clients across the age and ability spectrums. A degree in Athletic Training offers graduates opportunities to practice in a variety of settings. These settings include, but are not limited to, high school, college, and professional athletics, outpatient clinics, industrial rehabilitation sites, physician practices, the performing arts, safety settings, and higher education. Upon program completion, students will also be prepared to take the CHES (certified health education specialist) and CSCS (certified strength and condition specialist) exams. Acceptance into the Athletic Training Program is competitive and not guaranteed.
Once admitted into the program, students are required to maintain an overall minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and satisfactory performance during the clinical experiences to remain active in the athletic training program. Failure to maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA for one semester will result in a one-semester probation. If the student has two consecutive semesters with a cumulative GPA below 3.0, they will be removed from the program (graduate students may not earn less than a “B” in more than one class over the course of their program). In addition to the Piedmont College graduation requirements, Athletic Training Majors must also complete a minimum of 900 hours of practical clinical experience (as assigned by the Program) and the Skills Master Log prior to graduation.
The existing undergraduate Athletic Training Program is accredited through the CAATE (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education; www.caate.net), and the process begun to transition to the graduate level (anticipated completion in 2018-2019). A CAATE-accredited degree in Athletic Training is necessary for students to be eligible to sit for the National Board of Certification Exam and practice as Certified Athletic Trainers. In 2015, the CAATE, in partnership with the NATA and Board of Certification, announced the mandatory transition of all undergraduate professional Athletic Training programs to the graduate level. To meet this goal, Piedmont College began a 3+2 program in Fall 2017, in which incoming undergraduate students who wish to become Certified Athletic Trainers will earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five academic years (BS in Exercise and Sport Science and MS in Athletic Training). This program also allows students who hold a bachelor’s degree from another institution to complete the master’s in two academic years through a traditional admission route (beginning Summer 2019). As of Fall 2017, the program is no longer admitting students into the undergraduate degree track; students wishing to major in Athletic Training can enter the graduate track through both the 3+2 and traditional routes. The first graduate students will apply in Spring 2019 to begin coursework in Summer 2019.
Admission Criteria (3+2 and Traditional Entry)
Acceptance into the Athletic Training Program is competitive and not guaranteed. Prospective students must meet the minimum criteria listed below to be considered for admission to the program:
- Ability to meet the Technical Standards of Admission as documented by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant
- Admission to Piedmont College
- Declare Athletic Training as a major
- "C" or better on all required prerequisite coursework
- Completed application, cover letter, and professional resume (due January 15th)
- Copy of unofficial transcripts (Final, official transcripts due before summer classes begin)
- 35 clinical observation hours with a Certified Athletic Trainer
- Copy of First Aid and CPR certification cards (must be valid through the start of summer courses)
- Copy of immunization records, including Hepatitis B and a TB skin test (within 12 months)
- Overall cumulative minimum GPA of 2.8
- Two letters of recommendation (if already enrolled at Piedmont, one must be from a faculty or staff member)
- Successful background check and drug screen (must use the College’s chosen vendor for both)
- Successful interview (interviews are extended in February)
- Current medical physical as documented by a licensed MD, PA, or No within the last 12 months
Prerequisite Courses: (3+2 and Traditional Entry)
All students applying from outside of Piedmont College who will complete all requirements for a Bachelor's degree at their home institution by the end of the application semester (traditional route) must have all prerequisites completed at that time. Prospective students must have completed, or be currently enrolled in, the following courses when applying to the Athletic Training program (only grades of “C” or better will be accepted):
Provisional Admission and Transfer Policy (3+2 Track only):
All students applying in their 3rd year from Piedmont College or transferring from an outside institution into the 3+2 track must have all General Education Core courses, all prerequisite courses, and a minimum of 90 credit hours completed by the end of the application semester Prospective students must have completed, or be currently enrolled in, the prerequisite courses listed above when applying to the Athletic Training program (only grades of “C” or better will be accepted). In addition to the Admission Criteria above, these students must also submit the following:
- An application for admission with the required essay
- Official transcripts from each college, university, or technical school attended. Transfer applicants must present a satisfactory academic record (normally at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale with all grades being considered) from each institution attended
- Only courses from regionally accredited institutions and foreign institutions approved for semester abroad will be accepted for credit
- Courses from regionally accredited technical colleges in the State of Georgia may be accepted pursuant to Articulation Agreements between Piedmont College and the specific technical college
- Only grades of “C” or higher are transferred in all courses
- Developmental, orientation, student-assembly, and cultural-events credits are nontransferable
Graduation Requirements: (3+2 and Traditional Entry)
-
If on the 3+2 track, completion of a minimum of 165 credit hours, of which all 65hrs in the professional phase of the program must be completed at Piedmont College;
- Complete all professional phase required courses and elective coursework with no more than one grade lower than a “B”
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- Demonstrate satisfactory performance during the clinical experiences (≥70% on all evaluations)
- Complete all required skills as documented in the Master Log on e*Value
- Complete all required clinical hours (900hrs) as documented in the Practicum (required) and Internship (recommended) courses
- Demonstrate satisfactory performance on the thesis project and presentation (≥70% on each)
Athletic Training (3+2) Curriculum Outline
General Education
Piedmont College Requirement
| PDMT 1101 | Intro to College Life and Liberal Arts Tradition | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 1 |
Students who have not completed a minimum of 24 semester credit hours of college-level coursework upon admission to Piedmont College must meet this college requirement.
Exercise and Sport Science Foundation
Exercise and Sport Science Concentration
Athletic Training Concentration (Beginning in 2019-2020)
| ATRG 5120 | Practical and Emergency Techniques in Athletic Training | 3 |
| ATRG 5125 | Physical Assessment and the Patient Experience | 3 |
| ATRG 5201 | Practicum I in Athletic Training | 2,2,4 |
| ATRG 5221 | Practicum II in Athletic Training | 2,2,4 |
| ATRG 5222 | Therapeutic Modalities | 4 |
| ATRG 5303 | Orthopedic Assessment: Upper Extremity | 3 |
| ATRG 5322 | Therapeutic Exercise | 4 |
| ATRG 5323 | Orthopedic Assessment: Lower Extremity | 3 |
| | |
| ATRG 6301 | Practicum III in Athletic Training | 2,4,6 |
| ATRG 6321 | Practicum IV in Athletic Training | 2,4,6 |
| ATRG 6402 | Organization and Administration of AT Programs | 3 |
| ATRG 6420 | Senior Seminar (Capstone Course) | 3 |
| HSCS 5100 | Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 3 |
| HSCS 5302 | Pathology and Pharmacology | 4 |
| | |
| HSCS 5301 | Implementation and Evaluation of Health Programming | 3 |
| OR | |
| HSCS 5340 | Behavior Change | 3 |
| | |
| HSCS 5410 | Research Methodology in Health Sciences | 3 |
| HSCS 5411 | Current and Emerging Issues in Health Policy, Economics, and Advocacy | 3 |
| HSCS 6411 | Assessing Healthcare Quality | 3 |
| | |
| OPTIONAL: | |
| HSCS 5420 | Advanced Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| HSCS 5440 | Nutrition for Health Programming | 3 |
| ATRG 5499 | Internship in Athletic Training | 1-6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 65 |
Total Credit Hours: 165
Athletic Training (MS-only) Curriculum Outline
(Beginning in 2019-2020)
| ATRG 5120 | Practical and Emergency Techniques in Athletic Training | 3 |
| ATRG 5125 | Physical Assessment and the Patient Experience | 3 |
| ATRG 5201 | Practicum I in Athletic Training | 2,2,4 |
| ATRG 5221 | Practicum II in Athletic Training | 2,2,4 |
| ATRG 5222 | Therapeutic Modalities | 4 |
| ATRG 5303 | Orthopedic Assessment: Upper Extremity | 3 |
| ATRG 5322 | Therapeutic Exercise | 4 |
| ATRG 5323 | Orthopedic Assessment: Lower Extremity | 3 |
| | |
| ATRG 6301 | Practicum III in Athletic Training | 2,4,6 |
| ATRG 6321 | Practicum IV in Athletic Training | 2,4,6 |
| ATRG 6402 | Organization and Administration of AT Programs | 3 |
| ATRG 6420 | Senior Seminar (Capstone Course) | 3 |
| HSCS 5100 | Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 3 |
| HSCS 5302 | Pathology and Pharmacology | 4 |
| | |
| HSCS 5301 | Implementation and Evaluation of Health Programming | 3 |
| OR | |
| HSCS 5340 | Behavior Change | 3 |
| | |
| HSCS 5410 | Research Methodology in Health Sciences | 3 |
| HSCS 5411 | Current and Emerging Issues in Health Policy, Economics, and Advocacy | 3 |
| HSCS 6411 | Assessing Healthcare Quality | 3 |
| | |
| OPTIONAL: | |
| HSCS 5420 | Advanced Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| HSCS 5440 | Nutrition for Health Programming | 3 |
| ATRG 5499 | Internship in Athletic Training | 1-6 |
Total Credit Hours: 65