MASTER OF
ATHLETIC TRAINING (M.A.T.)

Admission Criteria & Eligibility Information: 

• Strong academic ability, evidenced by a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
• Completion of the following prerequisite course requirements before the start of the program:
  • Principles of Biology I
  • General Chemistry I
  • Anatomy & Physiology I
  • Anatomy & Physiology II
  • Nutrition
  • Lifespan Development
  • Biomechanics
  • Statistics
  • Physics I
  • Exercise Physiology

Application Checklist- Domestic Student

Application Checklist- International Student

The Loras College Athletic Training program is fully accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) through the 2028-2029 academic year. The program’s status is in good standing with the CAATE.

The mission of the Loras College Master of Athletic Training Program is to produce active learners, responsible contributors, and reflective thinkers that can provide exceptional healthcare to an active population through quality didactic and clinical athletic training educational experiences.

1. Students will demonstrate comprehension of concepts and skills vital to basic function in health sciences careers.
2. Students will be active learners and reflective thinkers by using common research techniques to discover and implement athletic training evidence based medicine.
3. The program’s didactic and clinical education will develop and educate students with the ability to be responsible contributors by transitioning classroom knowledge into effective clinical practice.
4. Students will be able to demonstrate professional communication skills in order to efficiently communicate with both patients and healthcare professionals throughout the program’s didactic and clinical education and in post-graduate settings.
5. The program will ensure that graduates are prepared for autonomous practice as a Certified Athletic Trainer in post-graduate settings.

Outcome Measurements of the Athletic Training Program Board of Certification Results -View Full Report

The MAT program is a 64-credit graduate program that will permit you to sit for the Board of Certification exam. Gain the fundamentals you’ll need to pursue a career in exercise, sport, wellness, and healthcare. The format of classes is face-to-face instruction. Our cohort model boasts small class sizes and personalized attention. Students enter into the Master of Athletic Training program in the Summer term and complete the program in two years. Students enroll in no more than 12 credits each semester in order to allow for ample time in Clinical Education settings.

VIEW SAMPLE 2 YEAR PLAN
VIEW MAT PROGRAM STUDENT HANDBOOK

ATR 510 Evaluation of Injuries I –In this course, students are introduced to the injury evaluation process and the assessment of athletic injuries found in the lumbar spine and lower extremity.

ATR 511 Evaluation of Injuries II – In this course, students are introduced to the assessment of conditions affecting the upper extremity, head and neck.  Additionally, management of emergency care of head and neck injuries is covered.

ATR 520 Therapeutic Interventions I –This is an introduction to the theory and practical use of therapeutic modalities in sports medicine.  Classroom instruction and laboratory practical components will allow the students to learn and develop necessary athletic training competencies regarding therapeutic modalities and therapeutic agents.

ATR 521 Therapeutic Interventions II –This course will focus on methods and techniques in the selection and application of rehabilitation techniques in sports medicine. Key components will focus on the overall functional progression of rehabilitative exercise, specific rehabilitative exercises, and the addition of advanced techniques such as joint manipulations will be also be taught.

ATR 530 Evidence Based Practice of Athletic Training –This course will serve as a foundation to the research aspect of the MAT program. Students will be exposed to the need for research, common research techniques in athletic training, and outline a research question to serve as their capstone project.

ATR 540 – Epidemiology –This course is intended to enhance the students’ understanding of the role of epidemiologic study in evaluating the relationships between physical activity and health and/or disease outcomes.  Students will learn about the development of current physical activity recommendations, trends in physical activity in the U.S., epidemiologic study designs and the techniques used to measure physical activity, and most importantly, will learn to critically evaluate the evidence and literature in this topic area.

ATR 541 Public Health –Students will be introduced to the concept of public health and the importance of improving the lives of people where they live, work, and play. The methods to track diseases, prevent illnesses, and understand the etiologies and risk factors for conditions that effect health are also discussed.

ATR 542 Health and Wellness Promotion –This course is intended to enhance student understanding of chronic disease, public and community health, and health and wellness promotion. The course will focus on methods used in disease prevention in the form of preventative healthcare, and behavior change in nutrition, and exercise in relation to the individual, in the workplace, and greater society. Students will learn and develop health and wellness promotion programming to reduce health risks and chronic disease, including fitness prescription, weight management, body composition, and disordered eating.

ATR 575 Advanced Care of Athletic Illness and Injury –This course is designed to give students advanced skills necessary to provide healthcare to an active population. Key topics will focus on emergency care, injury prevention, and administrative tasks associated in the provision of healthcare.

ATR 580 Pathophysiology –This course will focus on common diseases and illnesses that impact the human body and impact homeostasis. The common etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic testing and appropriate referrals and treatment will be examined for each disease covered.  Diseases covered in this course cover the entire lifespan.

ATR 601 Clinical Experience I –Clinical Education practical hours in an athletic training setting for the athletic training student are a large component of this course. Clinical experiences are provided in a variety of athletic training settings but can include a variety of sports on the Loras College campus, and at local high schools. Athletic Training Students are to adhere to all Loras MAT policies concerning clinical assignments. These policies can be located in the Loras MAT Handbook. Students will meet once a week during this Clinical Experience to review clinical progress and proficiencies. This Clinical Experience will focus on Pre-participation exams, Concussion baseline testing, AT Skills I & II, Evaluation of Lower Extremity.

ATR 602 Clinical Experience II –Clinical Education practical hours in an athletic training setting for the athletic training student are a large component of this course. Clinical experiences are provided in a variety of athletic training settings but can include a variety of sports on the Loras College campus, local high schools, Dubuque Fighting Saints Hockey, Paramount Ambulance Service, and Finley Hospital. Athletic Training Students are to adhere to all Loras M.A.T policies concerning clinical assignments. These policies can be located in the Loras M.A.T Handbook. Students will meet once a week in the classroom during this Clinical Experience to review clinical progress, proficiencies, and practice skills. This clinical experience will focus on emergency care of athletic injury, lower extremity orthopedic evaluation, therapeutic modalities, and surgical observations.

ATR 603 Clinical Experience III –Clinical Education practical hours in an athletic training setting for the athletic training student are a large component of this course. Clinical experiences are provided in a variety of athletic training settings but can include a variety of sports on the Loras College campus, local high schools, Dubuque Fighting Saints Hockey, local Geriatric Care Facilities, Spine & Sport Chiropractic, Clarke & Associates Orthotics, Dubuque Physical Therapy, and Finley Hospital. Athletic Training Students are to adhere to all Loras MAT policies concerning clinical assignments. These policies can be located in the Loras MAT Handbook. Students will meet once a week in the classroom during this Clinical Experience to review clinical progress, proficiencies, and practice skills. This Clinical Experience will focus on rehabilitation of athletic injury, orthotics, surgical observations, and upper extremity & spinal evaluation.

ATR 604 Clinical Experience IV –Clinical Education practical hours in an athletic training setting for the athletic training student are a large component of this course. Clinical experiences are provided in a variety of athletic training settings but can include Crescent Community Health Center, Finley Occupational Health, Finley Convenient Care, or additional general medical care sites.  Athletic Training Students are to adhere to all Loras MAT policies concerning clinical assignments. These policies can be located in the Loras MAT Handbook. Students will meet once a week in the classroom during this Clinical Experience to review clinical progress, proficiencies, and practice skills. This Clinical Experience will focus on general medical conditions and appropriate treatment for general medical illness and injury.

ATR 605 Clinical Experience V –Clinical Education practical hours in an athletic training setting for the athletic training student are a large component of this course. Clinical experiences are provided in a variety of athletic training settings but can include a variety of sports on the Loras College campus, local high schools, Dubuque Fighting Saints Hockey, or additional sports medicine sites. Athletic Training Students are to adhere to all Loras MAT policies concerning clinical assignments. These policies can be located in the Loras MAT Handbook. Students will meet once a week in the classroom during this Clinical Experience to review clinical progress, proficiencies, and practice skills. This Clinical Experience will focus on rehabilitation of athletic injury, evaluation of injury and illness, and administration.

ATR 606 Clinical Experience VI –Clinical Education practical hours in an athletic training setting for the athletic training student are a large component of this course. Clinical experiences are provided in a variety of athletic training settings but can include a variety of sports on the Loras College campus, local high schools, Dubuque Fighting Saints Hockey, or additional sports medicine sites. Athletic Training Students are to adhere to all Loras MAT policies concerning clinical assignments. These policies can be located in the Loras MAT Handbook. Students will meet once a week in the classroom during this Clinical Experience to review clinical progress, proficiencies, and practice skills. This Clinical Experience will focus on rehabilitation of athletic injury, evaluation of injury and illness, and administration.

ATR 610 Advanced Psychology of Injuries –This course serves as an exploration in the psychological aspect of working with patients in a healthcare setting. Specifically, how patients recovering from injuries deal with the many factors that influence their recovery and what impact and specific strategies the athletic trainer can have and use.

ATR 611 Topics In Athletic Training –This course will allow students to discuss the most pertinent and evolving topics in the profession. This will likely include changes in the standards of practice, professional regulation, interprofessional education, and emerging areas of practice.

ATR 640 Healthcare Administration –This course provides experience in healthcare administration. Key components focus on reimbursement for services, legal concepts associated with healthcare, and planning, coordinating, and supervising all administrative components of a healthcare organization.

ATR 680 Research on Athletic Training – This course provides a capstone experience for students in healthcare research. Students will use skills in evidence based medicine to propose, conduct, and analyze a research project. Students will be required to disseminate this research at a minimum at local research symposiums.

Master of Athletic Training Course Rotation Schedule

Fall Offerings
L.ATR-511 Evaluation of Injuries II
L.ATR-520 Therapeutic Interventions I
L.ATR 530 Evidence Based Practice of Athletic Training
L.ATR-602 Clinical Experience II
L.ATR- 605 Clinical Experience V
L.ATR- 610 Advanced Psychology of Injuries
L.ATR- 642 Health and Wellness Promotion
L.ATR- 643 Healthcare Administration

Spring Offerings
L.ATR-521 Therapeutic Interventions II
L.ATR-580 Pathophysiology
L.ATR-603 Clinical Experience III
L.ATR- 606 Clinical Experience VI
L.ATR- 611 Topics in Athletic Training
L.ATR- 675 Research in Athletic Training

Summer Offerings
L.ATR-510 Evaluation of Injuries I
L.ATR-540 Epidemiology
L.ATR-541 Public Health
L.ATR-575 Advanced Care of Athletic Illness and Injury
L.ATR-601 Clinical Experience I
L.ATR- 604 Clinical Experience IV

Do you need a master’s degree to be an athletic trainer? 
The Athletic Training Strategic Alliance consisting of the Board of Directors of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the Commissioners of the Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) with the support of the Board of Certification (BOC) and the NATA Foundation have jointly acted to establish a master’s-level degree as the professional degree for athletic training. Earning a master’s in athletic training is a requirement to becoming a licensed Athletic Trainer.

Will the accreditation standards for professional program accreditation change?
Yes, in addition to the Standard for the degree, the CAATE has asked their Standards Committee to work to examine and evolve the Standards to reflect the added rigor and other key components of quality healthcare education as we move toward implementation of the degree requirement. This could involve interprofessional education, periods of clinical only immersion (time when the students do not have any classes but are only in clinical rotations, i.e. working with a college football team), among other changes.

Will the educational content change?
The degree change is part of a broader vision to produce providers who are prepared to meet the challenges our patients will face in the future. The educational content will also evolve to provide our students and ultimately their patients with healthcare knowledge and skills that produce a provider who can function as a mid-level (Level II) provider (i.e. physical therapist, nurse practitioner, occupational therapist).A steering committee comprised of representatives from the NATA, the BOC and the CAATE is beginning to work on revision of the professional educational content (Competencies). The working group has been charged that the professional knowledge needs to be reflective of professional programs offered at the master’s degree level.

The degree change might not have an influence on the reputation of athletic trainers so why do it?
The perception of Program Directors, who oversee programs at the master’s level is that students at the graduate level show an increase in maturity, commitment to the profession and benefit from a higher quality of clinical experience. This will aid the public’s perception of athletic training with other health care professions. It’s also been shown that the retention of ATs who have a master’s is better than those who don’t. This longevity also impacts reputation.

Will changing the degree level increase salaries?
There is data to prove athletic trainers with a master’s degree earn more than those with a bachelors; however, as part of the review process a health care economist conducted a study specific to athletic training education. The research shows degree level alone is not a strong indicator of salary increase. But, years of full time employment plus an advanced degree can lead to an increased salary. In addition, ATs who have a master’s are more likely to stay in the profession and again that is one of the components that leads to increased salary.

Where can I work with an athletic training degree?
Certified Athletic Trainers can find jobs in colleges, universities, high schools, clinics, hospitals, and many other non-traditional settings (ie: industrial, fine arts, military).

When do classes begin?
The Loras M.A.T. program is presented in a cohort format that begins each summer.

What if I’m still finishing up my Bachelor’s degree?
Applicants who are undergraduate students in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree may be awarded a provisional acceptance to Loras’s graduate program based on receipt of their in-progress, unofficial transcript and all other application materials; with full acceptance contingent upon receipt of the final, official transcript(s) and the conferred undergraduate degree. If a program has a minimum GPA requirement, the student must meet the minimum GPA at the time the undergraduate degree is conferred for full acceptance.

Is there an option for conditional admission?
A program director may require specific conditions be completed to meet the program requirements prior to full admission into a graduate program. A student may be awarded a conditional admission if the program director recommends the student complete additional undergraduate coursework to achieve a minimum GPA requirement of the program. If a student has not met all program requirements at the time of application, a student may be awarded a conditional admission per the discretion of the program director. Refer to the individual program policies and program directors for specific conditional admission policies.

Visit the following sites for additional frequently asked questions:
http://caate.net/the-professional-degree
http://www.nata.org/degree-change-frequently-asked-questions

Master of Athletic Training Program Cost

Visit the Graduate section of our Tuition & Fees page for detailed cost information.

Employer Reimbursement

Students who wish to utilize tuition reimbursement from their employer must complete Loras’s Employer Tuition Reimbursement Form before the first day of the first class. Students will still be issued regular billing statements from Loras, but will be exempt from any service charges and will be exempt from having to make full payment until after their last class of the semester. Students or employers are welcome to make payments directly to Loras along the way if they would like, but it is not required. If the employer reimbursement criteria are not met and/or reimbursement is denied, the student must bring their account current immediately before any future registration will be permitted. The balance must be paid in full within 30 days of program completion and prior to Loras issuing the student a degree and/or final transcript.

Financial Aid

Degree-seeking graduate students (in a Master’s program) are eligible to receive $20,500 in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds for each academic year. Students wishing to obtain a loan must complete the current year FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at: www.fafsa.ed.gov (Loras’s school code is 001873), and be taking at least 3 credits per term. The loan will disburse directly to the school to cover the cost of the term. Loras’s academic year runs from Summer-Spring (ie: Summer 2021-Spring 2022).

Loras College does not offer institutional scholarships or federal grants for graduate and professional education students at this time.

Students who have outstanding loans from their undergraduate education may be able to defer payment on those loans while enrolled in a degree-seeking master’s program. Deferment options are generally available to students who are enrolled at least half-time in a graduate program (3 credits or more per semester). If deferment is a requirement for you to be able to afford to enroll in a graduate program, we advise you to connect with our Financial Planning Office or your loan service providers to make sure you know exactly how deferment applies to your previous loans.

Contact us if you have additional financial aid or billing questions: 

Financial Planning Office
financial.planning@loras.edu
563.588.7136

Carrie Jones, Director of Student Accounts
carrie.jones@loras.edu
563.588.7232

Tuition and Fees are subject to change at any time.

Below are additional fees associated with students enrolled in the MAT Program (subject to change)

Typhon is a web-based software program designed specifically for CAATE-accredited programs that facilitates student and program assessment. Enrollment in Typhon and payment of the one-time fee provides student access to the program for 5 years and includes educational tools to assist students in their academic progression in the program, and prepare them for employment post-graduation.

The CAATE accreditation standards require that students purchase a liability insurance policy during the professional phase of the entry level program.  This requirement is consistent across all entry level programs regardless of level (bachelors or masters).

Clinical Experience courses ATR 601, 602, 603, 604, 605 and 606 will be located at a variety of clinical sites, and include experiences outside of the Loras College campus in Dubuque and the greater Tri-State area. Loras MAT students will be required to provide their own transportation to assigned clinical sites, and will be responsible for any associated travel costs. For further information on required travel associated with clinical experiences, please refer to the student handbook link, located in the student experience section.