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

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Loras College Athletic Training Program

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

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.

Athletic Training Graduate 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

Master of Athletic Training Program
Application Requirements & Checklist
(Degree Seeking Student)

Eligibility:

• 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
• US citizen or permanent resident. (International students interested in specific coursework should please contact the Program Director).

To Apply:

• Visit the ATCAS website: https://caate.net/apply-now/. Click on the “Apply Now” link, then click “Create Account”, and complete the online application (preferred browsers are Google Chrome or Firefox).
• As part of the ATCAS application, we require you to submit the following supplemental documents:
  • Official transcripts from each institution attended
    • Download a Transcript Request Form in the “Academic History” section of your ATCAS online application for each institution attended. Send the Request  Form to the Registrar’s Office of each institution (along with any associated transcript fee). The Registrar’s Office will then send your official transcript directly to ATCAS.
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • Create two Recommendation Requests in the “Supporting Information” section of your ATCAS online application, which will then be emailed to your references. Your references will upload their recommendation directly to  an Evaluator Portal which will then automatically get sent to ATCAS.
    • One of the letters needs to be from a Certified Athletic Trainer.
  • Personal Statement
    • The typewritten personal statement should outline your professional goals, both short-term and long-term, including why you have chosen Athletic Training as a career (maximum two pages double-spaced). Upload this file to the “Supporting Information” section of your ATCAS online application.
  • Resume
    • Upload this file to the “Supporting Information” section of your ATCAS online application.
  • Completed Observation Hour Log
    • Students  must complete observation hours in two different Athletic Training settings with two different Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC). Examples of differing settings include but are not limited to: high school, college or university, clinics, industrial, professional or minor league  sports. A total of 50 observation hours are required by December 1. Each athletic trainer observed will need to sign an Observation Hour Log form. Upload your completed Observation Hour Log form to the “Documents” tab within the “Program Materials” section of your ATCAS online application. (You do not need to manually enter your observation hours in the “Supporting Information” section).

Application Deadline:
For Summer cohort enrollment, the ATCAS online application should be submitted and all supplemental application documents should be received by:

Early admission deadline: December 1

Regular admission deadline: February 1. Application submitted after this deadline will be considered on an individual basis.

Interview and Admission Decision:

We have rolling admissions for this program (up until the deadline), therefore after your application is complete and verified in ATCAS, your file will be reviewed by the Program Director to determine whether to move forward with an interview. You will then be contacted with information about your next steps. After completion of your interview (or after review of your file), you will be notified of an admission decision via email within two weeks.

After admission enrollment in the program is contingent upon the completion of the following items:

• Sign and return the Technical Standards Form by the first day of class.
  • This form will be emailed to you after you are admitted and have paid your confirmation deposit.
• Complete the Immunization Review Form, attach a current immunization record, and return by the first day of class.
  • This form will be emailed to you after you are admitted and have paid your confirmation deposit.
• Complete a routine physical exam, have your doctor sign the Physical Form, and return by the first day of class.
  • This form will be emailed to you after you are admitted and have paid your confirmation deposit.
• Pass a routine background check by the first day of class.
  • After you are admitted and have paid your confirmation deposit, you will receive an e-mail from Certiphi, Inc. requesting you complete your background check. Once you have completed the background check from Certiphi, your background check will automatically be returned to the MAT program.
• Complete a drug screening by the first day of class.
  • After you are admitted and have paid your confirmation deposit, you will receive an e-mail from Certiphi, Inc. requesting you schedule your drug screen and provide you with the necessary details of how to schedule the drug screen. Once you have completed the drug screen, your results will automatically be returned to the MAT program.
• Provide evidence of a valid American Red Cross CPR/AED certification for the Professional Rescuer OR American Heart Association Lifesaver Certification OR an equivalent certification from another organization by the first day of class.
  •  Loras 3+2 Athletic Training students: this is already on file for you. All other incoming M.A.T. students: please email this to Megan Henderson by the first day of class.
• Purchase professional liability insurance.
  • There is no action you need to take- Professor Figgins will provide more information about this once classes start.

Questions?

• If you have questions about eligibility or program curriculum, please contact Professor Molly Figgins, Athletic Training Program Director at molly.figgins@loras.edu.
• If you have questions about the application requirements and admission process, please contact Megan Henderson, Director of Admission for Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Programs at megan.henderson@loras.edu.

Master of Athletic Training Program Cost

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

Employer Reimbursement

• The Employer Reimbursement Form must be completed.
• Students are responsible for providing the course information, final grades, and billing information to their employer to obtain the reimbursement.
• If the employer reimbursement criteria is not met and/or reimbursement is denied, the student must bring their account current before any future registration will be permitted.

Federal Loan Options

• Students wishing to obtain a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan must complete the current year FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and take at least 3 credits per term.
• The loan will disburse directly to the school to cover the cost of the term.
• Graduate students are eligible for $20,500 in loan funds for each academic year.
• The Loras College academic year runs from Summer – Spring (i.e. Summer 2018 – Spring 2019)

Contact us if you have additional Billing and Financial Aid Questions

• Carrie Jones, director of student accounts 563.588.7232 or carrie.jones@loras.edu
• Julie Dunn, director of financial planning 563.588.7817 or julie.dunn@loras.edu

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).

ATRACK is a web-based software program designed specifically for CAATE-accredited programs that facilitates student and program assessment.  Enrollment in ATRACK includes Membership in NATA, which provides students with access to career resources, eligibility for athletic training scholarships, and decreased cost of attendance at most athletic training conferences.

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).