Master of Athletic Training (M.A.T.)

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
  • Developmental Psychology
  • 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 “Apply Now” button, then click “Create Account”, and complete the online application. (Preferred browsers are Google Chrome or Firefox).
• Submit the following supplemental application documents:
  1. Official transcripts from each institution attended
     1. 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.
  2. Two Letters of Recommendation
     1. One of the letters needs to be from a Certified Athletic Trainer.
     2. 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.
  3. Completed Observation Hour Log
     1. 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 the Observation Hour Log Form.

Application Deadline:

Summer cohort enrollment: the ATCAS online application should be submitted and all supplemental application documents should be received by December 1. Applications submitted after the 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.

Please note that acceptance is contingent upon the completion of the following items:

• 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
• Must pass a routine background check
• Must sign a technical standards form
• Must purchase professional liability insurance

Questions?

• If you have questions about eligibility or program curriculum, please contact Professor Molly Figgins, Athletic Training Program Director at 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.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.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.

L.ATR- 680 Research in 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.

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.

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 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 graduate 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

Who made the decision to change the level of the degree?
The Athletic Training Strategic Alliance consisting of the Board of Directors of the 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 National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Foundation have jointly acted to establish master’s level as the professional degree for athletic training. 

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 and ensure proper professional alignment 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.

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

What undergrad major are students receiving who obtain a Masters in Athletic Training?
Bachelor’s degrees in Kinesiology, Exercise Science and a variety of other undergraduate degrees.

See more at:
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

• 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).