MASTER OF
ATHLETIC TRAINING

Personalized Attention.
Professional Growth.
Community Impact.

Kick Off Your Career with a Master's in Athletic Training 

Loras has a strong history of providing quality athletic training education and is proud to offer the first MAT degree in the region. In this unique, CAATE-accredited program,  you’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and professional rapport necessary to sit for the Board of Certification exam and become a Certified Athletic Trainer. Our students participate in hands-on clinical experiences their very first semester and have won numerous statewide and national athletic training academic competitions.


The Loras MAT program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and is also a proud member of the Association for Athletic Training Education (AATE).

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BENEFITS

  • All Loras MAT students have a 100% job placement rate in the athletic training field within three months of graduation- and the majority were offered jobs even before they graduated!
  • The MAT class of 2022 achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the BOC exam.
  • All MAT students design and implement original research projects resulting in posters and presentations at the local, state or national level, as well as in the form of publication.
  • Learn from expert faculty who have a variety of partnerships with healthcare providers, high schools, sports teams, and local businesses.

REPUTATION OF EXCELLENCE
As a Master of Athletic Training student at Loras, you’ll become an active learner, responsible contributor, and reflective thinker who can provide exceptional healthcare to an active population. Loras College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

GRAD CHAT
Loras is pleased to offer an opportunity for prospective MAT students to enjoy a casual, personalized Zoom conversation with the Athletic Training Program Director and the Director of Graduate Admission to learn more about the classes, internships, outcomes, enrollment process, and much more. Get a true sense of what grad school is like from a faculty member you will be working closely with.

Grad Chat Registration

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

 

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

"You can get to know your professors on a personal level without getting lost in a sea of people."

MEET KYLE

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

“I want to thank Loras for everything they taught me in the Athletic Training program, both inside and outside the classroom. My transition to the professional world has been easier because of what I learned at Loras. There are skills that some of my colleagues have never done before, but I have because of my experiences in the program. Thank you for preparing and challenging me for the future!”

Kennedy Dewey, LAT, ATC

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

"Thank you for preparing and challenging me for the future!"

Meet Kennedy
Admission Criteria & Application Checklist

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
    • Biomechanics
    • Statistics
    • Physics I
    • Exercise Physiology
    • Psychology (General Psychology is required, additional psychology coursework recommended)

    Application Checklist- Domestic Student

    Application Checklist- International Student

     

    Curriculum

    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.

    Graduate Bulletin: Required Courses for the Master of Athletic Training Degree

    View MAT Program Student Handbook

    Individuals who would like to take graduate courses for professional development, continuing education credits, or just personal enrichment may take up to 9 graduate credits as a non-degree special student. Learn more

    Frequently Asked Questions

    I’m interested in the athletic training field but want to learn more about the profession first. What should I do?
    We encourage students to visit https://ateachmoment.com/, which is an excellent informational resource about AT careers.

    When do classes begin?
    The Loras MAT 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 to be completed to meet the program requirements prior to full admission into a graduate program. A student may be awarded 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 conditional admission per the discretion of the program director. Refer to the individual program policies and program directors for specific conditional admission policies.

    What are the MAT internship experiences like?
    In the Loras MAT program, students complete six sequential Clinical Education Experiences (CEE) that are assigned by the MAT Clinical Education Coordinator (CEC), and program faculty. There is one CEE during each term of the program, and student’s CEEs begin during the first term the student is enrolled in the program.

    CEE schedules are quite variable, and based on the athletic season, sport, or healthcare clinic or organization the student is assigned to. Students generally attend CEEs daily, in the afternoons and evenings. The minimum number of hours required for each CEE is 50 hours per credit hour, which is the college’s academic policy.

    Because the Loras MAT program is an accredited program by the CAATE, CEEs may not be paid, and only hours completed at the assigned Loras MAT site may count toward academic requirements. For complete details regarding CEEs, and associated policies and procedures, please refer to the MAT program handbook link on this webpage.

    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 the 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 and 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 bachelor’s; 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 lead 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).

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

    Program Outcomes, Objectives, and CAATE Accreditation

    CAATE
    The Loras College Athletic Training program is 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.

    Master of Athletic Training Student Learning Outcomes & Objectives

    Graduate Bulletin: Athletic Training Student Learning Outcomes & Objectives

    Program outcome measures, and Board of Certification Report

    For Loras College Graduate Athletic Training Program outcome measures, and Board of Certification results, please visit https://caate.net/program-info/157/ .

    Program Cost and Financial Aid

    Master of Athletic Training Program Cost
    Visit the Graduate section of our Tuition & Fees page for tuition information and see below for additional fee details.

    Employer Reimbursement
    Students who wish to utilize tuition reimbursement from their employer must complete Loras’ Employer Tuition Reimbursement Form before the first day of their 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 the end of each class (or until after program completion for CFP Certification or Cybersecurity Bootcamp students). 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. Student’s balance must be paid in full within 30 days of the last day of each term (or within 30 days of program completion for CFP Certification Education and Cybersecurity Bootcamp students), and prior to Loras issuing the student a degree and/or final transcript.

    Financial Aid
    Degree-seeking graduate students (enrolled in a master’s program) are eligible to receive $20,500 in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds for each academic year. Students may choose to accept all or just part of the $20,500 amount. To obtain a loan, students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) each year at: https://studentaid.gov/ and take at least 3 credits per term. Loras’ school code is 001873.

    The loan will disburse directly to Loras to cover the cost of the term(s). By default, Loras will split the $20,500 amount equally across terms. For financial aid purposes, the Loras academic year runs from summer-spring (ie: summer 2023 through spring 2024). Please be sure to complete the correct FAFSA for the term(s) you wish to receive loans. For example, students beginning a graduate program in summer 2023 would complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA.

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

    Information about private loans can be found at: https://choice.fastproducts.org/FastChoice/home/187300/1

    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)

    Item

    Predicted Cost

    Typhon Software Membership (one time) $100
    Clinical Education Fee per credit hour for ATR 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, and 606 $21
    Liability Insurance (annual) $40
    Equipment & Clothing Fees (annual, will vary by student) $100
    BOC Practice Exam (one time) $30
    CPR Certification (one time, if student is not certified upon entry into the program) $40
    Background Check & Drug Screening (one time) $135
    NATA Student Membership (annual) $80
    Clinical Education Travel TBD

    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.

     

    CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

    Retain quality employees, invest in the upskilling of your employees and save on tuition reimbursement costs.

    Corporate Partnerships
    Meet Our Professors

    Molly M. McDonald Figgins, Ph.D., ATC
    Associate Professor of Athletic Training
    Athletic Training Program Director
    563.588.7995 | Molly.Figgins@loras.edu
    Full Profile

    Sharon Feld, Ed.D.
    Assistant Professor of Athletic Training
    Athletic Training Clinical Education Coordinator
    563.588.7211 | sharon.feld@loras.edu 
    Full Profile

    Adam Susmarski, D.O.
    Loras Head Team Physician
    Master of Athletic Training Medical Director
    (563) 584-4470 | susmarsk@gmail.com
    Full Profile