M.A. in English
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at UNCW is a flexible and student-centered program...
M.S. in Athletic Training
Wilmington, North Carolina
INTAKE: June
Program Overview
The M.S. in Athletic Training at UNCW is a demanding, limited-access program designed for students seeking to become certified athletic trainers. It is structured as a 60-credit-hour, two-year (23 consecutive months) curriculum that integrates rigorous didactic coursework with extensive clinical education. The program's primary goal is to qualify graduates to sit for the national Board of Certification (BOC) examination, which is essential for licensure and professional practice. Graduates are prepared for successful careers in various environments, including secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports programs, and sports medicine clinics.
CAATE Accredited: A crucial aspect of UNCW's M.S. in Athletic Training program is its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). This accreditation signifies that the program meets the highest national standards for athletic training education, ensuring quality and rigorous preparation. The UNCW program received a maximum 10-year accreditation after its last comprehensive review, with the next review scheduled for 2028. This accreditation is vital as it makes graduates eligible to sit for the Board of Certification examination, which is required for national certification and state licensure as an athletic trainer.
Curriculum: The curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of athletic training principles and practices. It encompasses coursework in foundational skills, anatomical basis of clinical practice, documentation, physical examination, therapeutic modalities and exercise, nutrition and health promotion, spine/posture/movement assessment, general medical conditions, psychosocial aspects, administration and leadership, and pharmacology and pathophysiology. A significant portion of the curriculum (18 credit hours) is dedicated to Clinical Practicum, requiring at least 1,000 hours of clinical education under the supervision of approved preceptors. All coursework must be completed with a minimum grade of "B-" to progress in the program, reflecting its high academic standards.
Research Focus: As an R2 institution, UNCW encourages a strong research component within its academic programs, and the M.S. in Athletic Training is no exception. The program integrates a focus on evidence-based practice, which is crucial for modern healthcare. Students take courses in "Research Methods and Evidence-Based Medicine" (ATR 590), where they learn to critically evaluate research, apply evidence to clinical decision-making, and potentially engage in their own research projects. This focus prepares future athletic trainers to contribute to and utilize the evolving knowledge base of the profession, ensuring they provide the most effective and current patient care.
Industry Engagement: The UNCW Athletic Training program boasts substantial industry engagement through its robust clinical education component. It utilizes more than nine clinical sites and 17 preceptors at facilities throughout New Hanover County. These sites include a variety of settings such as secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports programs, and sports medicine clinics, providing "real-life" learning opportunities. Students are assigned to supervising preceptors and engage in immersive experiences that allow them to experience the totality of care provided by athletic trainers. This direct involvement with practicing professionals and diverse patient populations ensures graduates gain invaluable hands-on experience and build professional networks before entering the workforce.
Global Perspective: While the core focus of the M.S. in Athletic Training program is on preparing professionals for practice within the United States healthcare system, UNCW itself promotes a broader global perspective. The university is a member of the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy (WFATT), which provides international leadership and collaboration in the healthcare profession of Athletic Training/Athletic Therapy to optimize the health of active populations. This affiliation, coupled with UNCW's overall emphasis on global citizenship and a diverse student body, subtly influences the program by encouraging an awareness of international standards, diverse patient populations, and the global interconnectedness of sports medicine and allied health professions.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 24198
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support and attract talented international students. These scholarships aim to make education more affordable while recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNCW provides merit scholarships for international students based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable for multiple years based on maintaining good academic standing.
International Student Scholarships: Specific scholarships are available exclusively for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship which rewards outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities. Eligibility and award amounts vary each year, encouraging prospective students to apply early.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UNCW offer scholarships targeted to students within their programs, including international students. These scholarships recognize excellence in fields such as business, marine science, and the arts, and often require separate applications or nominations.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: UNCW encourages international students to explore additional funding options through external organizations, governments, and private foundations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on locating and applying for these scholarships.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Athletic Training from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) prepares highly skilled, board-eligible healthcare professionals to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate injuries and medical conditions for physically active individuals. The program's CAATE accreditation ensures a rigorous and comprehensive education, making graduates desirable candidates across a variety of settings where health and wellness are paramount.
High School Athletic Trainer: This is a common and impactful role, providing comprehensive healthcare to student-athletes, including immediate injury care, rehabilitation, injury prevention programs, and collaboration with coaches, parents, and physicians.
Collegiate Athletic Trainer: Graduates can work at universities and colleges, managing the health and well-being of student-athletes across various sports teams. This often involves extensive travel, game-day coverage, and working closely with athletic departments and medical staff.
Professional Sports Athletic Trainer: For those seeking to work with elite athletes, positions exist with professional sports teams (e.g., NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, NASCAR). These roles often involve specialized injury management, travel, and high-pressure environments.
Sports Medicine Clinic Athletic Trainer: Athletic trainers are integral members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams in sports medicine clinics, providing patient care, assisting physicians, and managing rehabilitation programs for a diverse population of physically active individuals, not just competitive athletes.
Rehabilitation Clinic Athletic Trainer: Similar to sports medicine clinics, athletic trainers can work in rehabilitation centers, helping individuals recover from a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries, often collaborating with physical therapists and other allied health professionals.
Industrial/Occupational Health Athletic Trainer: An increasingly common "emerging setting," athletic trainers are employed by corporations, manufacturing plants, or construction companies to provide on-site injury prevention, ergonomic assessments, wellness programs, and immediate care for employees, helping to reduce workplace injuries.
Military/Law Enforcement Athletic Trainer: Branches of the U.S. military and various law enforcement agencies employ athletic trainers to maintain the physical readiness of personnel, provide injury prevention and rehabilitation, and offer general healthcare support to those in physically demanding roles.
Performing Arts Athletic Trainer: Dancers, musicians, and other performers face unique physical demands and injury risks. Athletic trainers can work with performing arts companies to provide injury prevention, assessment, and treatment, ensuring the well-being of artists.
Physician Extender/Orthopedic Office Athletic Trainer: Athletic trainers can work directly in physician offices, particularly orthopedic or sports medicine practices, assisting with patient intake, examinations, treatment plans, and patient education, thereby extending the physician's capacity.
Athletic Training Educator/Clinical Instructor: With advanced training and clinical experience, graduates can pursue roles as clinical instructors or assistant professors within athletic training education programs, mentoring the next generation of athletic trainers and contributing to the academic side of the profession.
