M.Ed. In Montessori Education
The M.Ed. in Montessori Education at Xavier University offers both on-campus and online...
M.S. in Athletic Training
Cincinnati, Ohio
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Xavier University in the United States offers a highly respected Master of Science (M.S.) in Athletic Training program, designed to prepare students for a dynamic career as certified athletic trainers. This graduate program emphasizes a blend of rigorous academic coursework and extensive hands-on clinical experiences, fostering critical thinking, collaborative skills, and holistic patient care. The program is offered as a full-time, in-person option with two distinct pathways: a 2-Year MSAT for those who have already completed a bachelor's degree, and a 5-Year MSAT for current Xavier students seeking an accelerated degree journey, provided they meet specific undergraduate requirements. The program typically commences in early July each year, immersing students in a real-world learning environment from the outset.
CAATE and NATA Accredited: A cornerstone of Xavier's M.S. in Athletic Training program is its esteemed accreditation. The program meticulously fulfills the comprehensive curricular guidelines established by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). This accreditation is crucial as it ensures the program meets rigorous national standards for quality and prepares graduates for professional practice. Notably, Xavier's program was granted 10 years of continuing accreditation by CAATE in 2021, the maximum possible, with the next review scheduled for 2030-31, signifying its consistent excellence. Furthermore, the program aligns with the standards set by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), a leading professional organization for athletic trainers. Successful completion of the program also fulfills the eligibility requirements for the Board of Certification (BOC) certification exam, which is the national standard for becoming a certified athletic trainer.
Curriculum: The curriculum of Xavier's M.S. in Athletic Training is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive and practical education. It integrates didactic courses with extensive supervised clinical rotations across four semesters. Students gain invaluable hands-on experience in diverse settings, including college athletics, high school sports, and even professional sports, working directly with industry professionals and treating athletes. The coursework covers essential areas such as injury diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, preventative treatments, and the delivery of holistic care. Students are immersed in practice-based learning, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities within the newly constructed Health United Building (HUB), which houses athletic training classrooms equipped with anatomical models, taping tables, treatment tables, and various modalities. This robust curriculum ensures students develop a strong academic foundation alongside practical skills.
Research Focus: While the M.S. in Athletic Training is primarily a professional preparation program, it inherently incorporates an evidence-based practice approach, which is grounded in research. Students are trained to critically evaluate existing research, apply evidence to clinical decision-making, and understand the scientific basis of athletic training interventions. While there might not be a dedicated thesis requirement in the traditional sense, the program fosters a research-informed mindset, encouraging students to stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field. Faculty members in the Sport Science and Management Department often have diverse research interests, contributing to the knowledge base of exercise science and athletic training, which can influence classroom discussions and clinical applications.
Industry Engagement: A defining feature of Xavier's M.S. in Athletic Training program is its strong emphasis on industry engagement through extensive clinical experiences. Students benefit from four semesters of hands-on learning, allowing them to work alongside certified athletic trainers and other healthcare professionals. These practical rotations are instrumental in fine-tuning their techniques, building expertise, and preparing them to enter the workforce ready to serve athletes at all levels. The program actively cultivates partnerships with various athletic organizations, high schools, and clinics, providing students with a wide range of real-world exposure and networking opportunities with seasoned professionals.
Global Perspective: While the M.S. in Athletic Training program at Xavier University primarily focuses on preparing students for practice within the United States healthcare system and athletic landscape, the foundational principles of athletic training, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and patient care are globally applicable. The program's commitment to holistic care and ethical practice aligns with international standards of healthcare professionalism. Graduates will possess transferable skills that are relevant to diverse athletic and healthcare environments worldwide, should they choose to pursue opportunities internationally. The emphasis on evidence-based practice encourages an openness to global research and best practices within the field.
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12672
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% 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.
Xavier University in the United States offers a variety of scholarships designed to support and encourage international students in their academic pursuits. Understanding the financial challenges that come with studying abroad, Xavier is making education accessible by providing merit-based and need-based scholarship opportunities specifically tailored to international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Xavier University awards merit scholarships to international students based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and extracurricular achievements. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are typically renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain the required academic standards. Examples include the International Achievement Scholarship and various departmental awards.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While federal financial aid is generally not available to international students, Xavier offers institutional need-based aid to those who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must provide documentation of their financial situation as part of the scholarship application process. This aid helps bridge the gap for students requiring additional assistance beyond merit scholarships.
Specialized Scholarships: Some scholarships at Xavier target students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or education. These scholarships recognize academic promise and career potential in key disciplines. Additionally, Xavier occasionally offers scholarships connected to cultural or community engagement, aligning with its Jesuit values.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Athletic Training from Xavier University, backed by its CAATE accreditation and extensive clinical experiences, opens up a robust and diverse range of career opportunities for graduates. The skills acquired—including injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, emergency care, and interprofessional collaboration—are highly sought after in various settings where physical activity is prevalent. The job outlook for athletic trainers is positive, with projections of much faster than average growth over the next decade.
Collegiate Athletic Trainer: This is a very common path, working with university and college sports teams. Responsibilities include providing immediate care for injuries, developing prevention programs, coordinating with physicians, and overseeing rehabilitation for student-athletes across various sports.
High School Athletic Trainer: Certified athletic trainers are increasingly in demand at the secondary school level. In this role, they manage injury prevention, evaluation, and treatment for high school athletes, often serving as the sole healthcare provider for the school's athletic department. This can involve managing athletic training facilities and educating student-athletes, coaches, and parents.
Sports Medicine Clinic Athletic Trainer: Many athletic trainers work in outpatient clinics or physician's offices, often specializing in sports medicine. Here, they collaborate with orthopedic surgeons and other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care, rehabilitation, and preventative strategies for a broader patient population, not just athletes.
Professional Sports Athletic Trainer: For those seeking to work at the highest level of sport, opportunities exist with professional sports teams (e.g., NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL). These roles often involve extensive travel, year-round care for elite athletes, and working within a large sports medicine team.
Industrial/Occupational Athletic Trainer: This emerging field sees athletic trainers working in corporate or industrial settings. They focus on preventing and managing musculoskeletal injuries among employees, conducting ergonomic assessments, implementing wellness programs, and facilitating return-to-work protocols to enhance employee health and productivity.
Performing Arts Athletic Trainer: Dancers, musicians, and other performing artists often face unique physical demands and injury risks. Athletic trainers can work with ballet companies, theater productions, and other performing arts organizations to provide preventative care, injury evaluation, and rehabilitation services tailored to their specific needs.
Military Athletic Trainer: The U.S. military and other public safety organizations (like fire departments and law enforcement) employ athletic trainers to maintain the physical readiness of personnel, prevent injuries during training and operations, and provide rehabilitation services.
Physical Therapy Aide/Assistant (with further education/certification): While requiring additional licensure, the foundational knowledge and clinical skills gained in an M.S. in Athletic Training provide an excellent springboard for pursuing careers as a Physical Therapy Assistant or even a Physical Therapist, working with a wider range of patient populations.
Rehabilitation Specialist: Beyond traditional athletic settings, graduates can work as rehabilitation specialists in various healthcare facilities, assisting patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions, applying their knowledge of exercise prescription, manual therapy, and patient education.
Athletic Training Educator/Clinical Instructor: With experience, some athletic trainers transition into academic roles, teaching in athletic training programs, supervising clinical rotations for students, or engaging in research to advance the profession. This often involves working at a university or college as faculty or a clinical coordinator.
