Masters of Public Administration
Gannon University, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Publi...
Masters in Athletic Training
Erie, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: May
Program Overview
Gannon University, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Athletic Training. This professional program is specifically designed to prepare students to become highly qualified, multi-skilled healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions in physically active individuals. The program emphasizes a patient-centered approach through a blend of rigorous classroom instruction and extensive clinical education experiences.
CAATE Accredited: A critical aspect of Gannon University's M.S. in Athletic Training program is its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). CAATE is the national accrediting body for professional athletic training programs, ensuring that the curriculum, faculty, facilities, and clinical experiences meet the highest standards of the profession. Graduation from a CAATE-accredited program is a mandatory prerequisite for eligibility to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination, which is required for licensure and professional practice as an Athletic Trainer. This accreditation assures students of a quality education and enhances their career prospects.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Athletic Training at Gannon University features a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop expert entry-level athletic trainers. The program integrates formal classroom instruction, online coursework, and extensive hands-on clinical education experiences. Core topics covered include injury prevention, clinical examination and diagnosis, acute care of injuries and illnesses, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation. Students gain foundational knowledge in areas such as kinesiology, exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription, and the care and prevention of athletic injuries. The curriculum also emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, preparing students to work effectively with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic patient care. The program offers accelerated (3+2) and traditional (4+2) pathways, allowing students to seamlessly transition from undergraduate to graduate study.
Research Focus: Gannon University's M.S. in Athletic Training program incorporates a research focus to foster evidence-based practice and critical thinking skills in its students. The curriculum includes coursework that addresses epidemiology and research methods in athletic training, equipping students to access, interpret, and integrate relevant research into their clinical decisions. While not a heavily research-thesis driven program for all, the emphasis is on being informed consumers of research and applying current evidence to clinical practice. Faculty members are actively involved in scholarly activities, often presenting at conferences and publishing in the field, which enriches the student learning experience by providing insights into current trends and advancements in athletic training.
Industry Engagement: The Gannon M.S. in Athletic Training program boasts strong industry engagement through its extensive clinical education network. Students gain valuable patient experiences at more than 20 regional and national clinical education sites, including universities, hospitals, physician offices, industrial settings, and performing arts organizations. This provides unparalleled hands-on experience in diverse healthcare environments, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge, develop clinical skills under supervision, and build professional networks. The program's mission explicitly includes preparing students for the Board of Certification examination and for becoming recognized as excellent entry-level professionals, reflecting its direct alignment with industry needs.
Global Perspective: Gannon University's M.S. in Athletic Training program implicitly integrates a global perspective by preparing athletic trainers to provide patient-centered healthcare to diverse patient populations in various settings. While not explicitly focused on international clinical rotations, the program's emphasis on comprehensive patient care, interprofessional collaboration, and understanding different healthcare environments equips graduates to work effectively in an increasingly interconnected world. The growing global nature of sports and the performing arts, as well as the increasing awareness of health and wellness needs across various industries, means that athletic trainers may encounter diverse cultural backgrounds and work in varied international contexts throughout their careers. The program's aim to foster social responsibility also extends to promoting health and wellness for all members of society, regardless of their background or location.
Location
Erie, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 17550
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.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Gannon University offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their studies in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to the campus community, making education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at Gannon University are eligible for competitive merit-based scholarships that reward strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable based on maintaining academic standards.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based financial assistance may be available to international students demonstrating financial need. Applicants are encouraged to communicate their situation during the admission process for consideration.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Athletic Training from Gannon University is a comprehensive professional degree that prepares graduates to become highly skilled healthcare professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions in physically active individuals. The program's CAATE accreditation is crucial, as it makes graduates eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination, which is a mandatory step for licensure and practice as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). This robust preparation, combined with extensive clinical experiences, opens doors to a wide array of career opportunities.
Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) in Collegiate Sports: This is a very common path, working with college or university athletic teams across various sports. ATCs provide immediate care for injuries, develop prevention programs, manage rehabilitation, and serve as a crucial link between athletes, coaches, and physicians.
Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) in High School Sports: Often the sole medical professional for a high school's athletic program, ATCs in this setting manage a wide range of injuries, educate student-athletes on health and wellness, and ensure safety protocols are followed across multiple sports.
Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) in Professional Sports: While highly competitive, an M.S. degree enhances eligibility for roles with professional sports teams (e.g., NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL). These ATCs work year-round with athletes, providing comprehensive medical care, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
Athletic Trainer in Hospitals, Clinics, or Physician Offices: ATCs are increasingly integrated into traditional healthcare settings. They perform injury evaluations, provide rehabilitation, educate patients on injury prevention, and collaborate with physicians, especially in orthopedic, sports medicine, or physical therapy clinics.
Athletic Trainer in Industrial/Occupational Health: This emerging field sees ATCs working in corporate or industrial settings (e.g., manufacturing plants, logistics companies) to prevent workplace injuries, improve ergonomics, provide early intervention for musculoskeletal issues, and promote employee wellness, ultimately reducing healthcare costs for employers.
Athletic Trainer in Performing Arts: Dancers, musicians, and other performing artists face unique physical demands and injury risks. ATCs work with performing arts companies, theaters, and academic programs to prevent, assess, and treat injuries specific to these populations.
Military/Public Safety Athletic Trainer: The military, police, and fire departments are increasingly employing ATCs to help prevent injuries among personnel, manage acute care, and facilitate rehabilitation, optimizing the physical readiness and performance of service members and first responders.
Rehabilitation Specialist/Exercise Specialist: While direct physical therapy requires a DPT, an M.S. in Athletic Training provides a strong foundation for roles in rehabilitation centers or fitness facilities. Graduates can assist in designing and implementing exercise programs for individuals recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions.
Educator/Clinical Instructor (Athletic Training Programs): With an M.S. and relevant clinical experience, graduates can pursue roles as clinical instructors or lecturers in athletic training education programs, helping to train the next generation of athletic trainers. Further doctoral study might lead to faculty positions.
Athletic Training Administrator/Director: With experience, ATCs can advance to administrative or leadership roles, overseeing athletic training departments at universities, managing sports medicine clinics, or coordinating health and safety programs within athletic organizations. This involves budgeting, policy development, and personnel management.
