Master of Athletic Training

Program Overview

The Master of Athletic Training at Truman State University is a cohort-based, full-time program, typically spanning two years. It commences with an intensive summer session and builds upon a foundation of prerequisite undergraduate courses. The program emphasizes advanced coursework in injury assessment and treatment, coupled with progressive clinical practicum experiences with a diverse athletic and active population. A key component is a sequence of major projects that allow students to demonstrate their expertise through both oral and written presentations. Truman's MAT program is characterized by high academic standards, close collaboration between students and faculty, and a strong focus on professional preparation for the Board of Certification exam. There is also an accelerated 3+2 program for current Truman Exercise Science undergraduates to complete both degrees in five years.

CAATE Accredited: A critical and defining feature of Truman State University's Master of Athletic Training program is its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). CAATE is the only accrediting agency for athletic training education programs recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation is paramount as it ensures that Truman's program meets the highest national standards for curriculum, faculty, clinical education, and resources, making graduates eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination, which is required for licensure and professional practice as an athletic trainer in most states. Truman's program has maintained its CAATE accreditation since 2006, signifying a consistent commitment to quality education in athletic training.

Curriculum: The MAT curriculum is comprehensive, integrating three core components: Athletic Training coursework, Exercise Science principles, and extensive Clinical Practicum. Students delve into advanced topics such as "Therapeutic Modalities," "Athletic Training Evaluation – Lower Extremity" and "Upper Extremity," "Therapeutic Exercise & Rehabilitation Techniques," "General Medical Conditions in Athletic Training," and "Pharmacological Issues in Athletic Training." Foundational courses like "Introduction to Athletic Training," "Bracing, Wrapping, and Taping Techniques," and "Emergency Care Procedures" are also included. A significant portion of the program involves clinical experiences, with students required to complete a minimum of 100 clock hours under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer as part of each clinical course. This hands-on training ensures proficiency in all content areas designated by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) competencies.

Research Focus: Research and evidence-based practice are central tenets of Truman State University's Master of Athletic Training program. The curriculum includes courses such as "Evidence Based Research Methods in Athletic Training" and culminates in a "Master's Research in Athletic Training" project. Students are required to design and execute a research project related to an athletic training topic and present their findings at the university level. The program's mission explicitly promotes "a growth mindset among students" by encouraging them to participate in conducting research and seeking additional knowledge beyond the classroom. Faculty members are engaged in scholarly activities, bringing current research and critical inquiry into the classroom and clinical settings, preparing students to be consumers and contributors of evidence-based practice in their professional careers.

Industry Engagement: Truman State University's Athletic Training program maintains strong ties with the athletic training profession and the broader healthcare industry. The program provides advanced clinical practicum experiences at Truman State University-approved clinical sites, including the university's own Athletic Training Room and Kennels facility, as well as off-site facilities like local high schools and clinics. These rotations are always supervised by licensed and certified athletic training professionals, ensuring real-world exposure and mentorship. The program's goals include preparing students for employment in a variety of settings and exposing them to diverse patient populations. Moreover, the strong job placement rates and high BOC exam pass rates reflect the program's effective preparation for industry demands.

Global Perspective: While the Truman State University Master of Athletic Training program's primary focus is on practice within the United States healthcare system, it fosters a global perspective through its emphasis on diverse patient populations and ethical practice. The curriculum prepares students to work with a broad spectrum of individuals, which inherently includes those from various cultural backgrounds. The program's mission to "develop critically thinking athletic training students, who can meet the diverse demands of and provide service to the profession" indirectly encourages an understanding of different contexts in which athletic training may be applied. While there might not be explicit "global athletic training" courses, the comprehensive training in evidence-based care, professional values, and interprofessional collaboration provides a transferable skillset applicable to diverse healthcare environments worldwide.