Athletic Training Direct Entry Master’s Program
Through this accelerated program, you can satisfy requirements for a Master of Science in Athletic Training and prepare for the Board of Certification Exam in just five years.
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Get Your MSAT in Only 5 Years
Once you enroll, your faculty advisor will assist and support you in your progression toward completion of the Master of Science in Athletic Training.
Why Study Athletic Training at Merrimack?
The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training requires all professional education in athletic training to be at the master’s level. Merrimack’s Athletic Training Direct Entry Master’s Program starts on day one preparing you to meet the growing demand for athletic trainers in a variety of fields and locations.
- You’ll combine your passion for healthcare with the rewards of helping patients prevent, diagnose, treat and recover from injury.
- Our Athletic Training Direct Entry Master’s Program will provide you with the skills, knowledge and hands-on clinical education you need to provide these services in a wide range of settings based on your career goals.
- Evidence-based and built on a strong health sciences foundation, the curriculum is designed to deepen your understanding of the concepts that are essential for athletic training practice.
How Does the Program Work?
- Gain experience from the start through clinical opportunities in the pre-professional phase, a dedicated First Year Experience cohort course and exposure to various healthcare professionals and careers.
- Continue with athletic training courses and clinicals, staying engaged with industry trends and topics while learning training skills necessary for active participation in the patient care setting, focusing on injury prevention concepts, interventions, and techniques.
- Cap off your five years with a full semester of immersive clinical training at an on-site location.
- Move quickly into the workplace with the competitive advantage of a master’s degree.
Hands-on Clinical Experience
Critical to this program is the opportunity to put this coursework into action through intensive clinical training in the health care setting of your choice. When you complete our program, you’ll be eligible for national certification as an athletic trainer through the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) and ready to begin your career as a health care provider immediately.
Program Outcomes
Over past three years, an average of 91% employment rate and 91% Overall Board of Certification pass rate.
Career Options
Athletic Trainers are in high demand and have a variety of industry options to enter into after graduation:
- Physician and orthopedic offices, where athletic trainers serve in clinical roles complementing physicians
- Hospitals, hospital emergency departments, and urgent and ambulatory care centers
- Clinics with specialties in sports medicine, cardiac rehabilitation, medical fitness, wellness, and physical therapy
- Occupational health departments in commercial settings including manufacturing, distribution and offices
- Municipal departments, and military bases, fire and police departments
- Colleges, universities, and community-based youth sports leagues
- Performing arts, such as dancers, musicians and acrobats
After completing our master’s degree in athletic training, Merrimack students have gone on to work for high schools, physician’s offices, and collegiate sports programs such as:
- Boston College
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Brown University
- Burlington High School
- Curry College
- Excel Orthopaedic Specialists
- Fit For Work
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Nobles Greenhough Academy
- Salem State University
- Southshore Orthopaedics
- University of Massachusetts (Amherst and Lowell campuses)
Courses You’ll Take
Athletic Training Curriculum
Athletic Training
To see more details about the program, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Grad Chat Podcast
In this episode of Grad Chat, our focus is on the Master of Science in Athletic Training program. Our special guest, Noël Riley, a recent graduate, joins us to discuss her experience. Noël was part of the 3+2 accelerated program, which prepared her to pass the Board of Certification (BOC) Exam. Join us and listen to her firsthand experiences!
Ready to Apply?
More Information
Visit the online course catalog for more information on our academic programs.
Accreditation
The athletic training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.
