• Provide a rigorous educational program that ensures athletic training students are properly trained and knowledgeable to function in a variety of settings and provide continuum of care for a diverse population of patients engaged in a range of activites with varying conditions.
  - Collaborate with health care professionals from multiple disciplines to provide appropriate patient care.
  - Demonstrate preparedness to transition to autonomous clinical practice by providing athletic training students with authentic real-time patient interactions.
  - Incorporate patient outcomes and best available evidence to develop clinical care plans for a diverse population in a variety of employment settings.
• To prepare students to successfully integrate evidence-based practice in their ability to critically think and apply clinical skills and decision-making in their role as healthcare providers.
  - Demonstrate proficiency in developing and answering a focused clinical question.
  - Demonstrate competency in searching, examining, and critically assessing the efficacy of current literature for relevant evidence associated with means of clinical diagnosis, rehabilitation, therapeutic interventions, and reconditioning programs.
  - Incorporate available evidence into the design and implementation of rehabilitation programs to meet the client/patient needs and goals according to their level of performance and function.
• Understand and promote professional responsibilities and avenues of professional development to support athletic training as a healthcare profession through professional and community involvement.
  - Engage in professional development and networking through interaction and attendance at professional meetings and educational opportunities.
  - Participate in opportunities that promote lifelong learning, professional development and serve to benefit the community at large without regard to personal gain.
• To prepare students to function as patient advocates in an evolving healthcare network which incorporates patient education, literacy, and communication in a coordinated shared decision-making model.
  - Describe the importance of respecting patient autonomy and the value of individualized patient care plans.
  - Demonstrate characteristics and values that align with sociocultural and global resonance in clinical practice.
  - In collaboration with various heathcare professionals, incorporate a customized and comprehensive care plan based on specific patient objectives to guide clinical decision-making.

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Admissions Requirements

Students who intend to apply for the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program must apply online using the ATCAS application. Applications are reviewed as they are received and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis until enrollment is full. Cohorts begin during the second 7-week summer session (late June). To be considered for admission to the MSAT, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Submit official transcripts for all previously attended institutions
2. Preferred minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0)
3. Completion of the following courses (or their equivalents) with grade of C or better:
   - Biology
   - Two semesters of Anatomy and Physiology with labs
   - Chemistry
   - Physics
   - Exercise Physiology
   - Nutrition
   - Biomechanics or Kinesiology
   - General Psychology
   - Statistics
4. Complete a successful interview with PennWest’s athletic training faculty (invitation only)
5. Two electronic references (one must be from an athletic trainer or healthcare provider who provided clinical supervision within the past two years)
6. Resume
7. Evidence of 25 hours of clinical observation
8. Students who do not consider English to be their primary language are required to submit official TOEFL iBT scores or IELTS score completed in the last two years. Minimum scores (TOEFL internet: 79, IELTS 6.5 or higher).

Program Requirements

Prior to enrollment, students must complete the following:

• FBI Federal Criminal History Record (Act 114)
• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Records Check (Act 34)
• State of Residence Police Criminal Records Check (non-Pennsylvania residents only)
• Child Abuse Clearance (Act 33)
• Additional clearances may be required by affiliate sites.
• Immunization Records
  - Hepatitis B series
  - Varicella vaccine or titer
  - MMR
• Technical Standards Form
• Communicable Disease Policy

Retention and Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for graduation, a student must:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students that fall below this criterion will be granted one semester of probationary status in which to raise their GPA above the minimum standard. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the MSAT Program.  
• Receive no more than two grades of “C” in any program courses
• Retake no more than two MSAT courses.
• Complete a minimum of 50 continuing education points
• Maintain documentation of yearly PPD (TB skin test) and seasonal flu vaccine
• Maintain professional liability insurance
• Adhere to all policies and procedures as outlined in the MSAT Student Handbook.

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