Master's in Athletic Training

Admission Requirements for Master's in Athletic Training

Prospective students for the Master’s in Athletic Training must complete an undergraduate degree or equivalent before entering the professional coursework. The Department of Sports Medicine recognizes the social nature of athletic training, where an understanding of literature, art, history, ethics, and philosophy serve a pivotal role to the healthcare professional. Both science and humanities are viewed as necessary components for an athletic trainer. All of the prerequisite coursework must be completed before entering the professional program; however, the prospective student may be enrolled in pre-professional coursework at the time of application.  The applicant must meet the admission standards of the UND Graduate School as well as have a minimum GPA of at least 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale in their undergraduate degree. The following list of courses and credits indicate the core prerequisites all applicants must complete prior to entering the professional coursework of the athletic training program. 

Masters in Athletic Training Prerequisite Coursework

Anatomy/Physiology - 1 year 

Physics – 1 course 

Nutrition – 1 course 

Chemistry – 1 course 

Biology – 1 course 

Psychology – 1 course 

Exercise physiology – 1 course 

Admission to the professional program in athletic training is on a competitive basis with consideration given to pre-professional performance in academic performance, application materials, and interview process. Applicants are required to submit: Letter of application, resume, undergraduate transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation with at least one coming from an athletic trainer, verification of 50 hours of observation under an athletic trainer in the last 3 years, and proof of current CPR certification.

Plan of Study Grid
Professional Year 1
SummerCredits
SMED 501 Introduction to Athletic Training 3
SMED 530 Risk Reduction and Injury Management in Athletic Training 3
SMED 520 Beginning Clinical Practicum I 4
 Credits10
Fall
SMED 540 Orthopedic Examination of the Lower Extremity 3
SMED 510 Anatomy for Athletic Trainers I 1
SMED 550 General Medical Conditions 3
SMED 521 Beginning Clinical Practicum II 8
 Credits15
Spring
SMED 541 Orthopedic Examination of the Upper Extremity 3
SMED 542 Orthopedic Evaluation of the Spine 3
SMED 511 Anatomy for Athletic Trainers II 1
SMED 522 Beginning Clinical Practicum III 8
 Credits15
Professional Year 2
Summer
SMED 660 Advanced Physical Agents in Athletic Training 4
SMED 680 Psychosocial Aspects in Athletic Training 2
SMED 681 Scientific Concepts in Athletic Training 2
SMED 620 Advanced Clinical Practicum I 4
 Credits12
Fall
SMED 640 Recognition and Management of Brain Trauma 3
SMED 650 Advanced General Medical Conditions 3
SMED 621 Advanced Clinical Practicum II 8
 Credits14
Spring
SMED 670 Organization and Administration in Athletic Training 3
SMED 661 Human Performance and Development 3
SMED 622 Advanced Clinical Practicum III 8
SMED 691 Scholarly Project Can be taken F or S 1
 Credits15
 Total Credits81

Degree Requirements

  1. Students must be formally accepted into the professional education component of the MAT. Acceptance by the UND Office of Admissions or the School for Graduate Studies does not constitute acceptance into the professional program in athletic training.
  2. The professional education component of the MAT will require two academic years (6 consecutive semesters) following completion of the prerequisite coursework and athletic training entrance requirements.
  3. The student must maintain a cumulative School of Graduate Studies GPA of >3.00. Students who fail to maintain a GPA of 3.00 or higher will be placed on probation and/or dismissed from the program.
  4. Students in the professional program should be aware of special requirements for clinical experience including medical insurance, immunizations, and completion of a criminal background check. These requirements must be met prior to any clinical contact with patients. The student will also be responsible for travel, housing, and food costs in addition to the payment of tuition and fees during the clinical experiences. 
  5. Prospective students should be aware that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to obtain a professional license to practice athletic training.
  6. The faculty reserve the right to place a student on professional probation or to cancel the registration of any student in athletic training whose performance in the classroom or clinic is unsatisfactory.
  7. Students in the athletic training program take courses primarily on campus; but will experience hybrid and online learning requiring the use of a computer and internet.