Master of Science in Athletic Training

Student practicing wrist taping on a classmate in an athletic training class.

Lead the Way in Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation

The Master of Science in Athletic Training at Westfield State University prepares students for a rewarding career in sports medicine and healthcare. This CAATE-accredited graduate program is designed to equip students with the clinical skills, scientific knowledge, and ethical foundation needed to excel as entry-level athletic trainers.

Westfield State offers a flexible 3+2 Athletic Training program format for qualified undergraduate students. Those with a minimum 3.0 GPA may begin graduate coursework in their senior year, allowing them to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years. Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree may enroll in the traditional two-year graduate program to earn their Master of Science in Athletic Training.

The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, high-quality patient care, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Aligned with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) competencies and the Board of Certification (BOC) Standards of Professional Practice, the program prepares students for success in diverse healthcare and sports settings.

Students gain extensive hands-on experience through supervised clinical rotations, working alongside licensed athletic trainers and healthcare professionals in real-world environments. This day program blends lectures, lab-based instruction, and clinical experiences to deliver a dynamic and immersive education.

Coursework includes essential topics such as injury evaluation and rehabilitation, general medical conditions, therapeutic interventions, professional healthcare practice, clinical decision-making, evidence-based medicine, and the organization and administration of athletic training. Students also participate in seminar courses and complete a capstone project that demonstrates their mastery of athletic training competencies.

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) Examination, the gold standard credential for athletic training professionals. The program is fully aligned with the 94 standards set by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), preparing students to become confident, career-ready athletic trainers committed to exceptional patient care and professional excellence.

Program Highlights

  • Day-time graduate program
  • Learn prevention, examination, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries
  • Work in hospitals, schools, and clinics
  • Complete a capstone on dedicated healthcare research
  • Study with licensed athletic trainers who continue to practice clinically
  • Collaborate with nursing, EMT, and PA students in team-based simulations

Join the Future of Athletic Training

Launch your career with expert training and real-world experience.

Building Athletic Trainers Ready to Make an Impact

  • Students and a faculty member studying a skeleton model during an athletic training class.

    Affordable Pathway to a High-Demand Healthcare Career

    Westfield State University offers an accessible and cost-effective option for earning your graduate athletic training degree. Designed to meet the growing demand for qualified athletic trainers in Massachusetts and beyond, the program delivers a high-quality, clinically rich education at a public university price, helping reduce student debt while increasing your earning potential.

  • Faculty member guiding a student through a hands-on activity in an athletic training class.

    Faculty with Deep Industry Connections and Mentorship Focus

    Westfield State’s athletic training faculty are more than instructors—they are mentors with extensive clinical experience and professional networks. Students benefit from personalized guidance, strong academic support, and connections to clinical sites across the region. This direct access to experienced professionals enhances your learning and expands your career opportunities long before graduation.

  • Student and faculty member reviewing imaging in an athletic training class.

    Research-Driven Learning with a Career-Focused Capstone

    As a graduate student, you’ll engage in a research sequence designed to build your expertise in evidence-based practice. Through advanced coursework and a final capstone project, you'll explore current issues in athletic healthcare, analyze clinical research, and apply your findings to real-world patient care, equipping you with the skills to lead, publish, or pursue doctoral study.

Program Details

Learning Outcomes
  1. Westfield State Athletic Training Students will demonstrate “level appropriate” patient care during clinical rotations.
  2. Westfield State Athletic Training Students will practice in a manner consistent with the BOC Standards of Professional Practice and NATA Code of Ethics.
  3. Westfield State University Athletic Training Students will demonstrate “level-appropriate” evaluation and treatment skills during the clinical rotations.
  4. Students/graduates will adapt delivery of Athletic Training services using current knowledge and clinical skills using patient centered care.
  5. Students/graduates will establish a treatment plan (Plan of Care) that is safe, effective, patient centered and evidence-based.
  6. Students/graduates will obtain desired employment and/or graduate assistantship in healthcare within six months of being certified.
  7. Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills through application of Evidence-Based Practice principles.
  8. Students will analyze data from selected outcome measures from either a student guided research project or literature review (e.g. met-analysis, random controlled trial, systematic review) in a manner that supports accurate analysis of patient and/or group outcomes.
  9. Students will demonstrate competence with scientific inquiry.
  10. WSU Athletic Training students will complete level appropriate end of academic year written exam prior to progressing to the next level.
  11. Students will work inter-professionally with a minimum of 3 different non-orthopedic healthcare practitioners in 3 different settings

What Can You Do With a Master of Science in Athletic Training?

With a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT), you gain the skills, credentials, and clinical experience to pursue a wide range of in-demand healthcare careers. Upon certification by the Board of Certification, Westfield State University graduates are prepared to work in diverse settings. Here are some of the opportunities available with this degree taken from the National Athletic Trainers Association website:

  • College/University
  • Secondary Schools
  • Clinic and Hospital
  • Professional Sports
  • Performing Arts
  • Public Safety
  • Military
  • Occupational Health
Student working on a hands-on activity in an athletic training class.

Get Big School Features With Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated graduate students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • Interprofessional collaborations with multiple healthcare professions

     

  • Athletic Training job prospects to increase 23.1 % in Massachusetts

  • Estimated 2,400 Athletic Training job openings per year nationally

Faculty Support for Your Athletic Training Success

At Westfield State University, our experienced Athletic Training faculty are dedicated to supporting your success every step of the way. We understand the importance of personalized attention and easy access to instructors as you advance through this specialized graduate program.

Our faculty focus on building strong relationships, understanding your professional goals, and providing the guidance and support necessary for your growth as both a student and a future healthcare provider. Committed to your development, our instructors work closely with you throughout the program—encouraging your progress, fostering clinical skills, and helping you pursue new opportunities in the field of athletic training.

Faculty member demonstrating how to use a spine board to students in an athletic training class.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the application requirements for the program?

Prospective students should access the graduate application online at connect.westfield.ma.edu/apply/

The following material must be received for an application to be reviewed:

  • Completed graduate application and $50 application fee
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended indicating a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Three professional or academic letters of recommendation. At least one academic recommendation is suggested
  • Applicants must submit a personal statement that describes (1) reason for interest in the field, (2) assessment of personal strengths and limitations, and (3) goals of graduate study

Admission Requirements

  • WSU students who complete the undergraduate requirements while earning a 3.0 or higher are automatically entered into the graduate program
  • Students from any Mass State Institution who complete the prerequisite courses while earning their Bachelor of Science degree and 3.0 GPA can enter directly into the WSU graduate program
  • Students earning a Bachelor of Science while completing the program prerequisites and earning a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to apply to the WSU MSAT program
Are prerequisites required?

Yes. Applicants must have successfully completed a series of prerequisite undergraduate courses before entering the program. This applies to current Westfield State students majoring in another field (such as Health Sciences) as well as applicants who earned their bachelor’s degree at another institution.

Required Undergraduate Courses:

  • Biology (4 credits)
  • Anatomy & Physiology (8 credits)
  • Chemistry  (4 credits)
  • Physics (4 credits)
  • Psychology (3 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)
  • Kinesiology  (3 credits)
  • Exercise Physiology (3 credits)
  • Nutrition (3 credits)
  • Public Health (3 credits)
  • Healthcare Delivery Systems (3 credits)
How long will it take me to complete the master’s degree?

The MSAT is 54 graduate credits. Four full-time semesters with a clinical rotation (high school, college/university or hospital) each semester.

How are courses offered?

This is a day-school graduate program. All clinical courses are in-person, with a small number of lecture-based courses online. Your final semester courses are online to allow for two immersive clinical experiences as well as a general medical (hospital/physician office) clinical experience.

When does the program start?

The program starts in the fall semester.

Do I have to submit GRE/MAT or MTEL scores when I apply?

No, we do not require a GRE or MAT.

Is the program accreditated?

The Undergraduate Athletic Training (AT) program is fully accredited through 2031. However, after the final cohort graduates in May 2026, the university will voluntarily withdraw accreditation for the undergraduate program in August 2026.

At that time, the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program will be pursuing accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Is graduate housing available?

Discover graduate living at Welch Hall Apartments – your gateway to a vibrant community and tailored amenities. Choose from four-person apartments featuring single and premium single rooms, all inclusive of utilities and internet. Make connections by signing up as a group or embark on an individual adventure with like-minded roommates. Revel in the comfort of fully furnished apartments, boasting a well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar, cozy bathrooms, and inviting shared living spaces.

Your convenience is our priority – enjoy free laundry facilities on campus and parking at an affordable rate. Immerse yourself in academic pursuits with easy access to the campus library or prioritize your well-being at our fitness centers.

Whether you prefer cooking with your roommates or opting for a meal plan, relish access to an array of campus dining options, including late-night and takeaway choices. Elevate your graduate experience with Welch Hall Apartments – where living meets exceptional comfort and convenience.

For more information contact housing@westfield.ma.edu or 413-572-5402.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

Every student is paired with a dedicated advisor who’s with you every step of the way—from choosing classes to planning for what comes next. You’ll also have access to supportive resources like the Banacos Center, Writing Center, and the Career Center. And even after you graduate, career services don’t stop—our Career Center offers lifetime support.

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Master of Science in Athletic Training