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 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.

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  • Athletic Training job prospects to increase 23.1 % in Massachusetts

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

  • Work in hospitals, schools, and clinics

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.

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.

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.

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