Master of Science in Athletic Training

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CAATE logo

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Athletic Training Program at California State University, Long Beach!

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program prepares individuals for a career as a certified athletic trainer. Athletic trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. The services provided are preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Athletic Training is recognized by the American Medical Association as a healthcare profession. The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) is a full-time, cohort-model program.

The Master of Science in Athletic Training program is open to all college graduates who have met prerequisite requirements and demonstrate sufficient preparation, potential for professional education, and the ability to perform the essential functions needed to practice as an athletic trainer as determined by an athletic training faculty review of admission documents.

The MSAT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  The program was recently granted 10 years of continued accreditation, and the next comprehensive accreditation review will occur in 2031-32 academic year.

Vision

Educate, connect, advocate athletic training. 

Mission

Assure professional instruction and clinical experiences in the field of athletic training that will allow the students to become certified athletic trainers. 

Goals

  1. Develop successful health care providers 
  2. Create life-long learners 
  3. Promote and participate in patient-centered care 
  4. Use evidence to guide practice 
  5. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals 

AT Program Faculty Position Email Address
Mimi Nakajima, EdD, ATC AT Program Director Mimi.Nakajima@csulb.edu
Portia Resnick, PhD, ATC Coordinator of Clinical Education Portia.Resnick@csulb.edu
Karen Roos, PhD, ATC Core Faculty Karen.Roos@csulb.edu
Leilani Madrigal, PhD Associate Professor Leilani.Madrigal@csulb.edu
Mary Aja, MS, ATC Adjunct Faculty maja@lbcc.edu
Quincy Wang, MD Medical Director Quincy.C.Wang@kp.org

 

Preceptor Clinical Site
Abigail Francisco El Camino College
Adam Quigley Los Angeles Galaxy
Alexandria Lacayo Mt. San Antonio College
Alexis Colon Long Beach State, Athletics
Alicia Nakahara N/A
Alvin Cabrera Los Angeles Chargers
Ami Hirsh Team to Win
Andrew Paulin Mt. San Antonio College (retired)
Anthony Venute UCLA, Athletics
Brian Cable Cerritos College
Cesar Roldan Los Angeles Galaxy
Charlenne Medina Long Beach State, Athletics
Chaz Kekipi Orange Coast College
Christine Turnbull Long Beach State, Athletics
Christian Knighten St. John Bosco High School
Cyrstal Elston Long Beach Poly High School
Edgar Ortiz El Camino College
Elva Salcido Mt. San Antonio College
Emily Raber UCLA, Recreation
Gina Iniguez UCLA, Recreation
Gisselle Gutierrez N/A
Ian Baldwin Long Beach State, Athletics
Jarrod Spanjer Long Beach State, Athletics
Jennifer Hernandez N/A
Jesse Williams Long Beach State, Athletics
Jessica Truax San Dimas High School
Jill Sleight Team to Win
John Siegel Long Beach State, Dance
Jon Hernandez Los Angeles Rams
Jose Sanchez Uribe Santa Ana College
Julie Beveridge Los Angeles Galaxy
Julius Murphy Los Angeles Galaxy
Karen Bloch Bloch Wellness & Sports Medicine
Kevin Mark Mt. San Antonio College
Kirsten Marony Golden West College
Maddy Shannon Loyala Marymount University
Mark Pocinich UCLA, Athletics
Mary Aja Long Beach City College
Matthew Brandt UCLA, Athletics
Meghanrose Beckman Long Beach City College
Melody Mohebbi St. John Bosco High School
Michael Landas Mt. San Antonio College
Michael Nakahara Orange Coast College
Michael Rivera N/A
Monica Cordova Cerritos College
Nicole Briones UCLA, Athletics
Nicolette Marinello Cypress College
Oscar Rinon UCLA, Recreation
Pat Frohn Golden West College
Patricia Bellali Pasadena City College
Rachel Kirkpatrick Cypress College
Randy Beckman Long Beach City College
Ross Nathan Hand & Wrist Center
Rudy Aguilar Pasadena City College
Scott Tucker Cypress College (retired)
Sam O'Leary Los Angeles Chargers
Scott Tucker Cypress College (retired)
Sean Higgs Los Angeles City Fire
Sean Shahmirzadi Los Angeles Galaxy
Sydney Kantor Mission Viejo High School
Tyler Huesca Los Alamitos High School
Tyler King Loyala Marymount University
Winnie Voong Santa Ana College
Ysabel Meris Long Beach State, Athletics

 

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MSAT 2022 Cohort
MSAT 2022 Cohort

Admission Overview

California State University, Long Beach offers an entry-level athletic training program that upon completion, students would be eligible to take the Board of Certification exam to become certified athletic trainers.  Admission to the University as a graduate student in athletic training program is on a competitive basis using the selection criteria desribed below. 

 

  • Step 1: Applicants will complete and submit the online application to the program through ATCAS (Athletic Training Centralized Application Service).

    • The ATCAS application requests the below information:

      • Official transcripts of all academic work attempted.
      • Two letters of recommendation attesting to the potential for success as an athletic trainer and/or the scholarly potential of the applicant;
        • At least one letter must be from a BOC (Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer) certified athletic trainer with whom the applicant has had a professional association.
        • One letter must be from a professor for a prerequisite course which the applicant completed, or from an employer, or whomever the applicant has had a professional association.
      • Documentation of knowledge of athletic training through a minimum of 150 documented hours of volunteer experience under the direct supervision of a BOC certified athletic trainer.
      • Written statement of purpose reflecting the applicant's commitment to athletic training.
      • Prerequisite requirements. All courses (prerequisite and overall) must be taken from an accredited institution.
  • Step 2: Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview with the MSAT Program Admission Committee in December, January, or February.  The interviews will assist in the application reviews and admissions decisions and will occur via video conference or face to face.
  • Step 3: Applicants that are offered informal admission after the interview will need to complete the Cal State Apply application (CSU requirement) by April 1st.  

  • Step 4: Pay the non-refundable enrollment deposit ($150).

  • (International Students Only) - applicants who do not hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution are required to satisfy English language requirements.  The following test results are accepted by CSULB: TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson, Eiken, or ALI information.  Please note that Cal State Apply deadline for international students are March 1st.

  • Hold, or be eligible to hold, an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association or have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by an appropriate campus authority, by the end of the spring semester prior to admission to the program.

  • Have attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 (A=4.00).

  • Have been in good academic, professional, and clinical standing at the last institution and if applicable in the last entry-level athletic training educational program attended.

  • Have successfully completed the prerequisite courses with a minimum of "C" and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 by the end of the fall semester prior to the year of admission to the program. No course may be repeated more than once and no more than 3 prerequisite courses may be repeated. CR/NC grades, correspondence courses, or independent study courses cannot be used for prerequisite requirements.

  • Have completed a minimum of 150 documented hours of volunteer experience under the direct supervision of a BOC certified athletic trainer.  It is highly encouraged for students to gain experience in a variety of different clinical settings.

  • Human Anatomy (1 semester with lab)
  • Human Physiology (1 semester with lab)
  • General Psychology (1 semester)
  • Physics (1 semester)
  • Chemistry (1 semester)
  • Biology (1 semester)
  • Biomechanics (1 semester)
  • Exercise Physiology (1 semester)
  • Nutrition (1 semester)
  • Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (1 semester)
  • Statistics (1 semester)

There will be two review dates for application:

  • Priority review
    • Submit ATCAS application by December 1st
      • ​These applicants will be given priority consideration and highly qualified applicants may be invited for interviews by the MSAT Admissions Committee in December or January.
  • Regular review
    • Submit ATCAS application by February 15th
      • If there is room available in the incoming cohort, applicants who apply during this cycle may be offered an interview. We recommend that interested students apply as early as possible. The program reserves the right to extend the deadline to accept and review ATCAS applications after the regular deadline if space in the cohort exists.​​

  • Early decision applicants will be notified of their status in mid-December and invited for an in-person/video-conference interview.

  • Regular decision applicants are notified starting late February to mid-March for in-person/video-conference interview.

  • The following criteria will be used to evaluate each applicant.  All applicants will be evaluated by the MSAT Admissions Committee, which include core faculty and may include preceptors.

 

Criteria Weight

Academic Record

  • Pre-requisite GPA (15%)
  • Undergraduate Cumulative GPA (15%)
30%
Letters of Recommendation 20%
Pre-professional Hours 10%
Essay 15%
Interview 25%

After admission to the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program, the following documentation must be submitted to the AT Program prior to the beginning of program instruction.

  • Health insurance, titers and immunizations (HBV series, MMR, Tdap, chicken pox, and meningococcal, and any others required)
  • Negative TB Test (within past 2 months)
  • BOC (Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer) identification number
  • Valid CPR card (as outlined by the BOC)
  • Federal Criminal Background Check
  • Signed Documentation: Ability to meet Technical Standards with or without accommodations, Statement of Confidentiality, and Communicable Disease Policy.
  • Adhering to the Athletic Training Programs Technical Standards and academic performance standards functions are required for clinical coursework.

 

MSAT Program

 

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Athletic Training degree program is a 52 unit, two year, cohort program that includes clinical education.

Core:

Take all of the following courses:

  • AT 500 Athletic Training Healthcare and Clinical Skills (2) Prerequisite: Admission to the MSAT program. Co-requisite: AT 502, 510, 520, 581, and KIN 696.
  • AT 502 Emergency Management in Athletic Training (1) Prerequisite: Admission to the MSAT program. Co-requisite: AT 500, 510, 520, 581 and KIN 696.
  • AT 504 Evidence-Based Practice and Testing in Athletic Training (1) Prerequisites: AT 500, AT 502, and KIN 696.
  • AT 506 Public Health and Epidemiology in Athletic Training (2) Prerequisites: AT 504.
  • AT 510 Athletic Training Clinical Evaluation I (3) Prerequisite: Admission to the MSAT program. Co-requisites: AT 500, AT 502.
  • AT 511 Athletic Training Clinical Evaluation II (3) Prerequisites: AT 510.
  • AT 515 Medical Conditions and Pharmacology in Athletic Training (3) Prerequisite: AT 581.
  • AT 520 Athletic Training Therapeutic Interventions I (3) Prerequisite: Admission to the MSAT program. Co-requisite: AT 510.
  • AT 521 Athletic Training Therapeutic Interventions II (3) Prerequisite: AT 520. Co-requisite: AT 511.
  • AT 525 Athletic Training Therapeutic Interventions: Therapeutic Modalities (2) Prerequisites: AT 581.
  • AT 526 Manual Therapeutic Interventions in Athletic Training (2) Prerequisite: AT 521, AT 525, AT 583.
  • AT 530 Management and Professional Issues in Athletic Training (3) Prerequisite: AT 582.
  • KIN 579 Psychological Aspects of Sports Injury (3) Prerequisite: Graduate Standing or Consent of Instructor.
  • KIN 696 Research Methods and Statistical Analysis (3) Prerequisite: Undergraduate major in Kinesiology or related field, undergraduate Statistic course or equivalent.

Take one of the following elective courses (3 units):

  • KIN 540 Biomechanical Factors in Human Movement (3) Prerequisite: KIN 300 or equivalent.
  • KIN 541 Applied Biomechanics: Lifting and work Capacity (3) Prerequisite: KIN 300 or equivalent (trigonometry and PHYS 100A recommended).
  • KIN 551 Advanced Exercise Physiology (3) Prerequisite: KIN 301 or equivalent and BIOL 207 or equivalent.
  • KIN 552 Exercise Testing and Training in Health and Disease (3) Prerequisite: KIN 301 or equivalent and BIOL 207 or equivalent.
  • KIN 561 Musculoskeletal Injuries in Sport (3) Prerequisite: AT 207 and KIN 300 or their equivalent and BIOL 208 or its equivalent.
  • KIN 562 Advanced Strength and Conditioning (3) Prerequisite: KIN 300, KIN 301.
  • KIN 565 Clinical Exercise Electrocardiography (3) Prerequisite: BIOL 207, KIN 301, and/or consent of instructor.
  • KIN 566 Biochemical and Hormonal Adaptations to Physical Activity (3) Prerequisite: KIN 301 or equivalent; CHEM 111A, CHEM 112A, or its equivalent.
  • KIN 568 Nutrition for Exercise and Performance (3) Prerequisite: NUTR 132, KIN 301.

Take all of following courses:

  • AT 581 Athletic Training Clinical Education I (2) Prerequisite: Admission to the MSAT program. Co-requisite: AT 500, 502.
  • AT 582 Athletic Training Clinical Education II (2) Prerequisite: AT 581.
  • AT 583 Athletic Training Clinical Education III (2) Prerequisite: AT 582.
  • AT 584 Athletic Training Clinical Education IV (2) Prerequisite: AT 583.
  • AT 591 Seminar in Athletic Training (1) Prerequisite: AT 583. Co-requisite: AT 584.

Complete the following courses(6 units):

  • AT 699A Applied Research Project in Athletic Training (2) Prerequisite: Advancement to Candidacy, KIN 696. Co-requisite: AT 504.
  • AT 699B Applied Research Project in Athletic Training (2) Prerequisite: AT 699A.
  • AT 699C Applied Research Project in Athletic Training (2) Prerequisite: AT 699B.

Fall 1 Semester

Course Course Name Credit
AT 500 Athletic Training Healthcare and Clinical Skills 2
AT 502 Emergency Management in Athletic Training 1
AT 510 Athletic Training Clinical Evaluation I 3
AT 520 Athletic Training Therapeutic Interventions I 3
AT 581 Athletic Training Clinical Education I 2
KIN 696 Research Methods and Statistical Analysis 3
  KIN Elective* 3
  Semetster Total 17

Spring 1 Semester

Course Course Name Credit
AT 504 Evidence-Based Practice and Testing in Athletic Training 1
AT 511 Athletic Training Clinical Evaluation II 3
AT 521 Athletic Training Therapeutic Interventions II 3
AT 525 Athletic Training Therapeutic Modalities 2
AT 582 Athletic Training Clinical Education II 2
AT 699A Applied Research Project in Athletic Training 2
  Semetster Total 13

Fall 2 Semester

Course Course Name Credit
AT 506 Public Health and Epidemiology in Athletic Training 2
AT 515 Medical Conditions and Pharmacology in Athletic Training 3
AT 530 Management and Professional Issues in Athletic Training 3
AT 583 Athletic Training Clinical Education III 2
AT 699B Applied Research Project in Athletic Training 2
KIN 579 Psychological Aspects of Sports Injury** 3
  Semetster Total 15

Spring 2 Semester

Course Course Name Credit
AT 526 Manual Therapeutic Interventions in Athletic Training 2
AT 591 Seminar in Athletic Training 1
AT 584 Athletic Training Clinical Education IV 2
AT 699C Applied Research Project in Athletic Training 2
  Semetster Total 7

* KIN elective can be taken any time throughout the program.
** KIN 579 can be taken during the May intersession 

 

Athletic training students (ATS) enrolled in the MSAT program must complete clinical education requirements under the direct supervision of a preceptor in all clinical settings. Per CAATE Standards for Accreditation of Professional Athletic Training Education Standard 31 (2020), a preceptor is either an athletic trainer or a physician.

All students accepted into the MSAT program must complete the following Clinical Education requirements to fulfill requirements for their degree:

  • Athletic Training Clinical Education I
  • Athletic Training Clinical Education II
  • Athletic Training Clinical Education III
  • Athletic Training Clinical Education IV

The clinical education rotations and assignments provide opportunities for students to gain clinical experiences associated with a variety of different populations (CAATE Standards for Accreditation of Professional Athletic Training Education Standard 17, 2020), including throughout the lifespan, different sexes, different socioeconomic statuses, varying levels of athletic ability, and non-sport activities.

The CSULB MSAT program is affiliated with various sites in the community including the following:

University & Community Colleges

  • Cerritos College
  • Cypress College
  • El Camino College
  • Golden West College
  • Long Beach City College
  • Long Beach State Athletics
  • Loyola Marymount University
  • Mt. San Antonio College
  • Orange Coast College
  • Santa Ana College
  • Pasadena City College
  • UCLA Athletics 
  • UCLA Recreation

High Schools

  • Los Alamitos High School
  • San Dimas High School
  • St. Anthony High School
  • St. John Bosco High School

Physician Office & Others

  • Beach Cities Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
  • Bloch Wellness & Sports Medicine
  • Hand & Wrist Center
  • Long Beach State Dance Department
  • Los Angeles Chargers
  • Los Angeles City Fire Department
  • Los Angeles Galaxy
  • Team to Win

 

Prior to any clinical assignment, students need to have the up-to-date documents of the following on file:

  1. Current Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC)
    • ECC certification is required and must be kept current, and the following needs to be included:
      • Adult CPR
      • Pediatric CPR
      • Second rescuer CPR
      • AED
      • Airway obstruction
      • Barrier devices (e.g., pocket mask, bag valve mask)
  2. TB Tests
    • TB test indurations test should be done prior to August 1st of each year.  Individuals with previous positive skin test must have chest X-rays.
  3. Immunization Records
    • All incoming graduate and post-baccalaureate students must show proof of the following vaccines by August 1st of the admission year:
      • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
      • Varicella (Chickenpox)
      • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
      • Hepatitis B
      • Meningitis ACY-W (required for students 21 and younger)
      • Additional annual vaccination may be required (e.g., influenza)
  4. Background Check
    • Criminal background check must minimally include:
      • Seven years history
      • Address verification
      • Nationwide Sex Offender Index search
      • Two names (current legal and one other name)
      • Nationwide Healthcare Fraud and Abuse Scan
      • Social Security Number verification
      • Nationwide Database Search
    • Applicants with Prior Criminal Conviction
      • A prior conviction of any crime (with the exception of misdemeanor traffic offenses or traffic ordinance violations that do not involve the use of alcohol or drugs), or any professional discipline, may prevent the student from taking the Board of Certification examination.
      • Individuals with a conviction and/or professional discipline should request a predetermination of eligibility from the BOC prior to starting the MSAT program.  Please review the Professional Practice and Disciplinary Guidelines and Procedures for details on BOC website.

 

Program Information and Outcomes

The following are aggregated student achievement data for BOC exam pass rate, graduation rate, retention rate, and graduation placement rate. The same data can be retrieved directly from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) website using the following link: 

California State University Program Information and Outcome Data

 

CSULB BOC Exam Pass Rate

Pass rate of the students who have taken the Board of Certification Examination.

  2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 3-year Aggregate
# of students graduating from the program 23 13 12 14 14 40
# of students graduating from the program who took the BOC examination.  20 12 12 13 14 39
# of students who passed the BOC examination on the first attempt. 20 11 8 9 13 30
First Time Pass Rate % 100% 92% 67% 69% 93% 77%
# of students who passed the BOC examination regardless of the number of attempts. 20 11 12 13 14 39
Overall Pass Rate % 100% 92% 100% 100% 100% 100%

 

CSULB Program Graduation Rate

Graduation rate measures the progress of students who began their studies as full-time degree-seeking students by showing the percentage of these students who complete their degree within 150% of “normal time” for completing the program in which they are enrolled. Graduation rate is calculated as the sum of students with a Graduated status divided by the total number of students in the cohort (excludes students with a deceased or Leave of Absence (medical) status).

  2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-2022* 2022-23 3-year Aggregate
# of students admitted to the program. 25 17 13 20 17 50
# of students who graduated. 25 16 12 18 14 44
Student Graduation Rate 100% 94% 92% 90% 82% 88%

 

CSULB Program Retention Rate

Retention rate is defined as the percentage of students who have been admitted to the professional program who return to the institution to continue their studies the following academic year. Retention rate is calculated as the sum of students returning to the institution divided by the total number of students in the cohort (excludes students with a deceased or Leave of Absence(medical) status).

  2018-19 2019-20 2020-21* 2021-22 2022-23 3-year Aggregate
# of students enrolled in the program. 29 22 33 22 28 83
# of students returning for each subsequent academic year. 28 21 28 20 27 75
Student Retention Rate 96% 95% 84% 90% 96% 90%

*Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a number of our UG students decided to switch majors during this time.

CSULB Graduation Placement Rate

Graduation placement rate is defined as the percentage of students within the 6-months of graduation that have obtained positions in the following categories: employed as an athletic trainer, employed as other, and not employed.  Not employed includes those who are enrolled in another degree program.

  2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 3-year Aggregate
# of students graduating from the program. 23 13 12 14 14 40
# of students employed as AT. 20 8 11 13 14 38
Employment Rate as AT (% of students employed as AT) 86% 61% 91% 92% 100% 95%
# of students employed as other 1 5 1 1 0 2
Employment Rate as Other (% of students employed as other) 4% 38% 8% 7% 0% 5%
# of students not employed 2 0 0 0 0 0
Unemployment Rate (% of students not employed) 9% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

 

AT Student Handbook

For additional information regarding the AT program, please see the following:

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as an allied healthcare profession, and the AMA recommends BOC certified athletic trainers in every high school to keep America's youth safe and healthy. BOC certified athletic trainers (ATC) are highly educated and skilled medical professionals specializing in injury prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses, particularly in the orthopedic and musculoskeletal disciplines. Specifically, the certified athletic trainer has demonstrated knowledge and skill in six practice areas or domains:

  • Prevention
  • Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis
  • Immediate Care
  • Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning
  • Organization and Administration
  • Professional Responsibility

As part of a complete healthcare team, the certified athletic trainer works under the direction of a physician and in cooperation with other healthcare professionals, athletics administrators, coaches and parents. The certified athletic trainer gets to know each patient/client individually and can treat injuries more effectively.  For more information, visit the National Athletic Trainers Association website.

In order for you to become an athletic trainer, you must pass the BOC certification exam. In order to sit for the BOC certification exam, candidates must graduate from a CAATE (Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education) accredited athletic training program. CAATE is the agency responsible for the accreditation of professional (entry-level) Athletic Training educational programs. 

Professional athletic training education uses a competency-based approach in both the classroom and clinical settings. Using a medical-based education model, athletic training students are educated to provide comprehensive patient care in five domains of clinical practice: prevention; clinical evaluation and diagnosis; immediate and emergency care; treatment and rehabilitation; and organization and professional health and well-being. The educational requirements for CAATE-accredited athletic training education programs include acquisition of knowledge, skills and clinical abilities along with a broad scope of foundational behaviors of professional practice. 

Students need to receive formal instruction of the following areas:

  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Prevention and Health Promotion
  • Clinical Examination and Diagnosis
  • Acute Care of Injury and Illness
  • Therapeutic Interventions
  • Psychosocial Strategies and Referral
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Professional Development and Responsibility

BOC certified athletic trainers work in a variety of settings. The athletic trainers practice according to their education, scope of practice and state practice act.

  • Public and private secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional and Olympic sports
  • Youth leagues, municipal and independently owned youth sports facilities
  • Physician practice, similar to nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists and other professional clinical personnel
  • Rural and urban hospitals, hospital emergency rooms, urgent and ambulatory care centers
  • Clinics with specialties in sports medicine, cardiac rehab, medical fitness, wellness and physical therapy
  • Occupational health departments in commercial settings, which include manufacturing, distribution and offices to assist with ergonomics
  • Police and fire departments and academies, municipal departments, branches of the military
  • Performing arts including professional and collegiate level dance and music

Currently, many efforts are being made to improve the employment opportunities for ATs.  Great strides have been made in attaining third-party insurance reimbursement for the services provided by ATs. If this trend continues it will open the door to many future employment possibilities and most likely an increase in salaries.  In addition, increasing state regulation of the practice of athletic training (e.g., licensure) in most states throughout the country and public awareness of the value of AT are proving to protect and enhance the athletic training profession. According to the BOC, the following sites are avenues for employment:

  • Professional & Collegiate sports
  • Secondary & Intermediate schools
  • Sports medicine clinics
  • Hospital ER & rehab clinics
  • Occupational settings
  • Fitness centers
  • Physician's offices

Yes.  The program is accredited by CAATE until 2021 and is currently undergoing comprehensive review process.

There are funding opportunities for student scholarships and travel grants for students to attend academic conferences though the university, and the NATA and FWATA offers scholarships to students.

There are some additional fees associated with the program. The following table contains a list of these costs that will provide a general idea of additional costs a student in the AT program may incur. The information is estimated and is subject to change. Information about common student costs, such as tuition, student fees is available at CSULB Tuition and Fees page.

Item Year 1 Year 2
NATA/FWATA membership $105 $105
Student Liability Insurance $26 (included in student fee) $26 (included in student fee)
Apparel $50-100 $50-100
Immunization TB test $2/ Hep B $35 TB test $2
Background Checks $50 $0
Emergency Cardiac Care Certification $100 $0
Travel to off-site clinicals ~$300 (depends on distance) ~$300 (depends on distance)
Professional Conference ~$250 (depends on which conference) ~$250 (depends on which conference)
BOC Examination $0 $300

The following are required for admission:

  • Hold, or be eligible to hold, an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association or have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by an appropriate campus authority, by the end of the spring semester prior to admission to the program.
  • Have attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 (A=4.00).
  • Have been in good academic, professional, and clinical standing at the last institution and if applicable in the last entry-level athletic training educational program attended.
  • Have successfully completed the prerequisite courses with a minimum of "C" and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 by the end of the spring semester prior to the year of admission to the program. No course may be repeated more than once and no more than 3 prerequisite courses may be repeated. CR/NC grades, correspondence courses, or independent study courses cannot be used for prerequisite requirements. It is recommended that no more than two (2) classes may be in progress during the spring semester of application.
  • A minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation attesting to the potential for success as an athletic trainer and/or the scholarly potential of the applicant:
    • At least one letter must be from a BOC (Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer) certified athletic trainer with whom the applicant had a professional association, and
    • At least one letter must be from a professor for a prerequisite course which the applicant completed.
  • Provide documentation of knowledge of athletic training through a minimum of 150 documented hours of volunteer experience under the direct supervision of a BOC certified athletic trainer.
  • Provide a written statement of purpose reflecting the applicant's commitment to athletic training.

Required Courses:

  • Human Anatomy (1 semester with lab)
  • Human Physiology (1 semester with lab)
  • General Psychology (1 semester)
  • Physics (1 semester)
  • Chemistry (1 semester)
  • Biology (1 semester)
  • Biomechanics (1 semester)
  • Exercise Physiology (1 semester)
  • Nutrition (1 semester)
  • Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (1 semester)
  • Statistics (1 semester)

Admission to the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) is a two-step process: 1) Applicants will complete and submit the online application to the program through ATCAS  (Athletic Training Centralized Application Service) (http://atcas.liaisoncas.org/) and 2) Applicants that are offered informal admission after the interview will complete the Cal State Apply application.

There are two deadlines for the ATCAS part of the program application. Regardless of the admission deadline, incomplete applications will not be reviewed until finalized. All applicants must complete the ATCAS application by:

  • Priority Review Deadline - December 1st
  • Regular Admission Deadline - February 15th 

The CalStateApply application deadline is April 15th.

The 150 hours must be attained under the supervision of a BOC-certified athletic trainer. Typically, this can be attained at either a college/university athletic training facility or a high school athletic training facility. You can contact many of our affliated sites to arrange completing these hours. You can submit this form to verify hours.

At least one of the reference must be from a BOC certified athletic trainer who has observed you in a clinical setting to attest to your dependability, responsible nature, and desire to become an athletic trainer. The other must be from a professor from a prerequisite course to attest to your academic abilities.