Athletic Training (M.S.)

The University of North Georgia offers a Master of Science with a major in Athletic Training (MSAT). The MSAT program is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, health and physical education, or a related field.

You'll be introduced to not only foundational knowledge in athletic training related material, but also advanced knowledge in the areas of evaluation, rehabilitation, acute care, and other related material. You'll have an opportunity to be exposed to clinical experiences at various locations, including colleges/universities, high schools, rehabilitation clinics, orthopedic clinics, general medical clinics, and other various healthcare settings.

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Athletic Training (M.S.) Program Quick Facts

  • New students admitted summer semester
  • Full time program on the Dahlonega campus
  • 60 hours completed in 2 years
  • Cohort format
  • Clinical rotations offered in north Georgia region
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Program Application Deadlines

All application materials are to be received prior to the deadline. Completing your application earlier is better. The admissions committee will review all completed files and will release all admissions decisions after the posted deadline.

Summer Deadline

March 1

How to Apply to the Athletic Training (M.S.) Program

  • ATCAS is a service of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
  • Application fee is paid to ATCAS.

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Learn More About the Athletic Training (M.S.) Program

  • Overview
  • Mission, Goals, and Objectives
  • Curriculum & Course Sequencing
  • Clinical Experiences
  • Retention & Degree Requirements
  • Tuition & Fees
  • CAATE Program Information and Outcomes

Upon decision by the Athletic Training Strategic Alliance for all Athletic Training Programs to transition to the Master’s level, the University of North Georgia has subsequently decided to transition our Athletic Training Program to the graduate level. Both University and Board of Regents (BOR) approvals have been acquired, acknowledgement of degree level change by the Southern Accreditation for Colleges and Schools has been granted, and the program is currently undergoing its substantive change process from the Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

The Athletic Training Program at UNG has a long-standing history of success as an undergraduate program (initial accreditation in 2002) and is excited to embark on a new journey as a graduate level program. The Master’s of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) at UNG is designed as a traditional graduate program, where students will acquire an undergraduate degree from an accredited Institution and, upon completion of all pre-requisite coursework, apply to the program as a traditional graduate student. The MSAT program is a cohorted program consisting of six semesters of coursework and 60 credit hours of courses.

The program will begin in the summer with foundational coursework that will prepare students to take part in their initial clinical rotation in the fall. Students will take part in five semesters of clinical rotations, culminating in a semester-long immersive clinical rotation. More information regarding clinical rotations can be found under the clinical rotations tab above.

The mission of the Athletic Training program at UNG is to provide quality academic and clinical preparation for individuals pursuing any career in the field of athletic training. Through a program that reflects intellectual engagement, advocacy and service, and evidence based practice, students will become well rounded allied healthcare professionals. The program strives to develop an atmosphere conducive to learning where students are able to develop academically, professionally, and personally. Please take a look at our program and feel free to reach out to any of the faculty should you have any questions.

Mission

The mission of the Athletic Training program at UNG is to provide quality academic and clinical preparation for individuals pursuing any career in the field of athletic training. Through a program that reflects intellectual engagement, advocacy and service, and evidence based practice, students will become well rounded allied healthcare professionals. The program strives to develop an atmosphere conducive to learning where students are able to develop academically, professionally, and personally. Please take a look at our program and feel free to reach out to any of the faculty should you have any questions.

Goals

  1. Students will understand, demonstrate, and access skills and techniques to prevent injury and illness and promote wellness.
  2. Students will demonstrate the ability to examine, assess, and diagnose orthopedic and general medical conditions.
  3. Students will be able to implement immediate and emergency care for optimal outcomes.
  4. Students will be able to assess and implement appropriate therapeutic interventions for a variety of different pathological conditions.
  5. Students will demonstrate an understanding and apply the knowledge to healthcare administration and professional responsibility.
  6. Students will participate in a broad array of high-quality clinical experiences with skilled preceptors.

Download a complete list of goals and objectives. (PDF) 

The MSAT program at University of North Georgia is considered a traditional master’s program, in that anyone who has an undergraduate degree and meets the admission requirements, may apply to the program. Our program is a cohorted program, meaning that students are admitted once a year and move through the program as a unit.

Students will progress in a sequential and progressively rigorous program, culminating in an immersive clinical experience during the student's final semester in the program. Explore the course planning guide (PDF) and plan of study (PDF).

UNG’s athletic training program is pleased to offer students a wide variety of clinical experience throughout their time in the program. Students will be given the opportunity to take part in clinical experiences in the following settings:

  • College/University Setting (UNG and Young Harris College)
  • High School (various locations)
  • Semi-professional Athletics (Atlanta Gladiators Hockey)
  • Sports Medicine Clinic
  • Orthopedic Clinic
  • Various Interprofessional Education Experiences

The program constantly strives to add new, exciting, and clinically challenging experiences. Students’ clinical experience will culminate in a fully-immersive clinical rotation that may take place off campus at locations all over the United States.

The following requirements must be met for a student to remain in the Athletic Training Program (ATP) at UNG:

  1. Compliance with the rules and regulations prescribed for all graduate students at UNG. 
  2. Compliance with the ATP rules and regulations in the Athletic Training Student Handbook.
  3. Adherence to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Code of Ethics
  4. Adherence to the expectations found in the Program Standards of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
  5. Maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) level CPR certification (American Red Cross or American Heart Association)
  6. Maintenance of a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
  7. Earning course grade of “C” or better in all coursework

Due to its unique clinical experiences and program of study, students will accrue the following fees throughout their time in the Athletic Training Program:

  • Uniform & Associated Fees 
  • Professional Liability Insurance
  • National Athletic Trainers’ Association membership dues (optional)
  • Travel Expenses – Will vary by clinical rotation

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Questions?

For questions about the program, contact:
Dr. Ryan Hipp
ryan.hipp@ung.edu
706-867-4551

For questions about the application process, contact:
Graduate Admissions
grads@ung.edu 
706-864-1543

Professional Licensure and Certification

The University of North Georgia offers degree programs that meet the educational requirements students need to apply for professional licensure and certifications in Georgia. However, the programs may not meet education requirements for licensure or certification in other states.

For additional information, please review the Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure.