Program Information

Springfield College offers a Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training for persons who wish to gain the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to provide quality health care to those engaged in physically active lifestyles. This 24-month professional degree program in athletic training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Graduates of the Master of Science in Athletic Training program are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC®) National Athletic Training Certification Examination.  After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). Most states also require licensure in order to practice.

Throughout this challenging, yet rewarding 24 month program, students are engaged in a mix of classroom, laboratory, online/hybrid, group project, and clinically based educational experiences. Students become practiced in athletic training theory, evaluation and treatment techniques, clinical reasoning, research, patient care, communication, administration and teamwork. Fully encompassing the College’s Humanics philosophy, the Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training emphasizes that health and learning are best gained through an approach that unifies Spirit, Mind, and Body. The typical Springfield College-educated athletic trainer is prepared to utilize a holistic approach in providing healthcare, leadership and service. 

Program Focus: Preventative medicine and manual therapies are the foundation on which our program is built. Concepts associated with minimizing risk of injury/re-injury and illness, improving functional outcomes and enhancing/supporting safe participation and return to activity, in sport and work are embedded throughout the curriculum.

Two options for enrollment: Option 1: Accelerated 3 + 2 (Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/Pre-professional athletic training continuing on to the Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training) add link or Option 2:  Direct Entry (Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training).  Students who have earned a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university by the time they enroll in the program may apply to the Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training program as graduate students. The Direct Entry option is a 24 month program.

How to Apply for Admission

We have begun accepting applications for the Direct Entry Program. Click on ATCAS to apply.

Requirements for application to the program include the following:

• Prerequisite and foundational courses with satisfactory grades (C or higher) are required of all candidates:  biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, anatomy, and physiology at the postsecondary level. In addition, students must have foundational knowledge in statistics, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and nutrition.
  • Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
• Current Emergency Cardiac Care certification at the Professional Rescuer/Basic Life Support (BLS) Level to include: 1 and 2 person CPR (adult, child and infant), Airway Obstruction, Barrier Devices and AED Training.
• Documented observations: Applicants with previous employment as a health care provider must have 20 hours of documented observations with an athletic trainer. Applicants without previous employment as a healthcare provider must have 50 hours of documented observations with an athletic trainer.
• Two letters of recommendation are required attesting to the applicant’s academic ability and interest in athletic training. One letter should be from the Athletic Trainer whom the applicant observed. The other letter may be from a faculty member or supervisor in a healthcare related profession.
  • Letters of Recommendation should be addressed to Dr. Mary Barnum, Athletic Training Program Director. Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training. Springfield College, Springfield MA and uploaded with your ATCAS application.
• Minimum cumulative average requirement: To receive consideration for admission, applicants must have a minimum overall cumulative average of a 3.0. Applicants may be accepted while still taking prerequisite courses, but enrollment, if accepted, is contingent upon successful completion of the remaining prerequisites. 
• CLEP and Transfer Credit: CLEP examinations to fulfill prerequisites are also accepted. Courses accepted for transfer credit can only be used to meet core course requirements. Transfer courses must be completed within five-years of application to the program, and have a grade of B or better. Additionally, such courses must carry graduate credit at an accredited institution with a notation to that effect on the official transcript. An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required.
• International Applicants
  • From non-English speaking countries must demonstrate English language proficiency by way of one of the following examinations. More information on language proficiency requirements can be found on the Springfield College International Center Website.
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Once accepted, all F-1 and J-1 students and scholars must complete the health history/immunization documentation form and enroll in the Springfield College Student Insurance Plan. All registered students will automatically be billed for the insurance plan. More information on health requirements and insurance can be found on the Springfield College International Center Website.
• GRE’s are not required for acceptance into the program.

Once accepted into the Program, applicants must complete and submit the Springfield College Athletic Training Essentials Functions and Technical Standards Document. Compliance with the standards outlined in this document are required for retention in the program.

Degree Information

Degree: Master of Science (M.S.) with a major in Athletic Training

(61-77 credit hours) Requirements Subject to Change

Contact information

For more information about the athletic training major, contact Dr. Mary Barnum at (413) 748-3763 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

I. Core requirements (18 credits)

• AEXS 540 - Sports Nutrition Credits: 3
• ATRN 504 - Prevention and Acute Care of Injury and Illness Credits: 3
• ATRN 550 - Behavioral Health Credits: 3
• HLTH 525 - Human Disease and Health Literacy Credits: 3
• PHTH 504 - Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System Credits: 3
• PSYC 530 - Psychology of Sport Injury Credits: 3

II. Research requirements (4 credits)

• ATRN 628 - Principles of Evidence Based Practice Credits: 2
• ATRN 690 - Capstone Experience in Athletic Training Credits: 2

• (successful completion of research capstone required)

III. Program requirements (55 credits)

• AEXS 613 - Exercise for Special Populations Credits: 3
• ATRN 504 - Prevention and Acute Care of Injury and Illness Credits: 3
• ATRN 616 - Foundations of Therapeutic Intervention Credits: 2
• ATRN 624 - Standards of Clinical Practice Credits: 1
• ATRN 630 - Musculoskeletal Assessment Diagnosis and Treatment I Credits: 4
• ATRN 632 - Musculoskeletal Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment II Credits: 4
• ATRN 634 - Musculoskeletal Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment III Credits: 4
• ATRN 660 - Healthcare Administration in Athletic Training Credits: 3
• ATRN 662 - Healthcare Seminar I Credits: 1
• ATRN 664 - Healthcare Seminar II Credits: 1
• ATRN 668 - General Medical Conditions Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment IV Credits: 4
• ATRN 670 - Clinical Practicum I Credits: 1
• ATRN 672 - Clinical Practicum II Credits: 1
• ATRN 674 - Clinical Practicum III Credits: 1
• ATRN 676 - Clinical Practicum IV Credits: 3
• ATRN 678 - Clinical Practicum V Credits: 6
• ATRN 680 - Clinical Practicum VI Credits: 9
• PHTH 605 - Applied Anatomy and Musculoskeletal Imaging Credits: 3

Program Essential Functions and Technical Standards

Students admitted to the program are required to meet the Essential Functions and Technical Standards with or without reasonable accommodation. Program essential functions include participation in classroom, laboratory, and clinical tasks, as well as performance of professional roles such as examination, treatment, and education of individuals in a timely and safe manner. Technical standards define the individual physical, sensory, cognitive, behavioral, and social attributes or outcomes necessary to complete the program essential functions. Minimum essential functions and technical standards necessary for completion of the program must be met for continuation in and graduation from the program. Program Essential Functions and Technical Standards are available on the Athletic Training program web site and in the Athletic Training Student Handbook. Upon acceptance into the program, students are provided with a copy of these Standards for review. Standards must be reviewed, signed and returned.

Matriculation and Retention Standards

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average GPA of 3.0 (B). Students who receive a grade of C+ or lower in any three courses will be removed from the Athletic Training program. Failure to meet and maintain Program Essential Functions and Technical Standards with or without accommodation may also result in dismissal from the program. Please refer to the Athletic Training Student Handbook to view the full academic policy pertaining to matriculation and retention standards for students enrolled in the Master of Science in Athletic Training.