Master of Science in Athletic Training

According to the US Department of Labor, the athletic training profession is one of the Top 10 in-demand healthcare professions. LSU’s Master of Science in Athletic Training is geared to prepare students to enter and excel in this rewarding, fast-growing field.

Just as important as the opportunity to become dual credentials, LSU’s MSAT offers graduate students the ability to:

• learn how to build positive professional relationships with patients, administrators and other healthcare providers and the public.
• have the opportunity work in a variety of clinical and didactic settings to develop the knowledge and skills necessary entry-level athletic trainer to practice successfully.
• get experience using current and emerging technologies in patient education and care.
• explore ways to integrate research into daily clinical practice through the acquisition, use and practice of evidence-based medicine.
• acquire strategies to provide culturally competent and efficient medical care to diverse populations.
• establish a professional philosophy that incorporates the highest standards for the patient, professional and patient advocacy and legal/ethical medical practice.

The application process for the Master of Science in Athletic Training is conducted through online application system via the LSU Graduate School. The LSU Graduate School provides information on acceptance to LSU, while the program's website along with the LSU Graduate Catalog will provide admission process and criteria for admission. 

To help candidates make sure they have all the required documentation, we have created the MSAT Self-Assessment Checklist.

The admissions process for the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) will occur through several defined steps:

Program Start: May 22, 2023

• EARLY Application Cycle (July 1 - November 1). Non-LSU applicants must first apply to the MSAT through ATCAS and will be linked to the LSU Graduate School application form to complete the application submission process. Completed applications (even with prerequisite courses in progress or to be completed in Spring 2023) will be reviewed.
  • Verification and Application Review Process (October 1 - November 7) - completed applications received prior to November 1 will be reviewed during this time window; candidates will be notified of invitation for candidate interview and eligibility status for the LSU Graduate Tuition Waiver Award (full tuition waiver) during this time period.
  • Early Cycle Interviews (October 1 - December 1) - options for a non-campus or virtual interview will be provided on the MSAT website.
  • Early Cycle Cohort Seat Acceptance Period (November 1 - December 15) -interviewed candidates will receive an acceptance notification and will have this period to accept their cohort seat. After January 5, the program will not guarantee the offered seat is available as it will become available to eligible waitlisted or provisional applicants.
  • Early Cycle Acceptance Completion (January 5) - Applicants receiving an acceptance invitation will complete the necessary Clinical Readiness Requirements (due May 1) as well as complete any remaining prerequisite coursework prior to program start on May 23, 202.
• REGULAR Application Cycle (only for completed applications received between November 2 - May 1, if necessary). Completed applications during this time period will receive full consideration for any remaining cohort seats.
  • Verification and Applicant Review Process (November 2 - March 1, if necessary) - Completed applications will be reviewed and be notified of consideration for remaining cohort seats.
  • Interviews (will be scheduled as necessary;)
  • Acceptance Notification (candidates will have a 7-day window to accept the program admission offer).

Once notified of admittance to the MSAT, students must meet the following requirements prior to beginning the degree program's course requirements: 

Students in the MSAT are required to work in a variety of health care settings. The MSAT program policies and procedures comply with the CAATE Accreditation Standards, as well as recommendations of the MSAT medical director and LSU Student Health Center. 

Students must fulfill all Clinical Readiness Requirements no later than May 1 in order to start the program course requirements after June 1. Each student is responsible for all fees associated with fulfilling the Clinical Readiness Requirements (complete details are available on the MSAT website): 

• MSAT Medical History Form (completed through the LSU Student Health Center Student Health Portal)
• Health Physical Exam (must use MSAT Physical Examination Form if off-campus; if on-campus, will be completed at the LSU Student Health Center)
• Immunizations
• Technical Standards
• Basic Life Support (BLS) with First Aid certifications (by American Red Cross or American Heart Association) must be completed within a two-year window of the June 1 start
• Criminal Background Check (required for clinical experiences at off-campus clinical affiliated sites including hospitals)
• Drug Screen - 10 panel screen
• TB Skin Test (within past 12 months prior to June 1 start)
• Signed HIPAA/Privacy/Confidential Form
• Signed Professional and Personal Conduct Form

The Master of Science in Athletic Training in the School of Kinesiology at Louisiana State University is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity.

The technical standards set forth by the Master of Science in Athletic Training establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to and enrolled in the professional phase of this program to achieve the knowledge, skills and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program's accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]).

The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to and enrolled in the professional phase of the Master of Science in Athletic Training. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program, nor retained in the program. Compliance with the program's technical standards does not guarantee a student program admission nor eligibility for the BOC certification examination.

Candidates for selection to, and students currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Athletic Training, must demonstrate:

The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.

Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely, and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.

The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively.

Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.

The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.

The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.

The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.

Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.

Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

The following information outlines the application process for LSU Students and Non-LSU Students. 

LSU Students

Apply directly through the Graduate School.

You will need to complete application. Please note that specific directions on how to complete the below requirements are outlined in the application.

Athletic Training specific information you will need in your application:

1. Copy of your resume
2. Personal Statement which includes:
   • a brief statement of your background and interests,
   • a description of your experience and skill, and
   • your longer-term professional and academic goals and how the LSU Master's in Athletic Training program aligns with those goals.
   • A well-formed personal statement should also describe the kinds of topics and/or experiences the applicant would like to explore while enrolled in the program. It is beneficial if you can draw a connection between your long-term professional interest area and the ability of the program to cultivate your professional growth.
3. Three (3) letters of reference. You will need to provide the individuals contact information and the Graduate School will autogenerate an email to be completed by your references. We ask that you have 1 academic reference, 1 clinical supervisor reference and 1 reference of choice. 

Proof of a Minimum of 75 observation hours completed. You may create your own observation hours sheet, use the sample form or upload a letter (on company letterhead) that is signed by the supervising healthcare provider. Must include printed name of you and your supervisor, supervisor’s credentials, supervisor’s signature and total hours completed. This will be collected directly by the Athletic Training program once your application is processed by the graduate school. 

Non-LSU Students

You will need to complete a 2-step process.

Step 1 Complete your https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login.

1. Copy of your resume
2. Personal Statement which includes:
   • a brief statement of your background and interests,
   • a description of your experience and skill, and
   • your longer-term professional and academic goals and how the LSU Master's in Athletic Training program aligns with those goals.
   • A well-formed personal statement should also describe the kinds of topics and/or experiences the applicant would like to explore while enrolled in the program. It is beneficial if you can draw a connection between your long-term professional interest area and the ability of the program to cultivate your professional growth.
3. Transcripts
4. Prerequisite Review form completed by LSU faculty member
5. Proof of a Minimum of 75 observation hours completed. You may create your own observation hours sheet, use the sample form or upload a letter (on company letterhead) that is signed by the supervising healthcare provider. You must include printed name of you and supervisor, supervisor’s credentials, supervisor’s signature and total hours completed. 

Step 2 Once you have completed your application in ATCAS you will need to apply through the LSU Graduate School. Your information from ATCAS will automatically be carried over to your LSU graduate application.

Application Questions? Please contact Dr. Amanda Benson, MSAT Program Director, with questions or to schedule an on-campus visit.

The curriculum for the master's degree in athletic training has been approved the Louisiana Board of Supervisors.

Non-LSU applicants are required to submit a list of all courses to be considered (past, in-progress, or future) as meeting Prerequisites for the LSU MSAT:

Prerequisite Review Form

• Step 1 – Submit your courses for review
  • NOTE:  you will receive an email immediately after; this is only a confirmation of the information you submitted and not the review.
• Step 2 – You will receive an official electronic review in 1-3 business days.
  • For prerequisite courses that have different titles, credit hours, etc., the LSU Athletic Training Program will review the applicant's comparable academic course(s) to determine if the coursework fulfills the prerequisites.
• Step 3 – Return to your ATCAS profile
• Step 4 – Upload your official LSU prerequisite review into "Catalog Course Descriptions" section.

Prerequisite Coursework

• Two semesters Biology (no lab required)
• One semester Chemistry (no lab required)
• One semester Physics (no lab required)
• Two semesters Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent with Lab
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics
• General Psychology
• Statistics
• Nutrition
• Medical Terminology
• Personal Health and Wellness 

 

 

Clinical Education: Overview

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize the activity and participation of patients and clients.

Athletic training students at LSU participate in six semesters of clinical education that prepare them in the prevention, diagnosis and intervention of emergency, acute and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations and disabilities.

Under the direction of preceptors (approved by the Master of Science in Athletic Training), the athletic training student acquires a minimum of 50 clinical hours per credit hour in clinical courses, and/or completion of specific clinical components the course each semester.

Some clinical education experiences will require afternoon, evening, and weekend commitments. In addition, student may be asked to report for clinical education prior or following the academic calendar (i.e., preseason and post season).

Students gain clinical education experiences that address the continuum of care that would prepare a student to function in a variety of settings with patients engaged in a range of activities. 

Examples of clinical experiences include: Team and individual sports at the high school and collegiate level; sports requiring protective equipment; sports with genders opposite the student; and, non-sport patient populations at physician offices and clinics.

Athletic training students gain valuable interpersonal skills while working closely with preceptors, patients and a wide variety of healthcare professionals during year-long clinical educational experiences. The knowledge and experience gained prepares students to successfully enter the profession of athletic training. 

Financing Your Graduate Education

In addition to federal financial aid which requires a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), LSU and academic departments offer fellowships, assistantships, tuition awards, and grants. Please note that some funding opportunities and admissions deadlines are the same. Contact the academic department for information about funding opportunities.

After admission to the MSAT, students are also eligible for state, regional, and national professional organization scholarships from athletic training organizations. 

• National Athletic Trainers’ Association Foundation (NATA Foundation) offers a number of scholarships varies annually (from 50 to 75), with the amount of the award currently at $2,300 per graduate scholarship.
• Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association
• Louisiana Athletic Trainers’ Association

Students who reside outside of Louisiana may be eligible for scholarships through their respective state and regional professional athletic training organizations. Click here to find your state and regional association websites.

Additionally, the Murray T. Burch Memorial Athletic Training Student Scholarship was created January 2021 through the LSU Foundation to posthumously honor LSU Athletic Training alumnus Murray Burch. This scholarship is for students in the MSAT program. For more information about Murray and his legacy, please visit the scholarship page.

We encourage you to explore other funding opportunities also.

Tuition & Fees

The Fee Schedule lists the current cost of tuition, Required Fees, and other fees for graduate students.

Funding Options