Athletic Training is a healthcare discipline that is included within the practice of sports medicine. In 1991, the profession of athletic training was recognized as an allied health profession by the American Medical Association (AMA); however, athletic trainers have provided health care for athletes and other individuals for more than 60 years. The scope of practice of a Certified Athletic Trainer includes five areas of clinical practice: Injury/illness prevention and wellness protection, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, treatment and rehabilitation, and organizational and professional health and well-being. Students can earn a Master of Science in Athletic Training at Duquesne. 

Duquesne's Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) (www.caate.net). Student professional preparation at Duquesne involves a solid liberal arts and basic science foundation, as well as the development of professional competency and clinical proficiency in the following 5 key domains: risk reduction, wellness, and health literacy, assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis, critical incident management, therapeutic intervention, and healthcare administration and professional responsibility.

In addition to traditional classroom and laboratory education, athletic training students are required to participate in clinical education experiences.  These clinical experiences occur under the direct supervision of Board of Certification (BOC) certified and state licensed Athletic Trainers or other health care providers, providing care for athletes and patients in local high schools, colleges/universities, professional/amateur sport teams, sport performance and professional dance settings, as well as clinics, hospitals and physician offices.

Athletic Training Program Outcomes

  • Develop competent and confident athletic trainers;
  • Foster the development of clinical decision making and critical thinking when dealing with all aspects of patient-centered care;
  • Promote the importance of research throughout the engagement and application of evidence in clinical practice;
  • Provide opportunities for students to learn from, with, and about other healthcare professions as they relate to patient care; and
  • Foster understanding and the ability to integrate and apply knowledge related to the delivery of global healthcare. 

Athletic Training Curriculum

To receive a Master of Science in Athletic Training, students must satisfactorily complete all program requirements. Students will earn a total of 66 credits for the MSAT.

Program Requirements

Summer of 1st Year - 9 Credits

  • Immediate Care and Prevention (ATHT 501/501L) 4 cr.
  • Evidence-Based Methods in Healthcare (ATHT 525) 2 cr.
  • Introduction to Therapeutic Interventions (ATHT 530/530L) 3 cr.

Fall of 1st Year - 15 Credits

  • Cadaver Anatomy (HLTS 570/570L) 4 cr.
  • Orthopedic Assessment & Treatment - Lower Extremity (ATHT 502/502L) 3 cr.
  • Clinical Practicum (ATHT 511/511L) 3 cr.
  • Contemporary Evaluation (ATHT 515/515L) 2 cr.
  • Therapeutic Interventions (ATHT 550/550L) 3 cr.

Spring of 1st Year - 14 Credits

  • Research & Evidence Integration I (ATHT 500) 2 cr.
  • Orthopedic Assessment & Treatment - Upper Extremity (ATHT 503/503L) 3 cr.
  • Clinical Practicum II (ATHT 512) 3 cr.
  • Diagnostic Tools/Advanced Skills (ATHT 516/516L) 3 cr.
  • Considerations for Global Health (ATHT 601) 3 cr.

Summer of 2nd Year - 8 Credits

  • Orthopedic Assessment & Treatment - Spine (ATHT 504/504L) 2 cr.
  • Non-Orthopedic Pathology & Pharmacology (ATHT 505) 3 cr.
  • Patient Centered Care & Behavioral Health (ATHT 606) 3 cr.

Fall of 2nd Year - 9 Credits

  • Research & Evidence Integration II (ATHT 510) 1 cr.
  • Organization & Administration (ATHT 535) 3 cr.
  • Clinical Practicum III (ATHT 611) 5 cr.

Spring of 2nd Year - 11 Credits

  • Manual Therapy (ATHT 560/560L) 2 cr.
  • Research & Evidence Integration III (ATHT 610) 3 cr.
  • Clinical Practicum IV (ATHT 612) 3 cr.
  • Athletic Training Seminar (ATHT 615) 3 cr.

Students will be given clinical assignments and responsibilities as directed by the Athletic Training Faculty and the designated Preceptor. Students will be expected to participate in all clinical activities for that assignment. Further explanations are available in the Athletic Training Student Handbook.

Athletic Training Graduation Requirements

Master of Science in Athletic Training

A student who has completed all requirements with a minimum 3.0 cumulative professional phase GPA and successfully completed all clinical education requirements will receive a Master of Science in Athletic Training degree.

Athletic Training Certification & Licensure

Athletic Trainers must be certified on a national level and be certified, registered, or licensed on a state level, if required by the state in which the student intends to practice. Upon completion of program requirements in athletic training, students will be eligible to sit for the national Board of Certification examination (BOC). Athletic training students may sit for their examination at the testing time that immediately precedes graduation, but the department recommends that students take the certification in June, following their May graduation. The approximate cost is $360.00. All students must pass this examination to be recognized nationally as certified athletic trainers. Students must register for the examination online.

Those students who wish to practice in the state of Pennsylvania also must apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine for licensure as an athletic trainer after they have passed the BOC examination. An athletic trainer must have this certification to practice as a licensed health professional in Pennsylvania. More information on this licensure process is available from the Bureau of Professional Licensure, State Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine. If a student wishes to practice outside the state of Pennsylvania, that student should contact the specific state's athletic training organization or the BOC for more information.