The Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program is a two-year graduate program that prepares students to challenge the Board of Certification examination and enter the profession of athletic training.
Applicants to the program must be enrolled in the Castleton University Kinesiology/Pre-Athletic Training bachelor's degree program OR have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university by the time of matriculation to the MAT program. See below for more specific admissions requirements.
Enrollment in the MAT program is limited and admission is highly selective. New cohorts enter the program annually in the summer and complete a two-year, 67-credit curriculum. The program uses a competency-based approach in both the classroom and clinical settings. A medical model is used to educate students to serve in the role of athletic trainer with emphasis on clinical reasoning skills. The clinical rotations consist of four semesters of extensive experiences that include assignments with men and women's varsity athletic teams, cooperative experiences at other area colleges, high schools, Killington Medical Clinic, and the Vermont Orthopedic Clinic. Students will also work with other health care professionals in the practice settings of emergency medicine, orthopedics, family practice medicine, chiropractic medicine, and physical therapy. Students will complete one immersive clinical experience in which they participate in the full-time experience and day-to-day role of an athletic trainer.
Program Mission StatementThe mission of the CAATE-accredited Athletic Training Program at Castleton University is to provide a comprehensive and progressive academic and clinical education experience for students. This experience at Castleton will prepare students to pass the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and achieve employment in the field of Athletic Training.
The MAT Program accepts the overall mission of Castleton University to provide the opportunity for intellectual and personal growth of students through excellence in teaching, close student-faculty interaction, numerous opportunities for outside-the-classroom learning, and an active and supportive campus community. The MAT Program strives to prepare students for meaningful careers; further academic pursuits; and engaged, environmentally responsible citizenship.
Program Goals1. The MAT Program prepares students to:
a. Think critically and effectively apply content knowledge to real world situations and tasks.
b. Be professionally and ethically responsible administrators of athletic healthcare.
c. Maintain the highest standards of evidence-based clinical expertise, and patient values and circumstances.
d. Utilize effective oral and written communication skills as an athletic trainer.
e. Secure employment in athletic training or related field, or gain admission to a graduate program of study.
2. The MAT program continually strives to provide high quality didactic and clinical instruction and learning opportunities for the students.
Admissions Requirements1. Enrolled in the Castleton University Kinesiology/Pre-Athletic Training bachelor's degree program OR earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university by the time of matriculation to the MAT program.
2. A statement that addresses why you want to pursue a master of athletic training degree, previous exposure you have had with an athletic trainer or other healthcare provider, and your professional goals. Limit your statement to 500 words or fewer; include a word count at the end of your statement.
3. Current resume.
4. Two letters of reference that speak to your scholarship and potential as a health care professional.
5. Official transcript of all college/university work, both graduate and undergraduate. It is with your success in mind that we carefully review your academic foundation. We encourage interested students to apply. Admission to the program may be granted if the applicant has an undergraduate cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale and shows aptitude for graduate studies as reflected in references, writing ability, and personal objectives.
6. Transcript must verify completion of all of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better:
7. Current CPR certification at the professional rescuer level prior to matriculation to the MAT program.
8. Criminal background check prior to matriculation to the MAT program. Castleton uses CastleBranch for the certified background check.
9. Students must meet minimum technical standard requirements to be eligible to participate in the MAT Program. The technical standards can be found in the MAT Program Policies And Procedures, which are available on the Castleton MAT web site.
Application Deadline and Process:
Students will apply to the program through the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS).
The application deadline is February 1st. Program faculty will review completed applications after this deadline. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed after this deadline if space in the cohort permits. Select applicants will be invited to interview.
Program Retention StandardsOnce accepted into the MAT Program, students must meet minimum academic and clinical retention standards. The program's Progression, Retention, and Probation policy is available on the MAT website.
Accreditation StatusThe program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Additional FeesAdditional fees and expenses include but are not limited to: 1. Equipment, supplies, and select laboratory and curricular technology fees; specific course fees can be viewed within the course descriptions, as listed in the graduate catalog. 2. The purchase of appropriate attire to be worn in the clinical setting. 3. Travel to and from clinical sites.
Complete the following 67- credit course sequence:
Code | Course | Credits |
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AHS 5011 |
Sports Emergency Care IThis course is the first in a two-course sequence related to emergencies that occur at athletic venues. Students will learn to evaluate and manage traumatic injuries that occur to the cervical spine, thorax, abdomen and face. Evaluation and management of fractures and dislocations will also be included. Students will learn how to triaging those conditions that are life threatening or otherwise emergent, and to make clinical judgments regarding the treatment or intervention plan. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Fee $30 Summer |
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AHS 5030 |
Orthopedic Tapping, Wrapping & BracingThis practical course studies the selection and application of current taping, wrapping, bracing, padding, protective equipment, and other custom devices for the patient in order to minimize risk of injury or re-injury during physical activity. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Fee $50 Summer |
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AHS 5040 |
EBP in Athletic HealthcareThis course investigates how evidence based practice is used in athletic training as a foundation for the delivery of patient centered care. Students will read, analyze, interpret, and discuss current literature within the field of athletic training. Prerequisite: Students matriculated into the MAT program. Summer |
Code | Course | Credits |
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AHS 5012 |
Sports Emergency Care IIThis course is the second in a two-course sequence related to emergencies that occur at athletic venues. Students will learn to manage patients who are suffering from environmental illnesses such as cold, heat, lightning, exertional sickling, rhabdomyolyis, and hyponatremia. Students will also learn to diagnose a brain injury, and to develop and implement a management plan for a person with a brain injury. Students will create and implement policies that pertain to emergencies that occur at athletic venues and other settings. Prerequisite: AHS 5011 Fall |
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AHS 5021 |
Musculoskeletal Assessment and Diagnosis IAn investigation into the anatomy, injury mechanism, evaluation and management of musculoskeletal injuries to the lumbar spine and lower extremity. The student will learn the process of conducting a comprehensive physical exam in order to formulate a clinical diagnosis and treatment or intervention plan. Prerequisite: Students matriculated into the MAT program. Fall |
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AHS 5025 |
Athletic Training Clinical IThis course enables the student to work one-on-one with a preceptor in order to: 1) demonstrate proficiency in previously learned athletic training skills through simulated scenarios and 2) apply clinical athletic training skills to a real patient population. Focused proficiencies in this clinical course include: emergency medical care, protective equipment management, and taping/wrapping/bracing/padding techniques. When demonstrating a clinical proficiency, the student must analyze a problem, consider the facts at hand, and make decisions about the appropriate course of action. During clinical assignments students are expected to practice in an ethical manner and make clinical decisions based on best practice standards. In addition, this course will include a review of the literature and discussion of current evidence based practice for the focused proficiencies assigned. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Fee $50 Fall |
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AHS 5031 |
Therapeutic Interventions IThis course investigates therapeutic interventions as it relates to orthopedic injuries. A study of inflammation, pain theories, and tissue healing is included. Students will learn to assess patient status, formulate goals, select and apply therapeutic modalities and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation program that restores normal function. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Fall |
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AHS 5220 |
Scientific Foundations of Strength and Conditioning IThis is the first part of a two-course sequence. The content of the fall semester course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive review of muscle and cardiovascular physiology, biochemistry, and endocrinology related to the principles of strength training and conditioning. This course will also assist those students who desire to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Certified Strength and Conditioning (CSCS) exam. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Fall |
Code | Course | Credits |
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AHS 5022 |
Musculoskeletal Assessment and Diagnosis IIAn investigation into the anatomy, injury mechanism, evaluation and management of musculoskeletal injuries to the cervical spine and upper extremity. The student will learn the process of conducting a comprehensive physical exam in order to formulate a clinical diagnosis and treatment or intervention plan. Prerequisite: AHS 5021 Spring |
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AHS 5032 |
Therapeutic Interventions IIThis is the second course of a two-course sequence that studies therapeutic interventions as it relates to orthopedic injuries. This course continues the discussion of therapeutic interventions (modalities and rehabilitation) and includes specific scenario based comprehensive applications. Also included is a study of surgical techniques and the therapeutic interventions used following surgery. Prerequisite: AHS 5031 Spring |
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AHS 5035 |
Athletic Training Clinical IIThis course enables the student to work one-on-one with a preceptor in order to: 1) demonstrate proficiency in previously learned athletic training skills through simulated scenarios and 2) apply clinical athletic training skills to a real patient population. Focused proficiencies in this clinical course include: managing environmental injuries/illnesses and lower extremity injury evaluation and management. When demonstrating a clinical proficiency, the student must analyze a problem, consider the facts at hand, and make decisions about the appropriate course of action. During clinical assignments students are expected to practice in an ethical manner and make clinical decisions based on best practice standards. In addition, this course will include a review of the literature and discussion of current evidence based practice for the focused proficiencies assigned. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Fee $50 Spring |
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AHS 5050 |
Orthopedic TechnologyThis course prepares future athletic trainers for careers in the clinical orthopedic setting. Students will develop clinical skills to include the application of braces and other assistive devices, casting, splinting, and wound care. Students will also learn to identify and describe the necessary and appropriate diagnostic tests and imaging used by healthcare professionals, and how the results are used to make clinical judgments. After completing this course, students will be prepared to challenge the Orthopedic Physician Extender (OPE) credentialing examination through the American Society of Orthopedic Professionals. Prerequisite: AHS 5030 Fee $75 Spring |
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AHS 5221 |
Scientific Foundations of Strength and Conditioning IIThis is a continuation of AHS 5220. Emphasis will be placed on sport analysis, program design, and facility management. The final weeks of this course will be spent reviewing and preparing students to sit for the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Certified Strength and Conditioning (CSCS) exam. Prerequisite: AHS 5220 Spring |
Code | Course | Credits |
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AHS 6010 |
Administration in Athletic TrainingThis course will investigate foundational topics in administration and leadership in the Athletic Training profession. The student will gain knowledge in topics related to personnel, basic legal concepts, medical/allied health referral procedures, facility design, pre-participation physical exam, drug testing policies, budget preparation and financial management, ethical practice of athletic training, leadership, insurance and compliance with medical guidelines related to athletic training. Prerequisite: AHS 5025 Spring |
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AHS 6020 |
Health Evaluation and InterventionThis course focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles among various populations. Students will learn to perform a comprehensive health evaluation including but not limited to: vitals, biometrics, body composition, function and fitness level, and nutritional analysis. Students will learn to implement intervention strategies to enhance health including but not limited to: education, disease prevention, nutrition advice, and exercise programs. Prerequisite: AHS 5025 Summer |
Code | Course | Credits |
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AHS 6030 |
Behavioral Health Strategies for Athletic TrainersThis course will explore strategies that athletic trainers should use to identify, refer, and give support to patients with behavioral health conditions including but not limited to suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety disorder, psychosis, mania, eating disorders, and attention deficit disorders. Students will learn how to facilitate case management, while working with other healthcare professionals, and to monitor a patient's treatment and progress. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Fall (second half of the semester) |
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AHS 6040 |
Clinical Pathology and Pharmacology for Athletic TrainersThis course is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and values that the entry-level athletic trainer must possess in pharmacologic applications relevant to the treatment of injuries and illnesses that occur among athletes and others involved in physical activity. In addition, the student will learn to recognize, treat, and refer, when appropriate, the general medical conditions and disabilities of athletes and others involved in physical activity. Prerequisite: AHS 5022 and AHS 5032 Fall |
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AHS 6045 |
Athletic Training Clinical IIIStudents will participate in a clinical immersion experience where for 8-10 weeks the student's primary responsibility will be to experience the roles and responsibilities of a full time athletic trainer. This course enables the student to work one-on-one with a preceptor in order to: 1) demonstrate proficiency in previously learned athletic training skills through simulated scenarios and 2) apply clinical athletic training skills to a real patient population. Focused proficiencies in this clinical course include: upper extremity evaluation and management, therapeutic interventions implementation, and psychological concerns recognition and management. When demonstrating a clinical proficiency, the student must analyze a problem, consider the facts at hand, and make decisions about the appropriate course of action. During clinical assignments students are expected to practice in an ethical manner and make clinical decisions based on best practice standards. In addition, this course will include a review of the literature and discussion of current evidence based practice for the focused proficiencies assigned. Prerequisite: AHS 5035 Fee $50 Fall |
Code | Course | Credits |
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AHS 6050 |
Professional Standards in Athletic TrainingThis final culminating course will focus on the essentials of career development, and preparation for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. Much of the content is related specifically to competencies in health care administration and professional preparation. Resume writing, interview practice, and public speaking activities will be included. Prerequisite: AHS 6045 Fee $30 Spring |
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AHS 6055 |
Athletic Training Clinical IVStudents will demonstrate their proficiency in all clinical athletic training skills through a practical examination. In addition, students will work intensively to develop and write a critically appraised topic of their choice to be submitted for publication. The critically appraised topic will serve as a capstone project. This course enables the student to work one-on-one with a preceptor in order to: 1) demonstrate proficiency in previously learned athletic training skills through simulated scenarios and 2) apply clinical athletic training skills to a real patient population. Focused proficiencies in this clinical course include: general medical conditions evaluation and management and general health evaluation and intervention. When demonstrating a clinical proficiency, the student must analyze a problem, consider the facts at hand, and make decisions about the appropriate course of action. During clinical assignments students are expected to practice in an ethical manner and make clinical decisions based on best practice standards. Prerequisite: AHS 6045 Fee $50 Spring |
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AHS 6060 |
Exercise Prescription for Special PopulationsThis service-learning course will allow students to apply acquired knowledge and skills in functional movement assessment and exercise prescription. Students will spend half of the semester working with older clients who have been referred by local healthcare practitioners for an exercise program based on their specific health conditions. The other half of the semester will be spent assisting with exercise programming for clients who have developmental disabilities. Students will work in the gym directly with clients, performing functional movement and balance assessments, implementing exercise plans, and monitoring progress. Prerequisite: Students must be matriculated into the MAT program. Spring |
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AHS 6065 |
Healthcare InformaticsThis course, an integration of cognitive science, computer science, and information science, introduces students to the essential role of informatics in improving patient care outcomes in health sciences, athletic training and nursing practice, and creating a safe care environment. Throughout this course students will have opportunities to organize, evaluate, and use health information and knowledge to critically appraise and use information technology to enhance evidence-based practice. The focus of discussions will include ethical considerations, social networking tools, electronic health records, handheld computers, and e-portfolios in health care environments. Prerequisite: AHS 6045 Spring |