Millikin’s Master of Athletic Training Program Accredited by CAATE

The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education is a leading specialization body for professional and post-professional programs in athletic training.

by Danielle Fields ’09/MBA ’12
Three Millikin University students stand side by side in the Exercise Science & Sport Facility, smiling at the camera with their arms crossed. They are wearing Millikin hooded sweatshirts in blue, white, and gray, along with waist packs. Exercise equipment is visible in the softly blurred background.

July 9, 2026

Decatur, Ill. — Millikin University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program was recently affirmed by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The accreditation confirms that Millikin’s program meets rigorous national academic and clinical standards and enables graduates to sit immediately for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam.

Through a combination of both didactic and practical learning experiences, the MSAT Program helps students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field of athletic training and related allied health fields. Under the guidance and supervision of a team of certified athletic trainers, students build and enhance their knowledge and skills regarding the prevention, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of injuries that occur within active and general populations.

  • Millikin offers two programs in Athletic Training: 

    1. Early Entry (3+2) — this program option allows students to earn their master’s degree in five years; Early Entry students enter Millikin as Exercise Science majors in their first year and complete the application for the MSAT Program during the spring semester of their junior year 
       
    2. Post-Baccalaureate — this program option allows candidates with a completed bachelor’s degree to apply for admission into the MSAT program

    “Earning CAATE accreditation reflects the dedication of our faculty, clinical preceptors, and students to excellence in athletic training education,” said Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean of the College of Professional Studies. “We are proud to offer a program that meets the highest national standards while providing students with meaningful hands-on clinical experiences.”

    Several people participate in rehabilitation or athletic training activities in a clinical therapy room. Three treatment tables are arranged across the room, with individuals seated or lying on them while others assist with stretching, taping, or exercise instruction. Therapy equipment, stools, and exercise tools are visible around the tables. The room has blue-gray walls, blue patterned flooring, and posters related to health care on the wall.

    Millikin’s MSAT Program stands at the forefront of preparing aspiring athletic trainers for success in the dynamic world of sports medicine. The University’s comprehensive graduate-level curriculum combines advanced coursework and hands-on clinical experience with cutting-edge research to equip students with the knowledge and skills to excel in athletic healthcare.

    “This accreditation gives our students confidence that they are receiving an education that prepares them to enter the profession and make an immediate impact in the lives of the patients and communities they serve,” said Dr. Joel Blanco, Associate Professor and Director of the School of Exercise Science & Sport. “We’re incredibly proud of the work that went into this process and remain committed to continuous improvement as we prepare the next generation of athletic trainers through exceptional classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and mentorship.”

    About the CAATE

    The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the public and profession by establishing and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards that facilitate quality outcomes, continuous improvement, innovation, and diversity to enhance athletic training education. The CAATE provides educators and clinicians with resources and information to stay informed — and compliant — with accreditation standards. The Commission knows that leading in this way improves healthcare outcomes. The CAATE is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

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