DECATUR, Ill. – Beginning in the fall semester of 2024, Millikin University’s College of Professional Studies will launch a new Master of Science in Athletic Training program (MSAT) that will prepare students for a rewarding career at the intersection of sports and healthcare.
“Millikin’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program stands at the forefront of preparing aspiring athletic trainers for success in the dynamic world of sports medicine,” Millikin Director of the School of Exercise Science & Sport Dr. Barbara Broadbear said. “Our 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.”
Performance Learning is a cornerstone of the Millikin curriculum and MSAT students will get plenty of hands-on clinical rotation experiences in diverse settings – including assisting collegiate teams – that offer valuable real-world experience.
“Our Performance Learning opportunities prepare students to become athletic trainers with the ability to provide critical care to athletes, enhancing athletic performance, and managing best care practices for physically active populations in a variety of settings,” Dr. Broadbear said.
Candidates can enter the MSAT program in two ways. They can take advantage of the Athletic Training (3+2) program in which students complete the first three years in the Exercise Science major and then can be eligible for a secondary admission process to complete the MSAT program. Students selecting this path will graduate with a master’s degree in five years.
For students with a bachelor’s degree, the Graduate-Level Entry option allows candidates with a completed bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Athletic Training, or a related field at another university to apply for admission into Millikin’s MSAT program.
MSAT course examples include Applied Clinical Anatomy, General Medical Conditions in Athletes, Emergency Procedures in Athletic Training, Therapeutic Interventions, and Immersive Clinical Experiences.
MSAT graduates will be well prepared for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. Through a combination of didactic and practical learning experiences, students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for success on the BOC examination and success in their careers.
The MSAT program will take advantage of Millikin’s outstanding facilities at the Exercise Science and Sport Pavilion, which allows students to fully immerse themselves in academics through Performance Learning. The modernized space features a state-of-the-art athletic training room, an exercise physiology lab with equipment for research opportunities, and 2,000 square feet of rubberized gym flooring for strength and conditioning sessions and return-to-play assessments and training.
The MSAT program is enrolling now and visit millikin.edu/MSAT for application requirements.
