Master of Science in Athletic Training

Why an MSAT?

The Augustana University Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program places quality care at the center as it prepares graduates to serve as qualified professionals who manage health care issues in physically active patients — with an emphasis on the collegiate athlete.

This curriculum focuses on the big picture, from holistic treatment and mentorship philosophies to a focus on the success of each student.
Students are members of the AU Sports Medicine Team, who are treated as a vital component of the health care of active individuals.
This program is part of the greater Sanford Health network in Sioux Falls, which helps students gain exceptional experiences in a variety of health care settings.

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Program Information & Outcomes

Scholarships

Accreditation

Application Requirements

The Augustana University Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program wants the admission process to be as simple as possible.

Applications, which are reviewed on a rolling basis, include:

An online portion
Completed prerequisite coursework with 2.5 minimum GPA in the areas of biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, psychology and physics
An interview with the program director
Optional recommendations, clinical observation hours and clinical evaluations

To maintain high program standards, enrollment in the Augustana MSAT Program is contingent on continued compliance with additional requirements:

Professional and ethical behavior
Required immunizations
Sufficient academic progress
Student background check
Participation in clinical experiences
Ability to fulfill the t echnical requirements of an athletic trainer

Mission Statement

Augustana University prepares Master of Science in athletic training (MSAT) program graduates to serve as qualified health care professionals educated and competent in the management of health care issues associated with physically active patients with an emphasis on the collegiate athlete.

Goal 1: Prepare the students to practice the profession by utilizing knowledge and skills obtained through structured and sequenced didactic education
Goal 2: Provide hands-on clinical experiences so students can demonstrate clinical competence of the functions of a clinical athletic trainer
Goal 3: Prepare students to demonstrate team management/professional behaviors for transition to an independent entry-level clinical athletic trainer
Goal 4: Prepare graduates to become qualified health care professionals

Augustana MSAT Comprehensive Assessment Plan

Contact Us

Dr. James Day, program director

School of Health Professions

Latest News

Augustana to Offer Strength & Conditioning Major in Fall 2024

Augustana University will offer a major in strength & conditioning beginning in the fall. Based within the School of Health Professions, the program is set to be the first in South Dakota accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE).

Beyond the Books at AU: Exercise Science Major Interning in Australia, Working With Professionals at the ‘Forefront of Sports Medicine Research’

Augustana University student Janai Crawford ‘23, of Tea, South Dakota, is pre-physical therapy, majoring in exercise science on her way to earning a Master of Science in athletic training (MSAT). Crawford wants to become a physical therapist and specialize in sports medicine. This summer, she fulfilled a goal that had been years in the making — securing an internship with LifeCare Prahran Sports Medicine in Melbourne, Australia.

Highlights

At Augustana University, patient care is placed at the center of athletic training and sports medicine. The Augustana Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program educates sports medicine professionals to become a health care team with individualized treatment options. Some students combine this master’s degree with pre-physical therapy.

The Augustana MSAT offers a 4+1 advanced track and a 2-year track.

2-Year MSAT

4+1 Track MSAT with B.A. in biology/pre-physical therapy

4+1 Track MSAT with B.A. in exercise science

4+1 Track MSAT with B.A. in exercise science/pre-physical therapy

Clinical Experience

Augustana MSAT students get clinical experiences in high school, collegiate, orthopedic, rehabilitation and family practice as part of a well-rounded clinical education plan. AU’s clinical preceptors serve as medical personnel for the majority of sporting events in the region.

Clinical opportunities through an Augustana partnership with Sanford Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Sioux Falls include:

Special events at the Sanford Sports Complex
Professional Bull Riders (PBR) at the Denny Sanford Premier Center
Research and strength training at the Sanford Sports Science Institute and Sanford Fieldhouse
Professional sports at the Sanford Pentagon

Augustana MSAT students often have the opportunity to work with Augustana Athletics teams and the team physician.

Early Assurance Direct Admit (EADA) Pathway to Physical Therapy

The Augustana University Early Assurance Direct Admit (EADA) Pathway allows high school seniors pursuing a career in health care to earn three degrees in seven years.

Accepted students are guaranteed admission into both the Augustana Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs.
Graduates of this program will be eligible to sit for certification/licensure exams to be dual credentialed as an athletic trainer and physical therapist.

Over seven years, students in the Augustana EADA Pathway complete:

Prerequisite requirements for the MSAT and DPT programs
A bachelor’s degree with 3.0 minimum GPA
The MSAT for entrance into the DPT Program