Master of Science Athletic Training

Hands-on, clinical education experiences form a key component of the Master's of Athletic Training program. Athletic Trainers are certified healthcare providers who impart knowledge and skill to address the many facets of athletic activity, from preventing, treating, and assessing injuries to facilitating rehabilitation and return to activity, along with counseling on proper nutrition and general health, fitness, and wellness. Students learn under the direct supervision of an athletic trainer and have opportunities for a variety of clinical experiences, like working with athletic trainers for area high school and college teams to summer experiences with professional sports franchises such as the Tennessee Titans, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Arizona Cardinals. Students interact with other allied health professionals such as physical therapists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners; they also have opportunities to interface with physicians. While other university programs offer two years of clinical experience, MTSU's program offers three years to better train students for the real world.

Career Path

Athletic trainers can find careers within a variety of organizations, from professional sports organizations to corporations interested in employee wellness to hospitals and rehabilitation clinics. Examples include: Administrator, Athletic trainer (high school, college, or professional settings), Corporate fitness and wellness, College/University educators and preceptors, Emergency room sports medicine liaison, Industrial safety, injury prevention and ergonomics specialist, Military and tactical prevention, training and rehabilitation specialist.