Athletic Training Admission

Master of Science in Athletic Training

Athletic Trainers (ATs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) will prepare graduates to be confident healthcare providers and life-long learners by providing quality didactic, clinical, and interprofessional experiences. Students will develop evidence-based knowledge and skills, while demonstrating professionalism, ethical conduct, and critical thinking skills. Students will complete both integrative and immersive experiences in intercollegiate sports, high schools, rehabilitation clinics, and practice advancement settings including physician practice and Fort Worth Rodeo. An immersive clinical experience is a practice-intensive experience that allows the student to experience the totality of care provided by athletic trainers.

The TCU Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program will begin accepting applications for Summer 2024 on July 1, 2023. Students should apply through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS).  The MSAT Program accepts applications through rolling admissions and will continue until the cohort is filled. Due to a summer start date, no applications will be accepted after April 15^th of the application year. Students pursuing the Early Admission Master’s Program option will apply to the professional part of the program in their 3rd year at TCU.

There are two options for students wanting to pursue the Master of Science in Athletic Training at TCU.

Option 1: Early Admission Master’s Program (3+2). This option allows students to complete a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Movement Science) and a Master of Science in Athletic Training degree in only 5 years (3 pre-professional years plus 2 professional years leading to two separate degrees). The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology will be conferred in August prior to beginning the 4^th year of study. As part of their financial-aid package, MSAT students will receive a 40% tuition discount for each semester following conferment of their undergraduate degree. Students may also be eligible for tuition-based scholarships each semester they are enrolled in courses for the professional degree (final six semesters of the 5 year plan).

Option 2: Two-year program. This option is for students who have already completed a baccalaureate degree and the required prerequisites. As part of their financial-aid package, MSAT students will receive a 40% tuition discount each semester in the program and may also be eligible for additional tuition-based scholarships.

Applicants may download our brochure for the most updated information on the MSAT degree, admission criteria and application process.

NOTE:  The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) obtained approval from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) for the transition to the graduate degree on March 11, 2021.

Applicant Review and Selection Process for MSAT

The MSAT Program accepts applications through rolling admissions and will continue until the cohort is filled. Due to a summer start date, no applications will be accepted after April 15^th of the application year.

Completed applications will be reviewed and evaluated in the order in which they are submitted on ATCAS. Once all application materials are on file and the application has been reviewed, the applicant will be contacted by the Program Director to schedule an interview with TCU Athletic Training Program selection committee that may include Faculty, Preceptors, and Athletic Training Students. Interviews may be conducted in-person or online via Zoom. Following the interview process, selected  applicants will be notified of the final decision regarding admission status in writing from the Program Director. Applicants will be evaluated based on the following: GPA of 3.0 or higher and a grade of C or better in all designated prerequisite coursework, strength of references and letters of recommendation, essays, resume/curriculum vitae, verification of observation hours, and strength of interview. Applicants can refer to the Applicant Review Form for more information.

Cohort numbers may vary from year-to-year and are dependent on classroom space and availability of current clinical sites. Once a cohort is filled, remaining applicants that meet the program criteria will be placed on a wait list. If an applicant is accepted into the program and declines the offer of acceptance and/or withdraws prior to the start of the academic program, applicants on the wait list will be notified in writing of their acceptance based on the order placed on the wait list. Applicants receiving a letter of acceptance can choose to place themselves on the wait list, but will be placed at the bottom, and may only accept a position in the program at a later time if the cohort is not full. Prior to the start of the program, students must complete the Technical Standards.

Updated: June 22, 2023

Admission Requirements

In order to gain admission to the Master of Science in Athletic Training program, applicants must meet these specific program requirements:

1. Completion of a bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited college or university. Admission is made on the assumption that applicants will have the bachelor’s degree by the time of matriculation, and if not, the MSAT program admission is void. The GRE is not required. TCU students who have declared the Early Admission Master’s Program (3+2) option that wish to apply to the professional phase of the MSAT program must complete at least 110 credit hours of undergraduate courses and the requirements for the Movement Science degree in Kinesiology before beginning graduate level courses. Students will complete 10 hours of dual undergraduate/graduate credit toward the MSAT in Summer 1 of the professional program. At the end of Summer 1, assuming that all other undergraduate graduation requirements are met, the student will earn their Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Movement Science option).
2. GPA of 3.0 or higher with a grade of C or better in all designated prerequisite courses (see below);
3. Completed program application through the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service  (ATCAS):
4. • References: Applicants must submit two reference forms that include a letter of recommendation from people who can address the applicant’s academic abilities, interpersonal skills, and potential for graduate education and professional athletic training practice.
   • Transcripts: Copy of all academic transcripts. Students who have taken prerequisites at another institution may be asked to submit syllabi to determine if course met the prerequisite.
   • Resume: Applicants must submit a current resume or vitae with their application.
   • Personal Statement demonstrating strong written communication skills.
5. Observation Experience: Verification of 100 hours of observation in an athletic training setting under the direct supervision of a BOC ATC (high school, college, clinic, etc.). Student should upload letter to ATCAS from supervising athletic trainer(s) verifying observation hours in that setting
6. Interview: Applicants must also complete an interview as part of the admission process. Interviews will be schedule once all application materials are on file.
7. Students may begin applying to the TCU MSAT on July 1^st through ATCAS.
8. Students following the Early Admissions Master’s Program (MO32 BS) option must apply through ATCAS and complete all of the above steps for program admission. Following this option does not guarantee admission to the program. Students who are not admitted to the professional program will complete their undergraduate degree in Movement Science.

Program Costs

Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program will incur the following costs associated with the clinical portion of the program:

• Transportation costs to off-campus clinical sites (cost of gas, vehicle maintenance, etc.): cost variable
• Pants and shorts (black, khaki): cost variable
• Tennis shoes: cost variable
• The following courses have associated fees to support lab and student activities:
  • KINE 55033 Introduction to Musculoskeletal Evaluation ($224.00)
  • KINE 55001 AT Clinical I ($365.00)
  • KINE 60413 Seminar in Athletic Training ($275.00)
  • KINE 60453 Advanced Clinical Skills and Techniques ($200.00)

Additional clothing items will be provided to the student (see TCU Athletic Training Program Handbook for Clothing Policy). Liability insurance is provided by the university for all students enrolled in the athletic training program. Annual TB tests are available at the TCU Student Health Center at no charge to the student. CPR certification (AHA BLS Healthcare Provider) is paid for by the program and is not charged to the student. Students who are members of the TCU Athletic Training Students’ Association (ATSA) qualify to have their NATA membership paid.

Please contact the Athletic Training Program Director in the Department of Kinesiology for more information regarding the TCU Athletic Training Program or to schedule a campus visit.

Stephanie Jevas, PhD, LAT, ATC, FNAP
Director, Athletic Training Program
Department of Kinesiology
TCU Box 297730
Fort Worth, TX 76109
Email: s.jevas@tcu.edu
Office: 817-257-5733