Athletic Training, MS

Admissions Requirements

Prerequisite Courses for MS in Athletic Training Degree (Entry Point 2)

• Successful completion of a Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Undergraduate coursework must have been completed no longer than 10 years prior to application. Applications may be submitted while baccalaureate degree is in progress. 
• Minimum cumulative overall and prerequisite grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (based on 4.0). 
• EMT certification is required either through a course for credit or another qualified course leading to NR-EMT credential.
• At this time observation hours under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer are recommended but not required.
• Completion of Technical Standards for admissions document.
• Verification of English Language Proficiency is required unless the following apply:
  • the applicant is a citizen of a country whose official language is English
  • the applicant has completed a degree program at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., or
  • the applicant is not a citizen of a country whose official language is English but has completed a degree program at an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction is English and where the official national language of the country in which the institution is located is English.
• Successful completion of interview (virtual, phone or in-person).

Prerequisites must be completed for a letter grade, minimum grade of C. Applications may be submitted while prerequisite coursework is in progress. Prerequisites coursework for admission include:

• Human Anatomy, 4 credits minimum
• Human Physiology, 4 credits minimum
• Exercise Physiology, 3 credits minimum
• Introduction to Biology, 4 credits minimum
• Introduction to Physics, 3 credits minimum
• Introduction to Chemistry, 4 credits minimum
• Kinesiology or Biomechanics, 3 credits minimum
• Statistics, 3 credits minimum
• English Composition, 6 credits minimum
• Psychology, 6 credits minimum, must include Introduction to Psychology
• Public Speaking, 3 credits
• Humanities and Social Sciences Electives, 6 credits minimum
• Nutrition, 3 credits minimum

The Athletic Training Program at the University of Pittsburgh is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]).

The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Program. Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Program must demonstrate:

• The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
• Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely, and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
• The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
• The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
• The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
• The perseverance, diligence, and commitment to complete the athletic training program as outlined and sequenced.
• Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
• Effective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Application Procedures

Application Deadline: May 1

Application Platform: Complete the ATCAS application which includes:

• Application fee
• An essay discussing when and how you became interested in the field and program to which you are applying, any work or volunteer experience you have that will demonstrate your awareness of the field and your long-term professional goals
• A current copy of your Curriculum Vitae or Resume;
• A letter of recommendation from a college instructor/professor, academic advisor, supervisor or employer, etc
• Official transcripts from all U.S. colleges/universities attended
• A course by course evaluation with GPA conversion for all higher level institutions attended outside the US. The evaluation may be from World Education Services, Inc. (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE).
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) not required

If applicable:

• Request official English Language Proficiency test scores be sent to the University of Pittsburgh from one of the following options. Minimum scores accepted and instructions for sending official test scores follow:
  • Duolingo English Test: 105. Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh - School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences” 
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5. Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 80. Scores should be submitted electronically through ETS to institution code “2927”.

Program Curriculum

Coursework for the professional MS in Athletic Training program is divided into two phases: Pre-Professional Phase and the Professional Phase.

Total Credits: 61