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Pre-Athletic Training

As part of a healthcare team, athletic trainers are licensed allied healthcare professionals that serve to prevent, diagnose, treat, or rehabilitate injuries or medical conditions. Athletic trainers specialize in patient education to prevent injury or re-injury.

In order to become an athletic trainer, you will need to earn an advanced degree in athletic training from an accredited college or university. Most schools offer two-year Masters of Athletic Training (MSAT) degrees, while some also offer a doctorate degree. After completion of a program, students will pass the Board of Certification exam to gain licensure.

Athletic Training Programs in Indiana

  • Anderson University
  • Ball State University
  • Franklin College
  • Indiana State University
  • Indiana University
  • Indiana Wesleyan University
  • Manchester University
  • Purdue University
  • University of Evansville
  • University of Indianapolis

Pre-Requisite Courses

The following table includes the minimum pre-requisite courses for several MSAT programs in the US; however, many schools have additional recommended courses. Students should work with their advisor to ensure all pre-requisite courses are completed in a timely fashion.

Subject Semesters Course
Biology
Introductory Biology One BIO151 or BIO203 or BIO204
Medical Terminology One BIO216
Human Anatomy One, w/lab BIO225 or ESS265/266L
Human Physiology One, w/lab BIO226 or ESS267/268L
Human Nutrition One ESS236
Kinesiology One ESS351
Exercise Physiology One, w/lab ESS352 or ESS353 or ESS434
Chemistry
General Chemistry One, w/lab CHE140/141L
Physics
General Physics One PHY110
Mathematics
Statistics One BIO205 or MAT130
Behavioral Sciences
Psychology One PSY101 or PSY220

Preparing a Competitive Application

Since the requirements for entry into these are quite diverse, students should thoroughly explore the requirements of all programs to which they hope to apply. At Marian, meet early and often with your advisor to stay on track for a successful application.

A competitive candidate will generally:

  • Demonstrate strong academic performance in all courses
  • Score well on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), as necessary. Some MSAT programs require the GRE, but not all.
  • Demonstrate extensive familiarity with the field of Athletic Training to gain an understanding of the expectations of the profession
    • Observe Certified Athletic Trainers in a diversity of settings.
    • Gain extensive first-hand experience with patients through volunteering or a relevant position
    • Get involved in community service, volunteerism, and co-curricular activities
    • Seek leadership opportunities in clubs, organizations, church, or sports
    • Conduct independent research to better understand the scientific literature. Note, research is not necessarily required for your MSAT application, but it will help distinguish you as an applicant.
  • Exhibit strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work with a diverse group of people, and a desire to help others
sydney
Everyone at Marian is welcoming and wants to help you succeed. Since I first applied for admission through my last semester of classes, I've found the faculty and staff very attentive.
Sidney Miranda '19
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Indianapolis, IN 46222-1997
(317) 955-6000

admissions@marian.edu COMadmissions@marian.edu

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Notice of Nondiscrimination: Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students. Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation. Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education. Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.