Apply: Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)

Application Requirements

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  • ATCAS application fee (ATCAS charges $99 for the first program you apply to and $55 for each additional program.)
  • Official transcript from all institutions attended, documenting a minimum cumulative undergraduate G.P.A of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
    • If you attended multiple institutions, submit all transcripts, so your prerequisites can be evaluated properly

    • If you attended an institution outside of the United States, a transcript evaluation from one of our approved agencies is required. 

  • Two professional references
    • 1-2 references from a college professor
    • 1-2 references from a certified athletic trainer [preferred], or healthcare professional, or former supervisor, or other professional reference. (Family and friends are not appropriate sources of references.)
  • Statement of purpose, three pages double-spaced, that addresses each of the following questions:
    • “Every person has a story that has led them to a career. Since there are a variety of health professions that “help” others, please go beyond your initial interaction or experience with athletic training and share the deeper story that has confirmed your decision to specifically pursue athletic training as your career.”
    • What is your understanding of the role of an athletic trainer in the current climate of healthcare in the United States?
    • Is there any other information you think would help the admissions committee evaluate your application?
  • MS in Athletic Training Observation Hours Form: Documented 20 observation hours under the supervision of a licensed athletic trainer. Please download and fill out.
  • Completion of prerequisite courses, see below
  • English Proficiency, if applicable for international applicants

Prerequisites 

There are 11 prerequisite courses that must be completed with a final grade of C or better. Prerequisites must be successfully completed before the start of classes in September. 

It is the applicant's responsibility to track the completion of prerequisites. The prerequisites are:

  • Anatomy and Physiology I with Laboratory (4 Credits)
  • Anatomy and Physiology II with Laboratory (4 Credits)
  • Biology (3-4 Credits)
  • Chemistry (3-4 Credits)
  • Physics (3-4 Credits)
  • Statistics or Equivalent Testing/Measurement course (3 Credits)
  • Psychology (3 Credits)
  • Exercise Physiology (3 Credits)
  • Nutrition (3 Credits)
  • Kinesiology or Biomechanics or Functional Anatomy (3 Credits)

Applicants are also required to provide proof of a current Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) Certification prior to the beginning of classes in September. Example courses: Basic Life Support, Healthcare Provider CPR/AED.  

If you are not sure that a completed course meets prerequisite requirements, email graduate admissions all course details (course title, credits, description, etc.), and the AT graduate admissions committee will determine if a course you have taken or plan to take meets the prerequisite requirement. 

Note: A felony conviction could affect eligibility to sit for the BOC examination and make an applicant ineligible for a license from the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Health Professionals. 

Application Timeline

Applications for the MSAT are accepted and reviewed until all spots are filled. Please note that the ATCAS application will remain open until June 30, 2026; application materials will be accepted and reviewed until July 24, 2026, or until full.

All application materials listed above must be received by Salem State in order for your application to be reviewed for the fall start. Please plan accordingly; for example, it takes several weeks for transcripts to be processed, and references to be submitted.

Admissions Application Process

  • Only completed applications can be reviewed. The date that your application is completed and forwarded for review will be posted in your Navigator account. All completed applications will be reviewed shortly after the application deadline. 

  • Completed applicants will interview with the MSAT graduate admissions committee. If the admissions committee wishes to interview you, you will be contacted by the program director of the MSAT program. 

  • Once an admissions decision is made, that decision will be posted in your Navigator account.  

  • Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance, the most qualified candidates will be accepted. 

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