Program Specific Admissions Requirements for the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)
Applications for admission to the MSAT will require all general admission material along with program specific requirements. All admission applications will be gathered and tracked by the Bridgewater College Admissions Department. A health and human sciences department specific admissions committee comprised of faculty teaching in the curriculum will evaluate applicants based on objective criteria. Specifically, the applicants will be evaluated on completeness of the applicant portfolio, overall GPA, prerequisite GPA, Graduate Record Examination scores (where applicable), personal statement, letters of recommendation and personal interview. Additionally, applicants must understand that a felony or misdemeanor conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination or attain state licensure thus preventing a graduate from becoming a credentialed athletic trainer. The admission process will be selective and competitive for limited positions. Admission to the Master of Science in athletic training program is regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, veteran status or political affiliation.
Admission Requirements for Master of Science in Athletic Training
- Successful academic performance resulting in a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7
- Minimum grade of “C” in all prerequisite coursework
- Complete 50 observation hours under the supervision of a certified/licensed athletic trainer
- Complete the BC Health Record Forms
- Complete all required immunizations
- Complete the Technical Standards for Admission Certification form
- Professional statement & goals essay
- Applicant interview
- 3 Letters of recommendation (1 certified athletic trainer, 1 college/university faculty member, and 1 other individual)
- Completion of prerequisite coursework, including:
- 8 Credits in Anatomy/Physiology with Lab
- 4 Credits in General or Inorganic Chemistry with Lab
- 3 Credits in English Composition (not literature)
- 3 Credits in Nutrition
- 3 Credits in Exercise Physiology
- 3 Credits in Statistics or Research Methods
- 4 Credits Physics with Lab
- 3 Credits in General Psychology
Technical Standards Information
The Athletic Training Program at Bridgewater College is rigorous, intense, and 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. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program. Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) certification exam.
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 behavior.
- 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.
- Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.
Candidates for selection to the athletic training program will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with reasonable accommodations, they will meet the standards. The Bridgewater College Director of Academic Support and Disability Services will evaluate a student who believes he/she will require an accommodation(s) to the program’s technical standards to determine whether (a) the student qualifies for the requested accommodation(s) under applicable laws, and (b) the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation(s), which will include a review of whether the accommodation(s) requested would jeopardize clinician/patient safety or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical experiences and immersions deemed essential to graduate.
If the student states he or she can meet the technical standards with accommodation, then the College will determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation; this includes a review of whether the accommodations requested would jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical experiences and internships deemed essential to graduation.
Additional Information for MSAT Students
- There are additional requirements for program progression and retention identified in the MSAT Student Handbook. Please contact the department of health and human sciences or the MSAT program director for a copy of this handbook.
- MSAT students may be required to complete their clinical experiences and immersions during normal college breaks e.g., spring break, holidays.
- Additional fees for the MSAT program are announced in the MSAT Student Handbook and may include but are not limited to things such as the cost for books, laboratories, clinical expenses, certifications, background checks, and uniforms.
- MSAT students may be required to travel off‑site for clinical experiences and immersions. Reliable transportation is required.
- Following successful completion of this program, a student will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination for credentialing as an athletic trainer.