Athletic Training – Academics

Tuition & fees

Costs include tuition & fees. Out-of-state residents receive a special tuition break. See cost details

Credit hours

65 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours. Browse course list

Financial aid

Over 150 graduate assistantships available with stipend & tuition assistance, plus scholarship, fellowship & research opportunities. Explore aid

Admissions

No GRE requirement. Apply by April 1 for summer term. View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

Benefit from a flexible schedule that includes a blend of in-person and online courses.
Prepare to excel as a BOC-certified athletic trainer in a variety of workplace settings.
Study in a program that is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Engage in experiential learning including high-fidelity simulation, hands-on laboratory experiences, and interprofessional activities.

Expected career outcomes

Athletic Training students practice skills during a mock injury simulation.

Licensure

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination leading to national certification as an Athletic Trainer (ATC) and licensure as an Athletic Trainer (LAT) in most states, including Maine.

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Experiential learning

You’ll gain valuable, hands-on experience by combining online courses with immersive clinical education in real-world settings that may include colleges, universities, high schools, hospitals, and professional sports.

Athletic Training students pose for a photo with a sign for the Special Olympics in front of them.

Career opportunities

Our program prepares you for a career as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) in a growing health care field. ATCs are employed in a variety of settings, including athletics, physician practices, hospitals, performing arts, work-place care, military, and public safety.

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Program requirements

Study to become a qualified health care provider who is skilled in the prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of orthopedic and non-orthopedic injuries and conditions.

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Dedicated faculty

Our faculty mentor student research projects and are frequently published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Their research focuses on the influence of physical activity on aging, body composition analysis, and musculoskeletal physiology.

Meet our faculty

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Graduate student support

Our Office of Graduate Studies connects you with opportunities for professional development, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. They also foster our graduate student community through Peer Mentorship and the Graduate Student Board.

Browse resources

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Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. We encourage students in graduate degree programs to apply for scholarship opportunities.

Explore scholarships

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Connect with us

Our monthly Graduate Information Sessions are an excellent way to learn more about the benefits of our program, as well as our admissions and financial process.

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Next steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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Admission information: Athletic Training, MS

Application deadlines

We accept applications on a rolling basis and review them continuously.

Application deadline	Summer term start
All applicants	May 1

The Master of Science in Athletic Training program seeks applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than athletic training and have completed the necessary prerequisite coursework.

Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA is preferred
GRE scores are not required
Prerequisite course work must be completed at a regionally accredited college or university.
Prerequisite course work must be passed with a grade of C- or higher
- Equivalency exams may be taken in place of certain courses if a grade of C- was not achieved. Please see the Office of Prior Learning Assessment’s webpage for more information on specific course offerings
Prerequisite course work:
- Biology – one semester with lab (minimum 3 credits)
- Chemistry – one semester (minimum 3 credits)
- Physics – one semester with lab (minimum 3 credits)
- Psychology – one semester (minimum 3 credits)
- Anatomy and Physiology 1&2- 2 semesters of Anatomy and Physiology with labs or 1 semester of human anatomy with lab and 1 semester of human physiology with a lab (minimum 6 credits)
- Statistics- 1 semester (minimum 3 credits)
- Exercise Physiology – 1 semester (minimum 3 credits)
- Nutrition – 1 semester (minimum 3 credits)

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

Application: Online application or ATCAS (Athletic Training Centralized Application System) application
Application fee:
- In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
- International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
- International College transcripts: In addition to an official copy of the transcript, we require an official evaluation of college-level transcripts approved by one of the following transcript analysis agencies
  - National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
  - Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

Personal Statement: Explain how your experiences have prepared you for graduate-level athletic training education and how this program will help you achieve your career goals. (750-1,250 words)
References: Two references that can speak to your ability and demonstrated skills for graduate-level work and the field of Athletic Training.

International student instructions

View additional application requirements

English proficiency test scores

View test requirements

Where to send application materials

Get our mailing address and email address