Athletic Training, MS
CBU has the longest running professional MS in Athletic Training program in California. The application process is highly selective and admission is offered one time per year.
Program Intro
Certified athletic trainers are healthcare professionals skilled to help prevent, recognize, manage and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries and general medical conditions. The CBU athletic training program is a six-semester program that includes theory, practical application, clinical work and rigorous preparation for testing and certification.
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Why Earn Your MS in Athletic Training at CBU?
Complete diverse clinical experiences
All students are required to complete a minimum of 900 clinical education hours over a two-year period under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Students complete a minimum of 8 clinical experiences, and each experience provides exposure to different professional athletic training settings. Clinical experience is offered at high schools, community colleges, universities, clinics, professional teams, urgent care facilities, and physician’s offices.
Focus on whole person care
Athletic training students at CBU are trained to be allied health professionals who give comprehensive care to the person in need, not just the injury or illness. As a Christian university, we look at the example Jesus gave in modeling whole person care.
Prepare for a professional career
The CBU ATP is designed to prepare students not only for the BOC certification exam but also for careers as highly skilled athletic trainers who possess the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the demands of this competitive profession. Once certified, students are qualified to work in secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports, sports medicine clinics, and industrial/military settings.
Program Details
ATR 527: Foundations of Therapeutic Interventions
Students will be introduced to design and implementation of care planning, goal setting, and return to activity and athletic participation.
ATR 545: Leadership and Administration in Athletic Training
This course examines the leadership and administration of athletic training in a variety of settings.
ATR 560: Whole Person Care
This course will investigate the psychological, sociological and spiritual elements of health and the pursuit of wellness.
- Whole Person Care. Athletic training students at CBU are trained to be healthcare professionals who give comprehensive care to the person in need, not just the injury or illness. An emphasis on whole-person care means CBU students are taught to treat patients’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Faith integration is threaded throughout all aspects of the program to ground students with meaning in a demanding field.
- Mentorship. The faculty and preceptors in the Athletic Training program truly invest in the growth and development of our students. The classroom setting at CBU allows professors to get to know their students and help them succeed. They do everything in their power to put students in a position to thrive—whether that’s in the classroom or in the clinic. I am always encouraged to hear students share they have been impacted by their professors and feel equipped for professional practice due to the breadth of material incorporated in the program.
- Diverse Clinical Experiences. Invested preceptors, or clinical instructors, supervise and mentor students throughout the program at a wide variety of hands-on sites including professional teams, various collegiate levels, secondary schools and emerging settings like entertainment, industry and workplace. Fully immersive experiences are being continually added to provide students with new and unique opportunities to grow in the field.
- Manual Therapy. Another significant focus is given to manual therapy and functional movement through treatment approaches and instruction. Faculty expertise and clinical exposure encourage the growth and development of CBU athletic trainers in areas beyond the minimum requirements of the Board of Certification examination. Continuing education and specialty certifications are offered in a variety of areas to students and alumni of the Athletic Training program and maintain cutting-edge practice in advanced Athletic Training techniques.
- Interprofessional Education. CBU also places an emphasis on interprofessional collaboration and educational experiences. Students will have an opportunity to work closely with other healthcare professionals in simulations, hear from guest lecturers from a variety of fields and plan events with six other healthcare professions. The need for effective communication between specialties in healthcare is essential for successful patient outcomes.
The CBU ATP prepares students not only for the BOC certification exam but also for careers as highly skilled athletic trainers who possess the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the demands of this competitive profession. Once certified, students are qualified to work in secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports, sports medicine clinics, industrial/military settings, and many more. We expect that our students will gain competency and skills in a variety of areas in order to:
- Demonstrate competency and proficiency in Athletic Training skills and become eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) Exam.
- Develop and apply a clinical philosophy that includes Practice-Based Evidence/Evidence-Based Practice and sound clinical decision making.
- Identify and facilitate a healthy lifestyle, an integration of faith and whole patient care.
- Engage in a diverse number of clinical experiences and patient populations.
- Practice advanced Athletic Training clinical skills including various manual therapies.
- Develop effective interprofessional communication, values and ethics for interprofessional practice, articulation of roles and responsibilities of interprofessional team members and perform effectively in interprofessional teams.
- Participate in scholarly activities including action research and disseminate new evidence to the larger athletic training and healthcare communities.
The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program offered by CBU's Department of Allied Health Professions is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
How many students are accepted each year?
CBU's ATP will accept up to a maximum of 20 students each year.
When do classes start?
Classes begin in the middle of June each year.
Can I work while completing the program?
Students may consider working a part-time job, but should remember that this is a
full-time, rigorous degree program.
Jolene Dickert, Ed.D.
Professor of Athletic Training
Clinical Coordinator for Athletic Training
Office Phone: 951-343-4508
E-mail: jdickert@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Health Science Campus, F82
Lisa Friesen, M.S.
Assistant Professor of Allied Health Professions
Office Phone: 951-552-8820
E-mail: lfriesen@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: CHS F84
Brandon Henry
MSAT Medical Director
Office Phone: 951-552-8531
E-mail: bhenry@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Health Science Campus F80
Nicole MacDonald, Dr.PH
Professor of Athletic Training
Chair, Department of Allied Health Professions
Program Director, Athletic Training
Office Phone: 951-343-4379
E-mail: nmacdonald@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: College of Health Science Campus Office F83
As you make decisions about graduate school, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.
| Application Deadlines | Summer |
|---|---|
| Priority | November 15 |
| Standard | January 10 |
I dreamt of becoming an athletic trainer in the NFL. In 2021, I secured a seasonal internship with the Buffalo Bills as an athletic trainer. This led to the life-changing moment of becoming an athletic trainer with the organization this year.
Marissa Figueroa '19
Assistant Athletic Trainer with the Buffalo Bills (NFL)
There are many things to love about my job. I think one of the things that keeps me coming back is just the love of the game. I really enjoy being in a team atmosphere and being able to have a part to play in the success of a team.
Joseph Luat '10
Athletic Trainer with the Braves
The best learning experience I ever had in CBU’s AT program was when my ACI let me take the reins completely. He was never too far away, but he left all of the clinical decision making up to me and it was the best way for me to learn.
Lucy Gomez Riley '12
On-Site Work Strategies Supervisor, Delta Airlines
My position with the U.S. Navy continually challenges me to think outside the box. I enjoy the relationships I am afforded through my interactions. My patients’ stories confirm my purpose to work as hard as I can for those in need.
Michael Bueti '14
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Sports Medicine and Reconditioning Team
Student Opportunities: Clinical Experiences
All students are required to complete a minimum of 900 clinical education hours over a two-year period under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Students complete a minimum of 8 clinical experiences, and each experience provides exposure to different professional athletic training settings. Clinical experience is offered at high schools, community colleges, universities, clinics, professional teams, urgent care facilities, and physician’s offices.
Facilities and Labs
Expand itemCBU has multiple dedicated classrooms for the athletic training program.
CBU's MSAT is located on the CBU's Health Science Campus at 3532 Monroe St. Students have access to classrooms, equipment and supplies necessary for success.
Expand itemCBU has multiple dedicated classrooms for the athletic training program.
CBU's MSAT is located on the CBU's Health Science Campus at 3532 Monroe St. Students have access to classrooms, equipment and supplies necessary for success.
Expand itemCBU has multiple dedicated classrooms for the athletic training program.
CBU's MSAT is located on the CBU's Health Science Campus at 3532 Monroe St. Students have access to classrooms, equipment and supplies necessary for success.
Expand itemLab experiences are a consistent part of the CBU program and enhance student learning.
Lab activities are included in most classes to practice skills learned in the classroom. Additional manual therapy courses are offered four times a year. Some of these additional experiences are included in tuition cost and some have a reduced cost and are not required. Some examples of these courses are: Dynamic Release Therapy, Mulligan Concept, Blood Flow Restriction, Positional Release Therapy, RockTape, RockPods, Functional Movement Specialist, etc. MSAT students are also involved in interprofessional education as part of the curriculum and participate various simulations with other healthcare graduate students.
Expand itemLab experiences are a consistent part of the CBU program and enhance student learning.
Lab activities are included in most classes to practice skills learned in the classroom. Additional manual therapy courses are offered four times a year. Some of these additional experiences are included in tuition cost and some have a reduced cost and are not required. Some examples of these courses are: Dynamic Release Therapy, Mulligan Concept, Blood Flow Restriction, Positional Release Therapy, RockTape, RockPods, Functional Movement Specialist, etc. MSAT students are also involved in interprofessional education as part of the curriculum and participate various simulations with other healthcare graduate students.
Expand itemLab experiences are a consistent part of the CBU program and enhance student learning.
Lab activities are included in most classes to practice skills learned in the classroom. Additional manual therapy courses are offered four times a year. Some of these additional experiences are included in tuition cost and some have a reduced cost and are not required. Some examples of these courses are: Dynamic Release Therapy, Mulligan Concept, Blood Flow Restriction, Positional Release Therapy, RockTape, RockPods, Functional Movement Specialist, etc. MSAT students are also involved in interprofessional education as part of the curriculum and participate various simulations with other healthcare graduate students.
Career Possibilities
Graduates of CBU's MS in Athletic Training program will be well prepared for careers as athletic trainers in nearly any industry.
- High School Athletic Trainer
- University Athletic Trainer
- Professional Sports Athletic Trainer
- Clinical Athletic Trainer
- Military Athletic Trainer
- Industrial Health Athletic Trainer
- Occupational Athletic Trainer
- Performing Arts Athletic Trainer
Related Programs
Next Steps
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