FAQs

 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.

What is the accreditation status of the ATP?
The Athletic Training Program (ATP) at CBU received initial accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) (http://www.caate.net/) in August 2009. In June 2014, the ATP received a ten-year CAATE accreditation. The ATP will have a CAATE site visit in 2023-2024 for reaccreditation.

What are the prerequisites for the ATP?
Prerequisite Courses: Completed with a C grade or better within the past eight years:

• Biology
• Chemistry
  
• Exercise Physiology
• Human Anatomy & Human Physiology with Lab (2 semesters)
• General Psychology
• Physics (Biomechanics that includes physics may be accepted with approval)
  

Additional Recommended Courses: Introduction to Athletic Training, Biomechanics or Applied Movement Anatomy, Medical Terminology, Nutrition, Research Methods, Statistics, Introduction to Athletic Training, Biomechanics or Applied Movement Anatomy, Medical Terminology

CPR for the Professional Rescuer Certification

Clinical Observation – 80 documented hours in an athletic training setting supervised by a certified athletic trainer (to ensure applicants have a true understanding of the athletic training profession). Due to COVID19 and the limited availability of clinical observation sites, applicants may substitute one or more of the observation sites by interviewing current athletic trainers and submitting a one-page summary of how athletic training is conducted at that site. Summaries should be uploaded to the application under the Observation Hours requirement. Consideration will be given to applicants that were not able to complete the requirement, but have 1) completed interviews and 2) submit a written plan for how to complete the hours after the application deadline. Please contact David Little, dlittle@calbaptist.edu, for questions or clarification. 

How do I apply for the ATP?
Applications are accepted and reviewed in an ongoing fashion. The application is available through ATCAS at https://caate.net/Students/Apply-Now. Completed applications must be submitted by either November 15 for priority consideration or January 10, along with all required materials (letters of recommendation, volunteer/observation verification, transcripts, essay, etc). Complete applications are then reviewed by the ATP Admissions Committee and qualified applicants are invited for an on-campus interview. At the completion of the interview process successful applicants are notified of their selection for admission into the ATP beginning the following semester.

What if I am an out-of-state student?
Equal consideration is given to in-state, out-of-state and international students. Tuition is the same for out-of-state students.

Where is the ATP housed?
The Athletic Training program is housed on the Health Science Campus (adjacent to CBU's main campus) at 3532 Monroe Ave, Riverside, CA.

What should I get my bachelor's degree in if I want to apply to the CBU M.S. in Athletic Training program?
Your degree can be in any discipline as long as you meet the prerequisite coursework.  Common choices are kinesiology, health science, human performance, exercise science and biology.  

What types of clinical sites will students experience during the program?
Clinical experiences involve hands-on application of skills within a variety of clinical sites affiliated with CBU: local and national colleges and universities, professional teams, industrial sites, high schools, rehabilitation clinics, physicians’ offices and hospitals and other affiliate sites. All students will complete clinical experiences by exposure to general medical conditions, varying levels of risk and protective equipment and a variety of different populations including genders and socioeconomic statuses under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer or physician.

Where do ATP graduates find employment?
ATP graduates find employment in the following settings:

• Professional sport (NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS, NHL) 
  
• Olympic sport (USOC, Olympic Training Centers) 
  
• Collegiate sport (NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA) 
  
• High schools and clinics across the United States 
  
• Sales (athletic training related equipment, surgical supplies, etc.) 
  
• Military settings (training centers)
• Performing arts
• Industrial settings

Is the GRE required for admission?
GRE scores are not required for application or admission to the ATP unless students do not meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirements.

What is the typical schedule during a given semester?
Typically, students attend classes in the morning and spend the afternoons and some weekends at their clinical sites. The time commitment and schedule for clinical experiences will vary depending on the site and preceptor the student is assigned to in a given semester.

What are the travel expectations while in the program?
Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to their assigned clinical experiences. Most clinical sites are within a 30-mile radius of CBU’s campus. If students choose a distance clinical site for their 10-week immersive experience, they will be responsible for transportation and any living expenses that are necessary. Students are not required to choose distance clinical experiences.

What is the cost of the program?
The cost of the entire program is approximately $52,335 based on the 2022–2023 tuition cost. This includes $723 per unit, the $525 per semester program fee and the $365 per semester general fee as well as approximately $1,500 for books (if bought new, pricing subject to change). Students will also be provided with athletic training clinical clothing (one new polo and one dry-fit shirt per year plus one quarter-zip sweatshirt). See also Post-Admission Requirements.

What do you look for in applicants or those accepted into the program?
The ATP is committed to admitting the most qualified incoming students each year. The primary focus is to find students who will succeed academically, and who have a strong understanding of and a commitment to the profession of athletic training. While applicants will have a variety of backgrounds and experience levels in Athletic Training, all qualified applicants will have an accurate understanding of what it means to be an athletic trainer.  Fulfillment of the basic admissions requirements does not guarantee admission. Acceptance into the ATP is based on a scoring system calculated from grade point average (cumulative and prerequisite courses), completion of all prerequisite courses, completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, athletic training observation experience, resume, essay with career goals and understanding of the AT profession, letters of recommendation, and interview scores.

 Is the admissions process very competitive?
The admissions process is competitive. Qualified applicants not admitted to the program may be put on an alternate list for consideration if spots become available prior to the beginning of each summer semester.

Where can I find additional information?
Additional information can be found online at www.calbaptist.edu/AT. The Office of Graduate Admissions can provide you with printed brochures, applications, and other program materials.  You may contact the Athletic Training Program Director, Dr. Nicole MacDonald, at nmacdonald@calbaptist.edu, or at 951.343.4379.