Top 5 Reasons to Apply
Take it from our students and alumni who live and breathe our program – here are the top 5 reasons to apply to the Master of Science in Athletic Training at UW-Stevens Point.
#5: Individualized Clinical Education Experience
Students are placed in clinical settings directly related to future career goals. The faculty work with the students to match with clinical preceptors who will help you reach your full potential.
#4: State-of-the-Art Facilities
Students have access to newly designed classroom and lab facilities for face-to-face instruction and distance education. Our labs have state-of-the-art equipment for patient assessment and rehabilitation.
#3: Community and Alumni Support
Our vast alumni network and the community support we have for education provides variety in clinical placements and unique hands-on training opportunities with area health care providers.
#2: Unique Research Opportunities
Students can pursue guided research projects with faculty, such as virtual reality training for concussions, or explore their own research interests. The goal is to pursue topics that are current and will guide best practice for all patients.
#1: Engaged Faculty and Small Class Sizes
Our faculty focus on a collaborative and cooperative approach to facilitate learning and develop student confidence in knowledge, skills and abilities.
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Admissions Requirements
The Master of Science in Athletic Training program at UWSP will admit new cohort to begin the curriculum in the summer term. Applicants must satisfy the following minimum requirements to be eligible for admission to the program. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the MS-AT program.
- Degree & Grade Point Average (GPA)
Applicants must earn a baccalaureate degree (in any field) with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Prerequisite Coursework
Applicants must complete the following 12 prerequisite courses with a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Prerequisite Course and UWSP Course Number
| Course |
UWSP Course Option |
| General Biology* |
BIO 160 or BIO 101 or BIO 110 |
| Human Anatomy** |
BIO 287 or BIO 387 |
| Human Physiology** |
BIO 385 |
| Chemistry* |
CHEM 101 or CHEM 105 |
| Physics* |
PHYS 101 or PHYS 203 |
| Exercise Physiology |
HSW 312 |
| Introduction to Psychology |
PSYCH 110 |
| Introduction to Nutrition |
FN 354 |
| Kinesiology |
HSW 375 |
| Statistics |
HSW 301 or MATH 255 |
| Medical Terminology |
HSW 104 |
*Courses must include a laboratory component and be a minimum of 4 credits.
**Applicants must complete a two-semester sequence of anatomy/physiology with lab. This can be a stand-alone anatomy course and a stand-alone physiology course or a two-semester combined anatomy/physiology course.
In order to maintain good standing within the MS-AT, you must:
- maintain 3.0 GPA in major.
- maintain 3.0 average evaluation score (4-point scale) on clinical evaluation.
If you fail to meet either criteria listed above, you will be on academic probation in the MS-AT for one semester. If you do not attain the retention criteria during the probation semester, you may not continue in the major. Students are only allowed one probationary semester during their time in the MS-AT.
How to Apply
Applicants will complete an application through the
Step 1: Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS)
and
Step 2: Apply for admission to Graduate Study at UW-Stevens Point.
Application Timeline
Application Open Date:
June 27
Early Admissions:
Dec. 1
Decision Window for Early Admissions:
Oct. 1-Dec. 15
Final Admissions Deadline:
May 17
Application materials to be submitted through ATCAS include:
1. Official transcripts verifying completion of pre-requisites coursework including:
- Animal Biology*
- Human Anatomy**
- Human Physiology**
- Chemistry*
- Physics*
- Exercise Physiology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Nutrition
- Kinesiology/Biomechanics
- Statistics
* Courses must include a laboratory component and be a minimum of 4 credits
** Applicants must complete a two-semester sequence of anatomy/physiology with lab. This can be a stand-alone anatomy course and a stand-alone physiology course or a two-semester combined anatomy/physiology course.
2. Professional References:
- Applicants are required to submit contact information of at least two professional references. Must include name and email.
- References will be contacted though ATCAS and asked to submit a letter of recommendation.
- The letters should address your potential for success in graduate school, as well as your academic and clinical performance and experience.
3. Written Requirements:
- Applicants will write a personal statement.
- Additionally, applicants will be asked to respond to questions regarding their interest and experiences within athletic training.
4. CPR Certification:
- Must have been completed in the past 2 years but does not need to be current at time of application.
- Must upload evidence of CPR certification dated within the past 2 years.
5. Observation Hours:
- Applicants should complete observations of athletic training practice with a certified athletic trainer.
- Clinical observations experienced as a high school student will not count towards required observation hours.
- Currently, we will not require a specific number of observation hours. Please submit record of any observation hours you have completed at this time
5. Technical Standards Form:
- Applicants must sign and upload the Technical Standards Form into ATCAS.
Students must apply to the UWSP Graduate School (Graduate Study Application) as well as apply directly to the MS-AT program through ATCAS.
Upon acceptance to the MS-AT program, you must provide the following prior to starting courses. Applicants will be contacted by the MS-AT program to assist in this process.
- Verification of current physical examination by an approved health care provider (MD, DO, PA, CNP) confirming students meet the physical and mental abilities required of an athletic trainer.
- Provide current records of immunization history: including MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, adult dTap.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test within the past 12 months and documentation of annual TB test updates.
- Obtain antibody titers and/or influenza vaccine depending on requirements of assigned clinical sites.
- Complete a healthcare provider background check as required by regulations in Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter HFS 12.
- Supply verification of personal healthcare provider liability insurance.
- Submit all health-related documentations/verifications to the Clinical Education Coordinator prior to the start of each summer semester.