Prospective Students

Explore Your Options

A five-year program in which students earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Integrative Physiology and a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training.

A two-year master’s program designed for students who already have a baccalaureate degree.

A three-year degree completion plan that allows students increased flexibility in pursuing a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training.

Admissions Policies

Students who desire admission into the Master’s in Athletic Training Program must submit a formal application to ATCAS. Applications will open on August 1st and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the cohort is filled.

Formal notification of admission to the Master’s program will be made in writing.

Candidates who are NOT admitted to the program will also receive written notification of this decision.  Students may be selected as alternates and if a vacancy should become available prior to summer semester, these students will be informed.  Not all qualified candidates may be admitted to the Master’s program due to limited enrollment in clinical experiences.

Admissions

The following pre-requisite classes or their equivalents are required to be completed before the start of the professional program with a grade of "C" or better:

  1. Kinesiology/Biomechanics
  2. Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II, both with labs
  3. Exercise Physiology
  4. General Psychology
  5. Basic Nutrition
  6.  Statistics
  7. Biology
  8. Chemistry
  9. Physics 

(A Note to Transfer students: As soon as you decide to transfer to the University of Montana, you should notify the Program Director immediately to review application requirements. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis.)

  1. Submit Athletic Training Student Application through ATCAS (found online at: https://atcas.liaisoncas.com) (pay application fee to ATCAS $90) 
  2. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all college coursework (a GPA below 3.0 may be considered)
  3. Completed pre-requisite courses with a grade of "C" or better (students may be enrolled in pre-requisite courses at time of application). Prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to the start of the professional program.
  4. Official transcript(s) of all college coursework (submit to ATCAS). Obtain a current official copy of all college course work.  Students must complete or be in the process of completing required course work prior to application to the professional athletic training program.
  5. Submit 2 professional letters of recommendation (submit to ATCAS)
    1. All recommendation must be received before your application can be reviewed and scored.
    2. Recommendations from personal friends will not be accepted. 
    3. At least one letter from a Certified Athletic Trainer or other healthcare professional who engages in routine clinical practice is strongly recommended.
  6. Application essay which should address your professional goals and desire for pursuing athletic training as a career. (submit to ATCAS)
  7. Current resume (submit to ATCAS)
  8. Program Interview - in person, videoconference, or by phone
  9. Submit secondary application to the University of Montana's Graduate School upon acceptance to AT program (Grad school application) (note: separate application fee from ATCAS $70)

***Please note that the GRE requirement for admission is no longer required (approved by Graduate Council September 2021).

OBSERVATION HOURS RECOMMENDED (NOT REQUIRED)

Observation hours are designed for the purpose of exposing students to the field of athletic training.  They will provide you with insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of an athletic trainer and the type of medical care that they provide to their patients. Although completion of observation hours is no longer an admissions requirement, we recommend you take time to fully explore the field prior to application.

Once students are provisionally accepted into the professional program, students must provide the following documentation to be considered for full admission:

  1. Each student must complete and provide verification of a Hepatitis-B vaccination series and titer (or must sign a waiver) (students may be in process).
  2. Each applicant must read and sign the “technical standards” document confirming that they understand and are able to comply with the established standards (included in the professional manual).
  3. Completion of the Agreement Statement located in the professional manual.
  4. Criminal Background Check: the student will be required to contact the vendor (Castle Branch) to begin the online process.  The cost will be approximately $55. For international students, the background check may cost up to and over $150.  Contact the Program Director for the necessary information.

Scoring of Application

Category

Points

 Cumulative GPA

20 points

 Pre-requisite GPA

10 points

 Application Essay

20 points

 Letters of Recommendation

20 points

 Professional Development Points*  

20 points 

 *Includes observation hours, professional organization memberships, community service.

 Interview

30 points

(CAATE Standard 24B, 24P, 28)