Athletic Training (MS) Spotlight

The College of Education and Human Services welcomed its second cohort of the Master of Science in Athletic Training program this fall!

This is a high-quality, state-of-the-art educational program consistent with the professional and ethical requirements of the profession of athletic training. Students have the opportunity to learn in a dynamic and challenging professional preparation program geared toward preparing them for certification and practice as certified athletic trainers. The faculty and staff are committed to providing the highest quality professional education in a nurturing environment for a diverse student population. Students engage in immersive and hands-on practical experiences under the supervision of a certified and NJ licensed athletic trainer or other health care provider in each semester of the program. Paula Ocampo Hurtado, a second-year student in the MS in Athletic Training, shared,  “What I like most about this program is that this program challenges you to get out of your comfort zone. Every day is different, you are given the opportunity to learn something new and do something new. This program allows you to build long-lasting friendships with your colleagues, but it also allows you to connect with your patients. The best feeling is that this program is designed towards helping people do what they love or are passionate about.”

This new rigorous and challenging program is designed to prepare students for the profession of Athletic Training in accordance with the accreditation requirements of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs (CAATE). Fred Gardin, associate professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education and coordinator of the program, said, “We are excited to offer this program to the region. We believe that those who wish to change careers, were college athletes, or were unable to pursue athletic training as undergraduate students, now have an opportunity to enter the profession. This program offers a great opportunity to be in a growing health care field, engage with other health care disciplines, and be around highly motivated and physically active people.”

The Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education is also excited about the new combined program.  The 5-year combined BS in Exercise Science, Clinical and Pre Professional Concentration, and MS in Athletic Training is designed for highly-focused students and the MS in Athletic Training degree is accredited by the CAATE, allowing students to take the Board of Certification exam.

For more information on these programs, visit the department’s website.