Accelerated Master of Science in Athletic Training (M.S.A.T.)

Our nationally accredited Athletic Training program incorporates rich academics and intensive, hands-on field experiences to prepare students to become certified athletic trainers. In the accelerated 3+2 program, you’ll earn a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology & Physical Education and a Master’s in Athletic Training in just five years. For information on the traditional MSAT program, click here.

A photo of athletic training students at the University of Maine's Wes Jordan Athletic Training Education Complex.

Program overview

The University of Maine offers an accelerated, five-year Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Physical Education (Exercise Science – Pre-Athletic Training concentration) and a Master of Science in Athletic Training (M.S.A.T.) program. Athletic trainers are certified medical professionals who specialize in the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions. Our program offers a science-based curriculum that provides the foundation for a career in athletic training. Classroom and laboratory experiences are designed to provide the student with an applied understanding of the scientific basis of athletic training in different populations. As Maine’s only NCAA Division I school, UMaine offers a wealth of hands on and real-world experiences right at students’ fingertips. Our Athletic Training programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Click here to view our CAATE Program Information and Outcomes page.

This page contains information for prospective students who do not have a bachelor’s degree. UMaine also offers a traditional two-year M.S.A.T. program for students with a bachelor’s. If you would like more information about the traditional master’s in athletic training, click here.

For the first three years, students complete undergraduate coursework toward a B.S. in Kinesiology and Physical Education (Exercise Science concentration). Early in the second semester of year two, students signal their intention to carry on in the hybrid program and prepare to begin the graduate program. In order to do so, students submit transcripts to the Athletic Training program director for review to ensure completion of and minimum grades in prerequisite coursework. Upon acceptance, students can begin taking graduate-level courses in their fourth year.
Students may opt for either a non-thesis or thesis track for completing the MSAT degree program.

  • MSAT (non-thesis): This track requires completion of 54 credit hours.
  • MSAT (thesis): The thesis option requires carrying out an original piece of research resulting in a written thesis and a minimum of 57 credit hours.

For the first year and a half of the graduate program, students take in-person courses at the University of Maine in Orono. During their final semester, coursework can be completed online through video conferencing either asynchronously or synchronously. This allows students the opportunity to complete their final, immersive clinical education experience anywhere in the United States, while still taking their final courses.
All graduates of the MSAT program are eligible to sit for the BOC Exam for Athletic Trainers, pending CAATE approval.

CORE Athletic Training Faculty

Christopher Nightingale, Associate Professor of Physical Education and Athletic Training; Athletic Training Program Director
Alicia Lacy, Associate Professor of Athletic Training
Shannon Wright, Assistant Professor of Athletic Training

Kinesiology & Physical Education Faculty

Dawn Emerson, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Shannan Fotter, Lecturer of Kinesiology, Physical Education and Athletic Training
Lauren Jacobs, Senior Lecturer of Outdoor Leadership
Jesse Kaye-Schiess, Lecturer in Kinesiology and Physical Education
Jennifer Longo, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Jennifer McNulty, Lecturer in Health Education and Lifespan

Staff

Diane Legrande, Administrative Specialist

Careers

Our Athletic Training education programs prepare graduates to become certified athletic trainers by sitting for the initial Board of Certification (BOC) exam, and once completed to achieve state licensure wherever they choose to practice. Traditionally, athletic trainers are employed in sports medicine settings, where they provide care for individuals participating in all levels of athletics. In addition, the number of athletic trainers is growing in fields such as health care, the military, public safety, performing arts, occupational health and safety, and more, according to national, regional and state employment data.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of their MSAT program of study, students will have the skills and knowledge necessary to uphold the BOC’s practice standards for certified athletic trainers.

Practice STandards

  • Standard 1: Direction. Athletic Trainers render service or treatment under the direction of, or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their training and the state’s statutes, rules and regulations.
  • Standard 2: Prevention. Athletic Trainers implement measures to prevent and/or mitigate injury, illness and long-term disability.
  • Standard 3: Immediate Care. Athletic Trainers provide care procedures used in acute and/or emergency situations, independent of setting.
  • Standard 4: Examination, Assessment and Diagnosis. Athletic Trainers utilize patient history and appropriate physical examination procedures to determine the patient’s impairments, diagnosis, level of function and disposition.
  • Standard 5: Therapeutic Intervention. Athletic Trainers determine appropriate treatment, rehabilitation and/or reconditioning strategies. Intervention program objectives include long- and short-term goals and an appraisal of those which the patient can realistically be expected to achieve from the program. Appropriate patient-centered outcome assessments are utilized to document efficacy of interventions.
  • Standard 6: Program Discontinuation. Athletic Trainers may recommend discontinuation of the intervention program at such time the patient has received optimal benefit of the program. A final assessment of the patients’ status is included in the discharge note.
  • Standard 7: Organization and Administration. Athletic Trainers document all procedures and services in accordance with local, state and federal laws, rules and guidelines.

For current information about tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s office.

First-year undergraduate students, visit go.umaine.edu for a link to the online application, as well as information about academics and life at UMaine.

Contact Us

For questions, contact Athletic Training Program Coordinator Christopher Nightingale, christopher.nightingale@maine.edu.

COEHD Advising Center