Athletic Training, MA
Vision Statement
The mission of the athletic training program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha is to prepare students for successful careers or advanced academic studies in the field of athletic training by providing didactic and clinical education, resources, and opportunities which lead to the growth and development of dedicated practitioners, reflective scholars, and responsible citizens.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Program Contact Information
Adam B. Rosen, PhD, Director, Athletic Training Programs and Graduate Program Chair (GPC)
207Y School of Health and Kinesiology (H&K)
402.554.2057
arosen@unomaha.edu
Program Website
Alternative Entry into the MA in Athletic Training from the BS in Kinesiology
The School of Health and Kinesiology offers an alternative entry into the MA in athletic training, which allows outstanding students to complete the BS in Education undergraduate kinesiology degree and the MA in athletic training graduate degree. The alternative entry program is designed for dedicated students who are motivated and willing to take on early the challenges relating to graduate education. Interested students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor for more information about this program.
Admissions
General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria
Program-Specific Requirements
Application Deadlines (Summer 2025)
- Summer: The priority candidate deadline is January 15. Applications may be accepted through April 15.
Other Requirements
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0 is required for unconditional admission.
- Students with a 2.70-2.99 cumulative GPA may apply and be admitted provisionally. Provisional admission typically means that the admitted student must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher, and earn “B” or higher on all courses during the first 12 hours of graduate coursework.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the U.S., OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a predetermined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.
- Internet-based TOEFL: 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 110 in order to be considered a strong candidate for admission.
- Statement of Purpose: Address the following in under 1000 words:
- Why should you be selected for the University of Nebraska at Omaha Graduate Athletic Training Program?
- Describe your ATTRIBUTES that you feel are clearly and directly related to the profession of Athletic Training.
- What in your life has most directly influenced your choice of becoming an Athletic Trainer?
- What is/are your primary career goal(s)?
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from individuals who should be able to speak about your abilities as a student, your leadership and problem-solving skills, and your potential as an athletic training student.
- Applicants must complete a minimum of 25 hours of observation with a an athletic trainer (ATC).
- These hours should be completed in the 12-month period prior to application to the program. For students with more than 25 hours, a minimum of 25 hours must be completed in the 12-month period prior to application.
- All graduate candidates accepted to the UNO Athletic Training Program:
- Who received their bachelor’s degree from another institution must provide the course syllabi and course outlines/schedules in order to provide evidence that specific National Athletic Trainers’ Association Educational Competencies and Proficiencies were completed.
- Must provide proof of physical examination and required vaccinations prior to admission. The physical exam must be completed within 12 months of the first day of our summer session course (typically the first week of July).
Degree Requirements
The following undergraduate prerequisites (deficiencies) must be completed prior to admission with a grade of “C” or better:
- Anatomy and Physiology (6 Credits)
- Biology (3 Credits)
- Biomechanics (3 Credits)
- Chemistry (3 Credits)
- Exercise Physiology (3 Credits)
- Nutrition (3 Credits)
- Physics (3 Credits)
- Psychology (3 Credits)
Other Requirements
Once admitted to the athletic training program, the student will obtain clinical hours as part of course requirements. Students will be expected to obtain an average of 20 hours of clinical experience per week during each fall and spring semester, which include some nights, weekends, and travel. Required clinical experiences must be obtained over a minimum of six (6) semesters.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| In order to graduate with an MA in athletic training, the following courses must be completed with an overall cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher. | ||
| ATHT 8110 | ATHLETIC TRAINING TECHNIQUES | 2 |
| ATHT 8120 | EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF INJURY AND ILLNESS | 2 |
| ATHT 8130 | THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS I | 2 |
| KINS 8320 | EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN SPORTS MEDICINE | 3 |
| ATHT 8230 | THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS II | 2 |
| ATHT 8240 | ORTHOPEDIC ASSESSMENT I | 2 |
| ATHT 8250 | CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN ATHLETIC TRAINING I | 2 |
| ATHT 8330 | THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS III | 2 |
| ATHT 8340 | ORTHOPEDIC ASSESSMENT II | 2 |
| ATHT 8350 | CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN ATHLETIC TRAINING II | 2 |
| ATHT 8360 | ADVANCED ORTHOPEDIC & MEDICAL ASPECTS OF ATHLETIC TRAINING | 3 |
| ATHT 8410 | ATHLETIC TRAINING ADMINISTRATION | 2 |
| ATHT 8450 | INTERNSHIP IN ATHLETIC TRAINING | 2 |
| ATHT 8530 | THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS IV | 2 |
| ATHT 8540 | ORTHOPEDIC ASSESSMENT III | 2 |
| ATHT 8550 | CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN ATHLETIC TRAINING III | 2 |
| ATHT 8650 | CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN ATHLETIC TRAINING IV | 2 |
| KINS 8970 | TOPICS IN SPORTS MEDICINE | 3 |
| ATHT 8900 | ATHLETIC TRAINING PROGRAM COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT | 0 |
| Electives/Thesis | ||
| Select one of the following (with advisor): 1 | 6 | |
Six graduate hours of electives (ATHT, KINS, PHHB, BMCH) | ||
| THESIS (6 hours) | ||
| Total Credits | 45 | |
- 1
For more information, please call 402.554.2670.
Exit Requirements
In order to graduate with an MA in athletic training, the following criteria must be met:
- Successful completion ATHT 8900 administered during the student’s final semester.
- Successful completion of all clinical education requirements as given in course syllabi and the Athletic Training Student Handbook.
Athletic Training Graduate Courses
ATHT 8110 ATHLETIC TRAINING TECHNIQUES (2 credits)
Overview course including basic components of the athletic training profession including the prevention, recognition, evaluation and immediate care of athletic injuries. Medical terminology, tissue healing, taping procedures, and professional considerations will be covered.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts in Athletic Training. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ATHT 8120 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF INJURY AND ILLNESS (2 credits)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to respond to emergent conditions that affect patients involved in physical activity. Students will learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of acute injury and illness, assess patients using evidence-based methods, apply appropriate treatments, make appropriate referral decisions, and implement effective prevention strategies to reduce the risk of injury and illness.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts in Athletic Training program. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ATHT 8130 THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS I (2 credits)
This course will cover the pathophysiology of musculoskeletal injuries as well as the theory, physiology and application of physical agents used in the treatment of these injuries. This course will include the development of treatment programs involving these skills utilizing hands-on practical application.
Prerequisite(s): Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ATHT 8230 THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS II (2 credits)
This course will introduce students to the use of basic theories and principles of athletic injury rehabilitation including therapeutic exercise. This course will include the development of treatment programs involving these skills utilizing hands-on practical application.
Prerequisite(s): ATHT 8130/HEKI 8130. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ATHT 8240 ORTHOPEDIC ASSESSMENT I (2 credits)
The primary purpose of this course is to provide the student with knowledge and skill in the area of advanced athletic injury assessment to the lower extremity. The student will be exposed to current methodology in the field of orthopedic physical assessment, particularly the foot, ankle, lower leg, knee, thigh and hip. In addition, students will learn how to use the principles of evidence-based practice (EBP) to select and evaluate specific tests during the diagnostic process.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts in Athletic Training Program. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ATHT 8250 CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN ATHLETIC TRAINING I (2 credits)
Clinical Practicum in Athletic Training I is the first course in the Clinical Practica series for students admitted to the Master of Arts in Athletic Training Program. Students will perform required clinical experiences under the supervision of a preceptor in order to improve clinical and decision-making skills.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MA in Athletic Training program, instructor permission, & compliance with published Athletic Training Program Technical Standards for Admission. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ATHT 8330 THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS III (2 credits)
This course will introduce students to the use of basic theories and principles of physical agents and manual therapies. This course will include the development of treatment programs involving these skills utilizing hands-on practical application.
Prerequisite(s): ATHT 8230/HEKI 8230. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ATHT 8340 ORTHOPEDIC ASSESSMENT II (2 credits)
The primary purpose of this course is to provide the student with knowledge and skill in the area of advanced athletic injury assessment to the upper extremity. The student will be exposed to current methodology in the field of orthopedic physical assessment, particularly the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand and fingers. In addition, students will learn how to use the principles of evidence-based practice (EBP) to select and evaluate specific tests during the diagnostic process.
Prerequisite(s): ATHT 8240/HEKI 8240. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ATHT 8350 CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN ATHLETIC TRAINING II (2 credits)
Clinical Practicum in Athletic Training II is the second course in the Clinical Practica series for students admitted to the Master of Arts in Athletic Training Program. Students will perform required clinical experiences under the supervision of a licensed athletic trainer in order to improve clinical and decision-making skills.
Prerequisite(s): ATHT 8250/HEKI 8250 Clinical Practicum I. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ATHT 8360 ADVANCED ORTHOPEDIC & MEDICAL ASPECTS OF ATHLETIC TRAINING (3 credits)
This course will provide the student with knowledge and skill in the area of orthopedic and medical aspects of athletic training. Students will gain this knowledge through directed observation, experiential learning, literature review, and hands-on experience under the supervision of local medical professionals. The student will be exposed to advanced evaluation of medical conditions, systemic diseases, and other disorders; observe common surgical procedures for orthopedic conditions; and medical management of patients and physically active populations in conjunction with other healthcare providers.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Master of Arts in Athletic Training Program
ATHT 8410 ATHLETIC TRAINING ADMINISTRATION (2 credits)
This course will introduce students to administrative topics related to athletic training. Management strategies for financial resources, personnel, facilities, medical records, and third-party reimbursement will be covered. Additionally, legal and ethical professional practice standards will be introduced.
Prerequisite(s): Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ATHT 8450 INTERNSHIP IN ATHLETIC TRAINING (2 credits)
This course is designed to provide an immersive athletic training clinical experience for students. The internship is a supervised, educational clinical work experience of at least 300 hours over a minimum of 4-weeks during a single semester. This experience will allow the student the opportunity to take more responsibility for the care, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries with a particular team or group of patients, as well as help plan and provide daily coverage for practices or clinical appointments.
Prerequisite(s): Permission from the instructor or program director. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ATHT 8530 THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS IV (2 credits)
This course will introduce students to the use of basic theories and principles of athletic training related to pharmacology, nutrition and psychosocial wellness. This course will include the development of treatment programs involving these skills utilizing hands-on practical application.
Prerequisite(s): ATHT 8330/HEKI 8330. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ATHT 8540 ORTHOPEDIC ASSESSMENT III (2 credits)
The primary purpose of this course is to provide the student with knowledge and skill in the area of advanced athletic injury assessment to the head, face and spine. The student will be exposed to current methodology in the field of orthopedic physical assessment, particularly the head, face and spine. In addition, students will learn how to use the principles of evidence-based practice (EBP) to select and evaluate specific tests during the diagnostic process.
Prerequisite(s): ATHT 8340/HEKI 8340. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ATHT 8550 CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN ATHLETIC TRAINING III (2 credits)
Clinical Practicum in Athletic Training III is the third course in the Clinical Practica series for students admitted to the Master of Arts in Athletic Training Program. Students will perform required clinical experiences under the supervision of a preceptor in order to improve clinical and decision-making skills.
Prerequisite(s): ATHT 8350/HEKI 8350 Clinical Practicum II. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ATHT 8650 CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN ATHLETIC TRAINING IV (2 credits)
Clinical Practicum in Athletic Training IV is the fourth course in the Clinical Practica series for students admitted to the Master of Arts in Athletic Training Program. Students will perform required clinical experiences under the supervision of a preceptor in order to improve clinical and decision-making skills.
Prerequisite(s): ATHT 8550/HEKI 8550 Clinical Practicum III
ATHT 8900 ATHLETIC TRAINING PROGRAM COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (0 credits)
This zero-credit-hour course is used to assess the knowledge and skills that students accumulate over the course of the CAATE-accredited entry-level graduate Athletic Training Program. Students must enroll in this course in their final semester in the program to take and pass the comprehensive examination. The exam assesses the student on their knowledge of the domains of athletic training and preparedness to sit for and take the national Board of Certification exam. Students will receive a pass/fail grade for this course.
Prerequisite(s): Requires departmental approval. Not open to non-degree graduate students.