What is an Athletic Trainer?
Athletic Trainers (ATs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their education, training and the state's statutes, rules and regulations. As a part of the health care team, services provided by Athletic Trainers include primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.
Where are Athletic Trainers employed?
- Public and private secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional and Olympic sports
- Youth leagues, municipal and independently owned youth sports facilities
- Physician practice, similar to nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists and other professional clinical personnel
- Rural and urban hospitals, hospital emergency rooms, urgent and ambulatory care centers
- Clinics with specialties in sports medicine, cardiac rehab, medical fitness, wellness and physical therapy
- Occupational health departments in commercial settings, which include manufacturing, distribution and offices to assist with ergonomics
- Police and fire departments and academies, municipal departments, branches of the military
- Performing arts including professional and collegiate level dance and music
What kind of salary can I expect as an Athletic Trainer?
According to the 2018 National Athletic Trainers’ Association Salary Survey, the average annual income for Athletic Trainers holding a master’s degree was $51,000, with 25% of ATs making $65,000 or more. Salaries can vary by employment setting, years of experience, job responsibilities, highest academic degree held and other factors.
Who is Heidelberg’s MAT Program for?
For students who’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in a different discipline and are looking to earn the credentials for a career in athletic training, Heidelberg offers a two-year, accredited, professional master’s degree program that infuses the classroom and laboratory with a diversity of knowledge and a wider variety of backgrounds and experiences. It gives our graduates enhanced versatility in the job market, and it enriches the overall breadth of the athletic training profession.
We also offer an accelerated program for Heidelberg undergraduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Science or Exercise Science. In this 3+2 program, students can complete their bachelor’s degree in as little as three years in the Health Science or Exercise Science major and earn their MAT in another two years. Students also have the option to take four years to earn their bachelor’s degree.
What does the curriculum look like?
The current curriculum is comprised of 49 credit hours total. These credit hours are completed in a shortened July/August Term of approximately 5 weeks at the beginning of the first and second years of the program. The majority of the curriculum is completed during the fall and spring semesters each year. Classes traditionally start around the last week of July and end approximately the first week of May. This allows students the opportunity to have a job during the summer months.
Where and when do classes take place?
Classes are held from late July to early May. All classes are held on campus in Tiffin, Ohio, and primarily in Saurwein Health and Wellness Center.
What is the cost of tuition and fees for the MAT Program?
See current tuition prices for the MAT Program at Heidelberg. You will find that our tuition is very competitive compared to other regional institutions.
Does Heidelberg offer any incentives if I decide to enroll in the MAT program?
Yes, we do! Students who matriculate to Heidelberg for the MAT program will receive the following incentives:
- Heidelberg will refund the cost of the ATCAS Application (approx. $80)
- We will reimburse students for the cost of a campus visit (up to $100 for mileage, lodging, etc.)
- We will cover the cost of one BOC Exam (approx. $400)
- We will pay for NATA student membership for second-year students (approx. $100)
All of the above will be posted as credits to the students account.
What are the MAT Program admission requirements and prerequisites?
Required Prerequisite Coursework
Needs a C or better
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Introductory Psychology
- Kinesiology/Biomechanics
- General Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
Recommended Prerequisites
- Nutrition
- Exercise Physiology
- 1st Aid/AED/CPR/EMT certifications
Additional Requirements
- A minimum College/University bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and prerequisite GPA of 3.0.
- Minimum of 50 clinical observation hours under the direct supervision of a Board of Certification (BOC) and state credentialed, certified athletic trainer.
- In-person or Zoom interview with MAT Faculty
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission.
If you have any questions regarding any of the above prerequisites please contact Dr. Ryan Musgrave at rmusgrav [at] xyschool.net.
What is the timeline to apply?
Applications for admission are accepted any time after Sept. 15 of the cohort year for which you are applying. Visit Master of Athletic Training Admissions for complete information and links to online applications. Priority will be given to those who apply before Feb. 1 each year.
Heidelberg is a participating member of the Athletic Training Centralized Application System™ (ATCAS). ATCAS allows applicants to upload all application information one time, and then that information is shared with the programs to which applicants are applying.
A Enrollment Fee of $250 will be required to hold your spot in the program once you have been fully accepted. This Enrollment Fee will be applied to your student account and covers the cost of textbooks for the first year in the program.
Is there a fee to apply?
When using the Athletic Training Centralized Application System™ to apply, there is an initial fee plus a per-application fee. If you apply directly through the Heidelberg Admissions webpage, there is no fee.
Do I need to take the GRE for admission to the program?
No. We do not require students to take the GRE to be considered for admission to the MAT program.
Can the MAT program be completed online?
Because of the required clinical education component, students must be in residence for two years. The curriculum is a mix of classroom, laboratory and off-site clinical experiences.
Can I visit the campus?
Does Heidelberg University provide housing for graduate students?
There are opportunities for graduate housing at Heidelberg. Please contact Dr. Ryan Musgrave at rmusgrav [at] xyschool.net for more details.
Are graduate assistantships available?
At this time, there are no graduate assistantships available for this program.
Are there internships or jobs available?
This is a full-time program, and in the best interests of the students, outside employment during the program is not recommended.
If I have more questions about the MAT Program, who should I contact?
Ryan Musgrave EdD ATC
Assistant Professor of Athletic Training
Chair, Athletic Training Department
Athletic Training Program Director
rmusgrav [at] xyschool.net
t: 419-448-2577 c: 419-306-4216