"Coming from a large school, I knew I wanted a personal experience this... I wanted the professors to know me, so choosing Bellarmine
was simple. The small class sizes have led to lifelong relationships and support systems, the student-teacher relationships are unlike anything I have experienced. Each and every one of them becomes your biggest cheerleader. " —MC,
MSAT ‘20
Our two-year 66 credit hour program begins in July each year. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 with a prerequisite GPA of 3.0, completion of prerequisite coursework. Application deadlines: priority deadline is January 15; final deadline is May 15. It takes
4-6 weeks for AT CAS to verify your application and submit it to us once you have completed it, so don’t delay in submitting your application. For a full list of requirements, please visit our MSAT admission page.
We can provide feedback about your transcript(s) and coursework. Simply complete the form below by attaching unofficial copies of your transcript(s).
Transcript Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Why get a master’s in athletic training?
Beginning in 2022, the only way to become a certified athletic trainer will be to graduate from a CAATE accredited entry-level master’s program. Now is the time to act!
What can I do with a master’s degree in athletic training?
Athletic trainers with master’s degrees are in demand at:
- colleges and universities
- high schools
- professional sports teams
- physician’s practices
- hospitals
- corporate and government workplaces
- military and veteran facilities
What kind of experiences will there be?
All MSAT students work with faculty mentors to create and implement independent research projects as part of a culminating experience. In addition to coursework, our program arranges for students to complete clinical experiences at numerous local
sites.
What are the prerequisite course requirements?
We require you to show completion of:
- 2 semesters of anatomy and physiology with lab;
- 1 semester of exercise physiology;
- 1 semester of nutrition;
- 1 semester of kinesiology OR biomechanics;
- 1 semester of health sciences chemistry with lab;
- 1 semester of health sciences physics with lab;
- 1 semester of psychology;
- 1 semester of statistics.
- RECOMMENDED NOT REQUIRED: 1 semester of medical terminology.
The program begins each year in July. The application cycle begins in September. Our priority deadline is January 15 and final deadline is April 15. You should allow 4-6 weeks from the point that you submit your application before it will
be ready for review by our office, so be sure to apply early.
Program Mission and Goals
The Athletic Training program provides students with a dynamic learning environment to foster open dialog and active learning in the classroom and in the clinical setting. The Catholic social justice tradition of Bellarmine University is exemplified by
faculty, staff and students working collaboratively to promote the values of cultural awareness, evidence-based practice and positive outcomes. In preparing competent, ethical and compassionate healthcare providers, we develop graduates that become
transformational professional and community leaders to meet the needs of a changing world.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills to drive decisions.
- Communicate effectively through oral, written and technological means.
- Display entry-level competency in the five domains of athletic training:
- Injury/illness prevention and wellness promotion;
- Examination, assessment and diagnosis;
- Immediate and emergency care;
- Therapeutic interventions;
- Healthcare administration and professional responsibility.
- Provide ethical, athletic training care to diverse populations.
- Identify and develop collaborative relationships with other health care professionals and teams.
- Apply the tenets of evidence-based practice in the provision of care to active individuals.
- Articulate the importance of lifelong learning for personal and professional development
Bellarmine University Masters of Science in Athletic Training is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), 6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3101. The program has chosen to Voluntarily Withdraw its CAATE Accreditation effective August 31, 2025.
Please visit our Graduate Tuition Rate page for the most up-to-date information.
Students also will be responsible for any course fees (as printed in the course schedule), professional fees, and books. Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program are required to complete a significant number of hours in
local and regional clinical sites. Graduate students are eligible for up to $20,500 in guaranteed Stafford Student Loans per academic year. Students may also explore the Grad PLUS Loan and alternative loans. Visit our Financial Aid site for more information.
Clinical course fees include:
- National Athletic Training Association (NATA) membership fee. Bellarmine University subscribes to ATrack Online as a way to track and document clinical education experience hours. Student will have a lifetime membership
to ATrack at a cost of $90, which is included in their Clinical I course fees. The NATA membership for non-certified students is $65/year for new members and $85/yr. for renewing members. Each student will have their membership renewed yearly
and paid for through clinical course fees.
- As part of the MSAT Program, you will be required to wear approved apparel for your clinical education experiences. Student will receive two polo shirts and one t-shirt each academic year, paid for through clinical course fees. You will be able to
order additional items at a cost that is dependent on the clothing retailer. These additional items are not mandatory and therefore are NOT included in the course fees.
- The cost of malpractice insurance ($15-$25 annually) is covered through clinical course fees. The cost depends on which carrier is chosen by the university.
- The BOC practice exam fee of $300 is spread out over the 4 clinical class fees.
Additional Program Fees
- Students are required to submit to an annual drug test and background screening at a cost of $95. This cost is NOT part of your course fees.
- You will have the option to sit for the certified strength and conditioning specialist exam. This exam is an additional cost of $340 for NSCA members and $475 for non-NSCA members.
- In order to become an athletic trainer, students must pass the Board of Certification exam. The exam cost for first time test takers is $300. Re-take candidates fee is $400.
- You are responsible for any cost associated with required physicals and immunizations.
- There may be possible drug testing requirements depending on your clinical placement that is the student's responsibility. Cost will vary depending on clinical site.
- Students are responsible for their own travel to and from clinical sites. Based upon distance of clinical sites and gasoline prices, your cost will vary throughout the year.
Disclosure for Students who Reside Outside of Kentucky
Bellarmine University cannot confirm whether its courses or programs meet requirements for professional licensure in states other than Kentucky. Prior to enrolling in a Bellarmine program, a student who does not reside in Kentucky should contact applicable
licensing board(s) in the student’s home state to determine whether the program meets requirements for licensure in the state where the student resides.
Athletic Training licensure contacts: https://www.bocatc.org/state-regulation
Bellarmine University cannot confirm whether its courses or programs meet requirements for professional licensure in states other than Kentucky. Prior to enrolling in a Bellarmine program, a student who does not reside in Kentucky should contact applicable
licensing board(s) in the student’s home state to determine whether the program meets requirements for licensure in the state where the student resides.
Athletic Training licensure contacts: https://www.bocatc.org/state-regulation