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Graduate Degree
Health Sciences

Athletic Training Master's Degree Program

Master of Athletic Training (MAT)
Degree Options:
  • Master of Athletic Training (MAT)

Master of Athletic Training Program

Texas Lutheran University offers a competitive entry, professional level program in which students earn a Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and upon completion, students are eligible for national certification through the Board of Certification (BOC) and for Texas State Licensure.

The program has two paths to offer students. For the traditional college freshman, there is an option for a five-year educational experience in which they are awarded concurrent Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Master of Athletic Training degrees upon graduation. The first 3 years are spent completing general education requirements, kinesiology major courses, and MAT program prerequisites. The final two years are dedicated to professional athletic training content delivered in conjunction with clinical educational experiences that prepare graduates to provide patient care upon graduation.

Students that already hold an undergraduate degree can apply directly to the professional athletic training program provided all admission criteria are met. Upon successful completion of the athletic training curriculum, a Master of Athletic Training is awarded.

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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. Athletic Training is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as an allied health care profession.

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
  • Rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. 

Careers in Athletic Training

You’ll be ready to jump into your career the moment you earn your MAT degree. TLU graduates are currently working in military settings, in industrial and occupational health settings, across all levels of collegiate sports, and in high schools, clinics, and hospitals.

Athletic trainers treat a range of patients and can work in a variety of settings. Regardless of their practice setting, athletic trainers practice according to their education, scope of practice and state practice act. Some of the most common settings Athletic Trainers are found in include:

  • 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

Advantages of TLU

The Option of Two Degrees in One

Earning a Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree can be completed at the same time as a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Kinesiology. Both degrees can be earned over the course of five years.

Hands-On from Day One

You’ll be working in real clinical situations with real patients. As your expertise grows, you will engage in more hands-on patient care. This will include injury evaluation, on-field immediate care, rehabilitation design, and preventative programming. You will be able to make important healthcare decisions based on knowledge and experience.

Immersion in the Profession

In the final two semesters, students complete two separate immersive clinical experiences. During these experiences, academic coursework is delivered online allowing students to dedicate most of their time to clinical learning. Students mimic the schedule of their clinical site to experience the totality of being an athletic trainer and fine tune their decision making skills. The final immersive experience allows students the flexibility to complete their clinical education in the setting and location of their choice. Previous immersive settings have included professional level sports, high school, college athletics, physician office practice and public safety. At graduation, you will have spent countless hours fine-tuning your decision-making skills and expanding your practical knowledge.

Small Classes

Small classes make a difference and Athletic Training classes are among the smallest at Texas Lutheran University. You’ll be in a cohort of 10-12 students, allowing you to get more one-on-one time with professors and preceptors.

Accreditation & Certification

TLU’s Athletic Training Program gained accreditation in 2005 from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and received a 10-year accreditation award in 2020-2021 through 2030-2031. Upon completion, you are eligible for national certification through the Board of Certification (BOC) and for Texas State Licensure. For more information, visit caate.net.

Admissions & Program Requirements

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Meet the Faculty

Timothy Kent

Associate Professor and Clinical Education Coordinator

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