School of Health Professions 2024 - 2025 Catalog

Master of Athletic Training (MAT)

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

2001 K Street NW
3rd Floor North 
Washington, DC 20006
512-733-9700

support@caate.net
https://caate.net/


The AT Profession

In 1990 the American Medical Association recognized athletic training as an allied health profession. 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 defined by the Athletic Training Strategic Alliance. Career opportunities exist in settings such as college/university athletic departments, secondary school systems, professional sports, sports medicine clinics, corporate/industrial settings, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare environments.

After graduating from an accredited professional education program, athletic trainers must pass the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) exam and/or meet the requirements of individual states to practice athletic training. Additional credentialing requirements for athletic training vary from state to state according to athletic training practice acts and state regulations that govern athletic training. A felony or misdemeanor conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the BOC examination or attain state licensure.

Program Description

The TTUHSC Master of Athletic Training Program was initially established in 2000 to prepare and equip certified and licensed athletic trainers to serve West Texas and beyond. Over the years, our program has changed and developed but one thing has remained at our core: the desire to prepare well-rounded and highly competent medical professionals who possess not only the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be their best but also the personal touch, care, and compassion to make them truly exceptional and highly coveted in the job market. 
 
Our program has enjoyed considerable success, with cohorts of 20+ attaining first-time BOC pass rates between 88-100% over the last decade, including a six-year streak of 100% first-time passage. The program was granted a 10-year reaccreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Athletic Training Education (CAATE) in 2019 and has since worked to develop a core framework to lead, guide, and direct our path for the future. We believe our program is unique and innovative in its multi-factor pathway approach to equipping each student to become the latest in a long and proud legacy of alumni who are impacting their communities, the region, the country, and the world. 
 
Our graduates have gone on to find success in every area of modern athletic training practice. Their high levels of satisfaction as evidenced through alumni surveys and their employers' satisfaction with their knowledge, skills, and abilities as demonstrated via employer surveys provide evidence of program effectiveness. However, it is the consistent participation and "extra mile" mentality as evidenced through participation in voluntary experiences like mentoring programs, guest lectures, and mock interviews that provide ample evidence to the program's effectiveness in producing health care professionals who are not just an asset to the workplace but also to their communities. 
 

Mission     

Our mission is to enrich the lives of others by educating and empowering athletic training students to become confident, competent, and collaborative health care professionals who positively impact the patients and the communities they serve. 
 

Vision

Transform athletic training and sports medicine through excellence, professionalism, agility, resilience, and servant leadership.


Technical Standards

The Athletic Training Program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a rigorous and intense program that places specific professional, intellectual, physical, and social requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program. 

Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) certification exam (see
www.bocatc.org for exam eligibility).

Students in the TTUHSC Master of Athletic Training Program must demonstrate:

  1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts, and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.

  2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely, and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.

  3. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds. This includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.

  4. The ability to record physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.

  5. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.

  6. The perseverance, diligence, and commitment to complete the athletic training program as outlined and sequenced.

  7. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.

  8. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

  9. The ability, at all times, to conduct themselves in a professional manner with a wide variety of individuals, including but not limited to, faculty, clinical instructors, colleagues, coaches, patients, and students.

  10. Professional attitudes and behaviors: perform in an ethical manner in dealings with others in adherence to TTHUSC and athletic training profession guidelines, and personal integrity and hygiene consistent with the athletic training profession.


To ensure patient safety for laboratory classes and the clinical experience portion of the MAT program, students must display the following:

  1. Mobility: have the physical stamina to stand and walk for 12+ hours in a clinical or field setting; be able to stand, move about freely and maneuver in small spaces and across uneven terrain; be able to tolerate being exposed to extremes in the environment including variable aspects of weather, hazardous fumes, and noise.

  2. Flexibility: be able to bend the body downward, forward, and to the side by bending at the spine and waist; be able to flex and extend all joints freely.

  3. Strength: be able to raise objects (25+ lbs) from a lower to a higher position or move objects horizontally from position to position frequently and greater weights occasionally; possess mobility, coordination and strength to push, pull, or transfer heavy objects weighing 150 lbs. frequently and greater weights occasionally.

  4. Motor Skills (These skills require coordination of both gross and fine muscular moment and equilibrium): possess manual dexterity, mobility, and stamina to perform CPR for extended periods of time; be able to seize, hold, grasp, turn, apply pressure, and otherwise work with their hands; be able to make skillful, controlled manipulations of small objects in order to use medical equipment; be able to differentiate between normal and abnormal findings in human physical conditions by using visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile observations; be able to elicit information from the patient examination, using palpation, muscle strength assessment, joint range of motion measurement, and other evaluative maneuvers; be the first responder in a potentially catastrophic injury (e.g., in-line stabilization of the cervical spine, rescue breathing, obstructed airway management, and cardio pulmonary resuscitation); be able to execute movements required to provide therapeutic care, such as performing mobilization and wound care techniques.

  5. Observation (Observation requires the functional use of vision, hearing, and somatic sensations): be able to participate in laboratory demonstrations; be able to observe and palpate a patient accurately to determine variations from normal and observe output readings to determine a patient’s condition and the status of a treatment.

  6. Auditory Ability & Visual Acuity: possess sufficient hearing to assess a patient’s needs, make fine discriminations in sound, follow instructions and communicate with other health care workers; possess the visual acuity to read, write, and assess the patient and the environment.

  7. Communication: possess verbal/nonverbal and written communication skills adequate to exchange ideas, detailed information, and instructions accurately; be able to read, comprehend, write legibly, and communicate effectively (both orally and in writing); be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients to elicit information regarding mood, activities, and health complaints, as well as perceive nonverbal communications; be able  to communicate effectively and efficiently with other members of the health care and athletic community to convey information essential for safe and effective care; be able to read, communicate in writing, and demonstrate computer literacy to complete assignments; be able to communicate with accuracy, clarity, efficiency, and sensitivity.

  8. Interpersonal Skills: be able to interact purposefully and effectively with others; be able to convey sensitivity, respect, tact, and a mentally healthy attitude; be oriented to time, person, place and not mentally impaired to make decisions that would immediately impact the health of others by prescription or nonprescription mind-altering substances; possess sufficient emotional stability to be able to perform duties in life or death situations and in potentially dangerous social situations, including caring for injured individuals in hostile environments; be able to handle stress and work well as part of a team.

  9. Intellectual Abilities: be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships of structures; be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize information in a timely fashion; be able to synthesize knowledge and integrate the relevant aspects of a patient’s history and examination findings to develop an effective treatment program.

  10. Behavioral & Social Attributes: possess the psychological ability required to exercise good judgment; possess the psychological ability required to promptly complete all responsibilities inherent to the assessment and care of patients; possess the psychological ability required to develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients; be able to tolerate physically and mentally taxing workloads; be able to adapt and display flexibility (e.g. changing environment, practice schedule, travel); be able to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients; be able to demonstrate ethical behavior, both in laboratory classes and during their clinical experience; be able to respond with precise, quick and appropriate action in emergency situations including, but not limited to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); possess the ability to function safely, effectively, and make and execute quick, appropriate and accurate decisions under stress.

Adapted from the: NATA Education Council Guidelines. Accepted applicants to the MAT program are required to verify that they understand and meet these essential functions, or that they believe that with certain accommodations they can meet the standards.

Any student with a disability who is accepted to the MAT program must contact Student Disability Services (SDS) in the TTUHSC Office of Student Affairs as soon as possible. SDS staff will determine whether the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws and work with the program faculty to determine reasonable accommodations, taking into account whether accommodations would jeopardize clinician/patient safety or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all course work, clinical educational experiences, and internships deemed essential to graduation. Students are required to read and sign the MAT program technical standards form and to update their responses on this form if their health status changes. Students who require accommodation to meet the technical standards must obtain verification by the authorized institutional office (see above) as defined by the sponsoring institution policy that proper accommodation has been provided for the student to meet the standard.


Transfer Policy

Students who wish to transfer to one of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Health Professions (SHP) programs from an equivalent degree program must meet the specific program’s admissions criteria and be subjected to the same admissions process as a traditional applicant. Transfer students may be eligible for a waiver from classes taken at their previous institution. The student must provide supporting documents specified by the program for courses to be waived. The decision to allow the student to waive the course will be made by the program director on a case-by-case basis. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admissions.

Admission to the Program

The athletic training program begins the Tuesday after Memorial Day each year. Class size is limited and the admissions process is competitive.

The following is required for an individual to be considered for the MAT program:

  • Completion of the TTUHSC Master of Athletic Training application
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A complete essay
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • A minimum cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.
  • A “C” or better in all prerequisite courses
  • Verification of completed athletic training observation hours post-high school (minimum of 50 hours completed with credentialed athletic trainer)

Additionally, the following information must be provided prior to a student’s matriculation in the MAT program:

  • Completed Technical Standards form
  • Verification of all required immunizations

All applications to the MAT are submitted through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS) https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login and a School of Health Professions supplemental application www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/admissions/application.aspx. The deadline for the receipt of the application, supporting documentation, and application fee is March 15th. Applicants will need to plan accordingly. It is in the best interest of the applicant to apply as early as possible (typically, applicants who apply by December 1st get full consideration for available scholarships). It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all application materials have been received by the SHP Office of Admissions prior to the application deadline.


Qualified candidates selected by the Athletic Training Admissions Committee will be contacted for an interview. Fulfillment of the basic admissions requirements does not guarantee admission. Acceptance into the MAT program is based on a holistic scoring system including grade point average (cumulative and prerequisite courses), completion of all prerequisite courses, athletic training observation/experience, essay, letters of recommendation, and interview scores.


Prerequisite Courses

Applicants must have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, complete the application process (outlined above), and have completed or plan to complete all prerequisite courses with a 2.7 G.P.A. on a 4.0 scale and a “C” or better prior to enrollment.

To qualify for admission, applicants must have completed or planned to complete all prerequisite courses from a regionally accredited two-year college or college/university in the United States prior to enrollment. International students, please visit 
https://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/admissions/international_applicants.aspx .


Prerequisite Course
Semester Hours
Human Anatomy (or A&P I)
3-4
Human Physiology (or A&P II)
3-4
Exercise Physiology
3
Biomechanics/Kinesiology
3
Nutrition3
Statistics
(1 course to include descriptive statistics, correlation, & introduction to inferential statistics or research design)
3
Biology with lab
(2 semester sequence with lab is recommended)
3-4
Chemistry with lab
(2 semester sequence with lab is recommended)
3-4
Physics with lab
(2 semester sequence with lab is recommended)
3-4
General Psychology3-4                                         

Total Hours = 30-36

*Recommended Course: Technical Writing
*If prerequisite courses have not been completed in the last seven years, program director approval for acceptance of courses may be required.

MAT Curriculum (Class of 2025 and beyond)

FIRST-YEAR
Full Summer Semester Courses
Credit Hours
HPAT 5100      Professional Development1
HPAT 5311      Acute and Emergency Care3
HPAT 5500      Human Anatomy                                                                            5

Total Hours = 9
Fall Semester Courses
Credit Hours
HPAT 5209      Clinical Practice I2
HPAT 5211      Evidence-Based Practice Clinical Reasoning2
HPAT 5305      Biomechanics3
HPAT 5314      Therapeutic Exercise and Strength Training3
HPAT 5425      Lower Quarter Assessment and Manual Therapy                           
4

Total Hours = 14
Spring Semester Courses
Credit Hours
HPAT 5212      Clinical Practice II2
HPAT 5218      Physical Agents and Modalities2
HPAT 5235      Pharmacology2
HPAT 5306      Advanced Therapeutic Interventions3
HPAT 5426      Upper Quarter Assessment and Manual Therapy                                                                4

Total Hours = 13       

SECOND-YEAR
Summer I Semester Courses
Credit Hours
HPAT 5208      Nutrition and Enhanced Sports Performance2
HPAT 5227      CMDT2
HPAT 5098 Practicum or HPAT 5099 Independent Study (optional)                                          Variable 1-6

Total Hours = 4-9 

Fall Semester Courses
Credit Hours
HPAT 5220      Health Care and Business Management 2
HPAT 5307      Clinical Practice III3
HPAT 5313      Behavioral Medicine3
HPAT 5330      Primary Care and Clinical Pathology                                                                                                  3

Total Hours = 11          

Spring Semester Courses
Credit Hours
HPAT 5224      Special Populations in Health Care
2
HPAT 5230      Athletic Training Review2
HPAT 5249      Health Informatics and Sports Science2
HPAT 5328      Clinical Practice IV                                                                              3

Total Hours = 9

Total = 60



During professional studies, students are required to adhere to all university, school, department, the TTUHSC Student Affairs Handbook Code and Academic Conduct, and program policies, including academic and behavioral guidelines as stated in this catalog and the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences Student Handbook. Expenses (i.e., travel, bags, clothing, criminal background check, immunizations, etc.) associated with clinical experiences and the program are the responsibility of the student. Information regarding expenses may be found on the MAT program website.


  • HPAT 1002 Foundations for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (0:0:0,O)

    An introduction to broad concepts related to interprofessional core competencies for healthcare providers.

  • HPAT 5098 Practicum in Athletic Training (1-6:0:1-6,F)

    (V:1-6) A hands-on athletic training related experience designed to meet the individual needs of the student.

  • HPAT 5099 Independent Study in Athletic Training (1-6:0:1-6,F)

    This course involves an independent project designed to meet the individual student’s needs and/or interests. This may include, but is not limited to, a research project, course/skill review, or laboratory teaching assistants (anatomy or other courses).

  • HPAT 5100 Professional Development (1:1:0,F)

    This course introduces future clinicians to the concepts of professionalism, professional associations, and leadership as they relate to the practice of athletic training. Additional emphasis will be on the core documents which guide the profession of athletic training, principles which govern ethical decisions, and ethical issues related to health care providers.

  • HPAT 5208 Nutrition and Enhanced Sports Performance (2:2:0,F)

    Survey of the concepts of sports nutrition germane to the patient/client and the role of dietary supplements and performance enhancing substances in the recovery and return to participation process.

  • HPAT 5209 Clinical Practice I (2:1:17-27,F)

    A directed and supervised clinical education opportunity consisting of simulation, observation, and an athletic training clinical experience (including a one-week immersive experience). Contact hours may vary based on the clinical placement.

  • HPAT 5211 Evidence-Based Clinical Reasoning (2:2.5:0,F)

    This course prepares students to critically appraise peer-reviewed scientific literature, develop the knowledge and skills needed for evidence-based practice, and apply evidence to athletic training practice. The goal of the course is for students to become confident practitioners who are able to effectively ground clinical practice in established and emerging evidence.

  • HPAT 5212 Clinical Practice II (2:1:17-27,F)

    A directed and supervised athletic training clinical experience including a one week immersive experience and mini-rotations in orthopedic and non-orthopedic medicine. *An immersive clinical experience is a practice-intensive experience allowing students the opportunity to engage in the totality of care provided by athletic trainers. Contact hours may vary based on the clinical placement.

  • HPAT 5218 Physical Agents and Modalities (2:1.5:3,F)

    This course presents material that allows development of clinical skills fundamental to patient management for the athletic trainer. This course emphasizes instruction in physical agents and modalities available to the practicing athletic trainer, including electrophysiology, thermal agents, laser, traction, electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback, compression, alternative and palliative care, soft tissue modalities, and the practical usage of each agent or modality.

  • HPAT 5220 Health Care and Business Administration (2:2.5:0,F)

    Business principles and concepts associated with health care are examined in relation to the practicing athletic trainer. Topics include business processes common to all business entities with an emphasis on the unique aspects of healthcare delivery, compliance, payment and daily operational tasks.

  • HPAT 5224 Special Populations in Health Care (2:3:0,F)

    Survey of the health conditions across the lifespan including pre-adolescent, adolescent, and geriatric populations. Includes discussion of social determinants of health; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and other aspects of patient identity. Additional emphasis on specific patient health concerns including adrenal diseases, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurocognitive diseases, obesity, osteoarthritis, and mental and physical disabilities.

  • HPAT 5227 Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment (2:3:0,F)

    This course is a basic introduction to radiology and orthopedic imaging interpretations, as well as emerging practice techniques. Course content includes medical and surgical management of common musculoskeletal issue. Conditions are presented as they relate to athletic training intervention.

  • HPAT 5230 Athletic Training Review (2:2:0,F)

    Graduate seminar focusing on current issues in athletic training and preparation for athletic training credentialing exam(s).

  • HPAT 5235 Pharmacology (2:2:0,F)

    This course provides a survey of pharmacology and covers key concepts related to the cellular actions, therapeutic uses, and side effects of major drug classes used in humans and relevant to the practicing athletic trainer. Basic principles of pharmacology are addressed with focus on the mechanisms of action of classes of drugs and effects of specific drugs on the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, immune, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and other body systems.

  • HPAT 5249 Health Informatics and Sports Science (2:2:2,F)

    An introduction to health informatics and sports science, including information management, hardware components, software applications, laboratory and field-based tools and instrumentation, electronic health record systems, and related concepts.

  • HPAT 5305 Biomechanics (3:3:0,F)

    Biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system and integrated human movement with clinically relevant applications.

  • HPAT 5306 Advanced Therapeutic Interventions (3:2.5:3,F)

    Advanced application of musculoskeletal injury prevention and management techniques and strategies. Includes the use and application of advanced therapeutic and corrective exercise, functional and activity specific exercise, performance enhancement strategies, movement training, soft tissue techniques, and contemporary interventions.

  • HPAT 5307 Clinical Practice III (3:1:24-40,F)

    A directed and supervised athletic training clinical experience including both traditional and immersive experiences which closely align with the student's professional goals. The student is afforded the opportunity to engage in the totality of care provided by athletic trainers. Contact hours may vary based on the clinical placement.

  • HPAT 5311 Acute and Emergency Care (3:2:3,F)

    A classroom and practical study in emergency and acute care situations. Emphasis is placed on evaluation and management of patients with acute conditions and implementation of triage strategies for life-threatening and/or emergent conditions. .

  • HPAT 5313 Behavioral Medicine (3:3:0,F)

    Exploration of the development and integration of behavioral, psychosocial, and biomedical science knowledge and techniques relevant to the understanding of health and illness. Content includes behavioral medicine-related condition prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.

  • HPAT 5314 Therapeutic Exercise and Strength Training (3:2.5:3,F)

    This course includes study of the fundamental principles of therapeutic exercise and contemporary strength training and conditioning. Includes analysis of the conceptual, theoretical, and technical considerations of assessing, designing, and implementing rehabilitation, strength training, and conditioning program.

  • HPAT 5328 Clinical Practice IV (3:1:40,F)

    A directed and supervised athletic training clinical experience including both traditional and clinical capstone immersion experiences which closely align with the student's professional goals. The student is afforded the opportunity to engage in the totality of care provided by athletic trainers. Contact hours may vary based on clinical placement.

  • HPAT 5330 Primary Care and Clinical Pathology (3:1.5:3,F)

    A classroom and practical study of the athletic trainer’s role in the primary care of patients. Emphasis is placed on the study of clinical pathology to understand the cause/effects of disease/illness, management and intervention strategies for disease/illness, including evaluation and analysis of diagnostic assessments, pharmacological therapies, and return to participation criteria.

  • HPAT 5425 Lower Quarter Assessment and Manual Therapy (4:3:4,F)

    This course focuses on patient evaluation, assessment and manual intervention of musculoskeletal conditions in the lower quarter as it relates to functional limitation and movement dysfunction.

  • HPAT 5426 Upper Quarter Assessment and Manual Therapy (4:3:4,F)

    This course focuses on patient evaluation, assessment and manual intervention of musculoskeletal conditions in the upper quarter as it relates to functional limitation and movement dysfunction.

  • HPAT 5500 Human Anatomy (5:6:10,F)

    Integrated study of gross human anatomy embodying gross morphology and coordinating with development and histological aspects of the body. Included is regional dissection with emphasis on integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory and respiratory systems.