This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100
Austin, TX 78731-3184
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 “health care professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their education and training and the states’ statues, rules and regulations. As a part of the health care team, services provided by ATs include injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions” as defined by the Athletic Training Strategic Alliance (https://www.nata.org/about/athletic-training/athletic-training-glossary). 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
In July 2000, the Master of Athletic Training program at TTUHSC received notification from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) that TTUHSC had been granted approval to offer the Master of Athletic Training degree beginning in the Fall of 2000. With THECB approval the Master of Athletic Training program began working toward accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The MAT program was granted CAAHEP accreditation in January 2004. As of July 1, 2006 all athletic training education programs (including the MAT program) are accredited by CAATE. The MAT program received the maximum (10 year) continuing accreditation by CAATE in 2019.
Educational reform in the field of athletic training and the needs of the West Texas area have prompted the development of an innovative, modern educational program in the School of Health Professions at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. The Master of Athletic Training degree program is a 60-semester credit hour, two-year lock-step graduate program providing comprehensive exposure to the field of Athletic Training. Classroom, clinical laboratory and clinical experiences are integrated throughout the professional curriculum. Settings for clinical experiences include colleges, high schools, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, as well as physicians’ offices. By providing clinical experience early in professional education, students are able to integrate classroom and clinical skills. Students must pass a criminal background check in order to participate in clinical experiences. The program is housed on the Lubbock campus within the TTUHSC system. Upon graduation from the MAT program students will be eligible to sit for both the BOC and State licensure examinations, which vary by state. Individuals must pass these examinations before they are eligible to practice Athletic Training. Successful completion of the professional curriculum leads to a Master of Athletic Training degree.
Classes are limited to 25-30 full-time students to ensure optimal student/instructor ratios and to enable each student to receive comprehensive instructional and clinical experience. Students entering the program should have a laptop computer and be familiar with basic internet skills, including the use of e-mail, searching the world wide web, and using a basic word processing package.
Essential Functions
The Athletic Training Program (MAT) at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) and the athletic training profession in general is a rigorous and intense program that places specific professional, intellectual, physical, psychological, 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 patients. The essential functions 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 abilities an athletic trainer needs for safe practice and patient safety are those described below, in the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Educational Competencies, and in the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) Practice Analysis. The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Program, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Compliance with the program’s essential functions 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 they have:
- 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 normal patient.
- 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.
- 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 communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
- The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
- The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
- The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training program as outlined and sequenced.
- Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
- Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.
- The ability, at all times, to conduct themselves in a professional manner with a wide variety of individuals, including but not limited to, faculty, preceptors, colleagues, coaches, athletes and students.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- Auditory Ability & Visual Acuity: possess sufficient hearing to assess 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.
- 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 written); 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Code of Ethics (http://www.nata.org/codeofethics
);
NATA Education Council Guideline Technical Standards for Entry-level Athletic Training Education (http://www.nata.org/education/educational-programs/technical-standards
); Boston University Technical Standards (http://www.bu.edu/sargent/academics/programs/athletic-training/bachelor-of-science-in-athletic-training/technical-standards-and-reasonable-accommodations/
); Whitworth College Technical Standards (https://www.whitworth.edu/Academic/Programs/AthleticTraining/ TechnicalStandards.htm
); University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Department of EMS Paramedic Policy Manual p.11-12 (http://healthprofessions.uams.edu/files/2018/01/policy-manual-paramedic-2017-18.pdf
).
The list of common essential functions is not intended to be an all-inclusive list as to all activities that could be required of an athletic trainer to provide safe patient care in any environment. Any physical or intellectual disabilities must not pose a threat to the safety of the student, faculty, patients or other health care workers.
Accepted applicants to the MAT program are required to verify that they understand and meet these essential functions, or that they believe that with reasonable accommodations they can meet the standards.
The 504 coordinator in the TTUHSC Office of Student Services will evaluate a student who states he or she could meet the program’s essential functions with accommodation(s) and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws. If a student states he or she can meet the essential functions but needs accommodation, then the University will determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the essential functions with reasonable accommodation; this includes a review of whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, 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 essential functions/technical standards form and to update their responses on this form if their health status changes. Students who require accommodation to meet the essential functions/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 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 Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS) application and TTUHSC School of Health Professions supplemental 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 Essential Functions/Technical Standards form
- Verification of all required immunizations
All AT applications are submitted through ATCAS and the School of Health Professions supplemental application. Go to: www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/admissions/application.aspx. The deadline for the receipt of the application, supporting documentation, and application fee is February 1st (the application must be verified by ATCAS and the TTUHSC SHP supplemental application must be complete). Please note there is a lag in submitting your application to ATCAS and the application being verified. Applicants will need to plan accordingly. It is in the best interest of the applicant to apply as early as possible (December 1st). It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all application materials have been received by ATCAS and 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 |
| Nutrition | 3 |
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 Psychology | 3-4 |
| 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.
