Thank you for your interest in CBU’s Entry-level Master of Science degree program in Athletic Training.
Individuals who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from a CAATE-accredited athletic training curriculum and pass a national certification exam administered by the Board of Certification (BOC), Inc. The entry-level designation is given to those programs that have established standards for entry into the athletic training profession according to the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) at CBU is not currently CAATE-accredited but is seeking CAATE accreditation. The program is preparing to have a CAATE site visit during the first semester of eligibility (Spring 2009) in order to pursue accreditation.
Entry-level athletic training programs can be found both at the undergraduate and the graduate levels. Currently, there are fewer than twenty entry-level graduate programs in the United States. CBU’s ATEP is the first entry-level master’s program in California and one of only two in the Western United States
The academic program is a two-year sequence of didactic and clinical experiences intended for college graduates who hold a bachelor’s degree and meet the prerequisite requirements for admission. Educational courses are offered in a traditional format on the Riverside campus of California Baptist University. Clinical experiences involve hands-on application of skills within a variety of experiences at CBU, as well as with local high schools, rehabilitation clinics, physicians’ offices, and other affiliate sites. All students are required to complete a minimum of 875 clinical education hours over a two-year period under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. All students will complete clinical rotations in equipment and modalities, general medicine, lower extremity injury, and upper extremity injury.
In addition to being offered in the dynamic atmosphere of one of the fastest growing Christian universities in the western United States, CBU’s ATEP offers you the following distinctive benefits:
Diverse Clinical Experiences
Students complete a minimum of four (4) clinical experiences while in the two-year MSAT program. Each experience will provide exposure to different professional athletic training settings. One of the strengths of this program is that the clinical sites provide athletic training students exceptional experiences that will enhance their learning and prepare them beyond the classroom. Individuals will serve as athletic training students in junior college, university, high school, clinic, and hospital environments at various sites near the CBU campus.
Professional Preparation
CBU designed the ATEP to prepare students not only for the BOC, Inc. certification exam but also as highly skilled athletic trainers who possess the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the demands of this competitive profession. Once certified, students are qualified to work in secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports, sports medicine clinics, and industrial/military settings.
Whole Person Care
The Athletic Training Students (ATS) at CBU are trained to be allied health professionals who give comprehensive care to the person in need, not just the injury or illness. As a Christian university, we look at the example Jesus gave in modeling whole person care. Our ATSs will be taught to not only look at the physical impediment but also see the person that needs care.
Job Opportunities
CBU is aware that many students have a need to work while earning their degree. Because of CBU’s unique relationship with the SPORT clinic in Riverside, CA, ATSs may be able to apply for part-time employment. These are positions available with and paid through the SPORT clinic to work with local high schools as first-aid responders. While, they are not required by the ATEP, they provide great learning opportunities. (Note: Only Approved Clinical Instructor/Clinical Instructor supervised hours can be applied to the ATEP. First-aid responder hours cannot be applied to the ATEP requirements.)
Nicole MacDonald, Dr.P.H., ATC, CSCS
Director, Athletic Training Program
* The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) at CBU is not currently CAATE-accredited but is seeking CAATE accreditation. The program is preparing to have a CAATE site visit during the first semester of eligibility (Spring 2009) in order to pursue accreditation.