College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Master of Athletic Training

The Drake University Master of Athletic Training program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), located at 2001 K Street NW, 3rd Floor North Washington, DC 20006; (512) 733-9700; website https://caate.net/. The program is accredited through the 2025-2026 academic year. A required comprehensive accreditation review will be conducted during the 2025-2026 academic year, with a self-study due date of July 1, 2025, and an on-site visitation scheduled in consultation with the institution.

Program Objectives and Outcomes

1. Students will show comprehension of required competencies and proficiencies in athletic training that allows successful completion of the degree program.
   • Express competency of pre-requisite scientific knowledge.
   • Recall foundational concepts of athletic training.
   • Students will successfully enter and matriculate through the graduate program.
2. Recruit and develop passionate faculty and preceptors with complementary expertise who will engage students in innovative and demanding didactic and clinical education experiences while providing valuable service and scholarship to the University and profession.
   • Faculty will provide a classroom environment that allows students to grow.
   • Preceptors will provide clinical education opportunities that allow for growing autonomy as necessary skills are developed.
   • Preceptors will assist the students in the discovery and implementation of evidence based medicine in their practice.
3. Provide a clinical environment that will empower students to develop the strong skills and independence necessary to practice athletic training in a variety of settings through the recruitment and continuous training of high quality preceptors in a variety of disciplines.
• Employ prevention, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation techniques for injuries and illnesses common in active populations.
• Formulate clinical treatment plans using evidence-based medicine.
• Use patient outcomes to determine quality of care.
• Utilize proper medical terminology in effective verbal and written communication.
4. Provide students with diverse education that allow them to be active learners, scholars, and future leaders.
   • Consume, reflect and summarize evidence based medicine related to athletic training clinical practice.
   • Collaborate on and produce independent research.              
   • Critically think and problem-solve in professional settings.
5. Develop the structure of a sound graduate program in athletic training that produces students with the ability to contribute to the profession in post-graduate settings.
   • Practice effectively in post-graduate jobs and post-professional settings.
   • Achieve timely and appropriate post-graduate placements in clinical and educational settings.       
   • Continue life-long learning and advocate effectively for the profession.

Admission

Admission to the Drake University Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program is based on academic and personal qualifications that are necessary for successful, competent practice as an athletic trainer. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of the fit between their personal goals and the mission and goals of the MAT program.  Prior education, work experience, honors, awards, service to others and leadership activities are also considered in the admission process.

Students can apply to our MAT program by meeting the following requirements.  Please note that these are the requirements applicants must meet in order for their applications to be considered complete.  Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission to the MAT program.  

• Submit an application through the Centralized Application Service for Athletic Training (ATCAS)
• Complete the required Drake-specific questions within the ATCAS application.
• Complete at least 3 years of undergraduate coursework (92 credit hours)
• No minimum GPA is required, although a 3.0 prerequisite GPA (as calculated in ATCAS) is considered competitive.
• 50 hours of observation or shadowing in an athletic training setting is recommended, but not required.  All applicants will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of athletic training settings during the interview process.
• Complete (or be in the process of completing) the prerequisite coursework outlined in the table below.  All required courses must be completed by the end of the summer term prior to entering the MAT program.

Students must earn a grade of C or higher in order to receive transfer credit and fulfill prerequisite courses.  Please see Drake University's Transfer Credit Information page or contact the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at (515) 271-3018 for more information.  Students who wish to fulfill prerequisites using Advanced Placement (AP) scores must earn a 4 or higher on the AP exam.  Please see Drake University's AP, IB and CLEP Credit policy or contact the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for more information. 

Drake University's Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program operates on a rolling admission process.  We will interview and admit students until the A1 class is full and a sufficient number of applicants have been identified for the wait list.  We recommend submitting application materials early in order to ensure your application is processed and considered in a timely manner.  Students with strong applications and academic credentials will be invited to complete the second phase of the admission process, which includes a scored on-campus interview and a scored writing assessment.

Enrollment Requirements

Upon admission to Drake University's Master of Athletic Training program, students must

• Submit acknowledgement that they have read and understand the program's Technical Standards
• Provide proof of CPR certification
• Pass a criminal background check
• Provide an official health certification
• Submit a copy of immunization record
• Pass a drug screening
• Submit a copy of health insurance
• Complete HIPAA, FERPA, bloodborne pathogen and mandatory reporter training

Curriculum

Master of Athletic Training with Evidence Based Health Care Certificate

Master of Athletic Training with Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics

To view the remaining MS HIA requirements that should be taken in the above course slots, see the Drake MS HIA curriculum pages. Students may take summer course work or courses the semester after graduation to complete the MS HIA.