Mission, Vision, Core Principles, Goals

MAT Mission

In keeping with the mission of the University of Mobile and the College of Health Professions, the mission of the Master of Athletic Training is to challenge each student to become their best self: intellectually, spiritually, and culturally. This path to personal growth and an understanding of God’s purpose is designed to lead the student towards becoming an informed member of society within the athletic training profession. 

The ultimate goal for each student is to successfully pass the Board of Certification exam and seamlessly transition into the world of healthcare. It is the hope of the university, faculty and staff that each student will be prepared to collaboratively work with all health care professionals to provide, administer and manage the health care of patients across a lifespan; to participate in research and other activities designed to advance the quality of athletic training services; and to be advocates in building a solid foundation for future professionals, clients and the public regarding the profession of Athletic Training.

 Vision

 University of Mobile’s Master of Athletic Training program is committed to enriching the field of athletic training through the development of future world changers who embody the spirit of Christ.

Core Principles

Professional proficiency, Academic Competency, Leadership, Communication

Program Goals and Objectives

Goal 1: Professional proficiency

Program Objectives

1. The graduate athletic training student will recognize professional and ethical standards of all healthcare specialties. (CAATE: PD)
2. The graduate athletic training student will be able to demonstrate quality healthcare that assists patients, communities, and populations with ever-changing needs across the life span in health promotion, injury/ disease recognition and evaluation, rehabilitation. (CAATE: PHP)

• • Throughout the lifespan (for example, pediatric, adult, elderly),
  • of different sexes, 
  • with different socioeconomic statuses,
  • of varying levels of activity and athletic ability (for example, competitive and recreational, individual and team activities, high- and low-intensity activities),
  • who participate in non-sport activities (for example, participants in military, industrial, occupational, leisure activities, performing arts)                             

3. The graduate athletic training student will recognize the role of the athletic trainer in injury documentation, health informatics, organization and administration as a critical component of the healthcare system. (CAATE: HA)

Goal 2: Academic Competency

4. The graduate athletic training student will demonstrate the ability to provide acute care of injuries, immediate emergent interventions, and decisions related to transportation or referral. (CAATE: AC)
5. The graduate athletic training student will demonstrate the ability to complete a comprehensive review of systems to effectively evaluate and diagnosis. (CAATE: CE)
6. The graduate athletic training student will be prepared to successfully pass the BOC exam on the first attempt.
7. The graduate athletic training student will demonstrate the ability to incorporate therapeutic interventions (rehabilitation, modalities, activities, techniques and medications) that assist the patient in healing. (CAATE: TI)

Goal 3: Leadership

Program Objectives

8. The graduate athletic training student will demonstrate common values of the athletic training profession, as documented in the Foundational Behaviors of Professional Practice document: (CAATE: PD).
   • Primacy of the Patient
   • Team Approach to Practice
   • Legal Practice
   • Ethical Practice
   • Advancing Knowledge
   • Cultural Competence
   • Professionalism

9. The graduate athletic training student will demonstrate knowledge in the process of expanding research for best practices. (CAATE: EBP)

• creating a clinically relevant question;
• searching for the best evidence;
• critically analyzing the evidence;
• integrating the appraisal with personal clinical expertise and patients’ preferences; and
• evaluating the performance or outcomes of the actions

Goal 4: Communication

10. The graduate athletic training student will develop integrative and analytical thinking skills as evidenced by written and oral communication skills.
11. The graduate athletic training student will develop effective communication skills to assist patients with mental health strategies. (CAAT: PS)

• State-of-the-art Center for Excellence located on campus that houses 10 high fidelity manikins used for patient encounters
• Gross anatomy class offered in the second semester
• Students enter as a cohort every June and move as a unit throughout the program
• Maximum cohort is 14 per class, which allows for a 1:14 student to teacher ratio
• 62 credit hour program
• On campus and online courses available
• Variety of clinical sites located within 15-20 miles of the university
• Clinical sites available in high schools, sports medicine clinics, surgery centers, physical therapy clinics and emergent sites
• Multiple clinical immersion opportunities

Potential Job Opportunities for Certified Athletic Trainer’s

• College and Universities Intercollegiate Athletics
• Rural and Urban Hospitals
• Emergency Rooms
• Urgent or Ambulatory Centers
• Law enforcement
• Military
• Industrial settings
• Occupational Health departments
• Manufacturing, distributing, or assistance with ergonomics
• Performing Arts
• Physician Offices
• Professional and Olympic Sports
• Public and Private Secondary Schools (Middle or High Schools)
• Youth leagues or independent sports facilities
• Sports Medicine Clinics
• Physician Extenders
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Medical Fitness
• Wellness and Physical Therapy clinics

Job Settings for Certified Athletic Trainer’s (as reported by the National Athletic Trainers Association)

19%     College/University
18%     Secondary Schools
17%     Clinic and Hospital
27%     Students
2%       Professional Sports
2%       Emerging Settings
Performing Arts
Public Safety
Military
Occupational Health

Undergraduate Pre-Athletic Training Track (4-year option)

Freshmen applicants must meet all requirements specific to the University.

Specific to the School of Health and Sports Science

1. Students will begin the Pre-Athletic Training track with the understanding that there is no guarantee that admittance into the Master of Athletic training program will be granted. Regardless of the student’s path, all aspects of the admission process must be followed. Only the top six performers of UM’s pre-athletic training track (Based off GPA, curriculum vita, letters of recommendation, observation hours accrued with a certified athletic trainer, and interview process) will be accepted.
2. Apply through ATCAS in the Fall of the senior year: https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/deeplink/programSearch/organization/5567509477217972368 with completed application and all documents submitted and accepted by posted deadline.

** Students will not be allowed to participate in intercollegiate athletics once the Master of Athletic Training program begins, regardless of the sport.

Transfer Undergraduate Students

All transfer students wishing to pursue the Pre-Athletic Training Track at the University of Mobile must complete all steps related to admission requirements for the university and the School of Health and Sports Science. Regardless of the time of admittance into the university, transfer students must complete all prerequisites prior to admission.

Specific to the University

Transfer applicants must meet all requirements specific to the University.

Specific to the School of Health and Sports Science

Transfer applicants must follow the following steps:

1. Admitted into the University of Mobile as an undergraduate student
2. Meet with advisor and MAT program director to determine the Pre- Athletic Training track for completion of degree requirements and prerequisites.
3. As with any route the student takes to apply for the Masters of Athletic Training- all prerequisites must be gained along with any core courses. Regardless of the student’s path, all aspects of the admission process must be followed.

Senior Year (Fall Semester)

1. Apply through in the Fall of the senior year https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/deeplink/programSearch/organization/5567509477217972368 with completed application and all documents submitted and accepted by posted deadline.

** Students will not be allowed to participate in intercollegiate athletics once the Master of Athletic Training program begins, regardless of the sport.

Graduate Student

Specific to the College of Health Professions/ School of Health and Sports Science

(The school will accept 14 total students per cohort)

1. Apply through ATCAS https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/deeplink/programSearch/organization/5567509477217972368 with completed application and all documents submitted and accepted by posted deadline.

** Students will not be allowed to participate in intercollegiate athletics once the Master of Athletic Training program begins, regardless of the sport.

For Undergraduate and Graduate International Students

** At this time, F1 visas cannot be granted for this program.

Steps to Application

Requirements:

1. Preferred overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
2. Preferred C or better on all prerequisite coursework
3. Total of 100 observational hours
4. Current CPR card
5. Completion of Technical Standards

ATCAS

The student should submit information for application through Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS). ATCAS simplifies the athletic training application process by allowing the student to apply to multiple programs with only one application. The application includes sections on biographical information, educational history and record, work and observation experiences, and a personal statement.

Steps for Application

1. Complete an ATCAS application and formally apply to UM-  https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/deeplink/programSearch/organization/5567509477217972368with completed application and all documents submitted and accepted by posted deadline.

• Provide Official transcripts and enter courses taken from each college/university attended through ATCAS
• Three evaluations (ATCAS generated) – one from Certified Athletic Trainer, one from Academic Advisor, and one from Faculty member within student’s major- these evaluations are available through ATCAS (UM students can obtain 2 evaluations from either the AT or the faculty member, but they must have 3 evaluations.)
• Complete the Technical Standards form on ATCAS
• Curriculum Vitae along with Personal Statement for Admittance detailing personal and professional goals. Personal statement should be at least 1000 words and focus on previous education, experience, professional interests in athletic training, professional goals, and finally what makes your application stand out above other applicants
• Submittal of Current CPR (Professional or BLS card)
• Submit total of 100 hours’ observation with a Certified Athletic Trainer. The hours must reflect the experiences the student obtained (i.e. sports covered, athletic training room, physician’s office, industrial setting, and clinic).
• Complete submittal questions

2. ATCAS will verify the student’s transcripts and complete a review
3. UM’s MAT admission committee will review the applicant’s submission and decide if the applicant meets the requirements for an interview
4. Notification for interviews will be sent via email or by phone. (Interviews are invitation only)
5. The student will meet either in person or via Zoom for the formal interview with the MAT admission committee.
6. The student will be made aware of the MAT admission committee’s decision via by email.
7. Once selected for admittance into the MAT program, the cost to secure a spot in the program- regardless of early or regular admission- is a 250.00 non-refundable fee that will go directly towards the student’s tuition for Term I.

Admission Timeline

• Early (Priority) Admission Window: September 1^st – November 1^st (deadline)
• Regular Admission Deadline – February 1^st (deadline)
• Rolling Admission until all 14 program spots are filled- closes April 30^th

Prerequisites Required

• Preferred overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
• Preferred C or better on all prerequisite coursework
• Preferred 3.0 on all prerequisite coursework

 Required Prerequisites- courses may be in progress at the time of application – admission is contingent upon completion with a preferred C or better on the following courses: 

• Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab- 4 hours
• Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab- 4 hours
• Psychology- 3 hours
• Kinesiology/Biomechanics- 3 hours
• Exercise Physiology- 3 hours
• Personal and Community Hygiene/Community Health- 3 hours
• Nutrition- 3 hours
• Physics I with Lab- 4 hours
• Statistics- 3 hours
• Sociology- 3 hours
• Biology I with Lab- 4 hours
• Biology II with Lab- 4 hours
• Research – 3 hours
• Chemistry I with Lab- 4 hours

Recommended, but not required

Medical Terminology

Epidemiology

Pathophysiology

** Course taken more than 7 years from time of application will not be accepted.

Post Admission Requirements

Upon acceptance into the MAT program, students will be required to submit the following documents to complete their admission packet: (This should be done prior to the first day of class)

1. The student will be enrolled in Typhon and can begin the process of uploading documentation
2. Transfer of Technical Standards can occur from ATCAS to Typhon
3. Upload Immunization form and verification of immunization records (MMR) Rubella, Measles, Mumps, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap), Tuberculin Skin Test (TST/PPD) and annual flu shot. Waivers of immunizations can also be attached.
4. Upload Current Professional Rescuer CPR/ AED card- Adult/ Child/Infant/AED- submitted to ATCAS at time of application.
5. Upload Fingerprinting report (15.00) and Background Check (10.00) through Mobile Police Department or any facility that can validate.
6. Complete Proof of primary health insurance
7. Submit a clean 10-panel drug screen- at student’s expense- must not be beyond 60 days of starting Term I

Athletic Training Technical Standards Certification

Tuition & Fees

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Student Costs

The following is a list of additional estimated expenditures beyond those of tuition, room and board, if applicable, and fees for which athletic training students are responsible: 

 1. Purchase of appropriate athletic training attire such as polo’s, khaki pants, khaki shorts, and athletic shoes will be expected to participate in all clinical practicums. (200.00 a year) 
2. All costs incident to travel to and from clinical experience sites or special athletic training events such as field trips (25.00), SEATA conference (hotel and meals (75.00), and volunteer experiences. (50.00 a year) 
3. Costs incurred from vaccinations if no documentation of completed series or waiver is completed. (50.00 vaccine) 
4. Cost of taking BOC exam for certification in final semester of matriculation.  (330.00 each test) 
5. Cost of taking BOC Practice Exam- 2^nd attempt and beyond (30.00 each test) 
6. Cost of initial background check (10.00)- completed by Mobile police department 
7. Cost of fingerprinting (15.00)- completed by Mobile police department 

 MAT Absorbed Costs per student 

1. CPR recertification’s- after program starts
2. Drug Testing- after first semester
3. BOC Practice Exam- 1^st test only 
4. Typhon Group one time student fee of 90.00 
5. Initial UM polo and t-shirts to be given every Fall semester 
6. Fanny pack for clinical experience 
7. SEATA conference dues only