Athletic Training
Master of Athletic Training (M.A.T.)
Graduate Major
Grand Rapids • Face to face • Hybrid • 59 Credits
Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals dedicated to the prevention, assessment, management, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions related to physical activity.
Overview
The two-year Master of Athletic Training program, (M.A.T.) offered by the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, integrates a strong theoretical foundation with in-depth clinical practice, equipping students with essential skills and knowledge for professional success. Through extensive hands-on experience and rigorous coursework, students develop effective injury prevention, emergency care, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation skills, preparing them to make an immediate impact in diverse athletic and clinical settings.
This student-centered program ensures personal attention from faculty members in all courses and labs, with ample opportunities for research. Students benefit from extensive hands-on service learning in diverse clinical settings, using state-of-the-art equipment and instructional materials. Graduates consistently achieve high pass rates on the Board of Certification exam for athletic trainers. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.
Athletic training students will engage in coursework covering a range of essential areas, including prehospital care, general medical conditions, injury assessment, and therapeutic interventions. The curriculum also includes pharmacology, psychosocial intervention, statistics, and evidence-based practice, ensuring a comprehensive education that prepares students for diverse aspects of athletic training.
Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training
200 CHS
301 Michigan St. NE
(616) 331-3515
gvsu.edu/athletictraining
Program Director
Shari Bartz-Smith, Ph.D.
[email protected] | (616) 331-3044
Application Deadline
A fully completed application must be submitted by October 15 for priority consideration. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through April 15 or until all positions have been filled. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.
Career Opportunities
Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Instructing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 38,944.07 | 10% |
| $ 43,671.70 | 25% |
| $ 51,382.70 | 50% |
| $ 65,829.52 | 75% |
| $ 82,071.75 | 90% |
Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 43,150.40 | 10% |
| $ 48,126.85 | 25% |
| $ 57,405.45 | 50% |
| $ 64,738.79 | 75% |
| $ 83,095.34 | 90% |
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.
Top skills- Instructing
- Service Orientation
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 19,780.53 | 10% |
| $ 28,433.09 | 25% |
| $ 43,305.19 | 50% |
| $ 59,145.73 | 75% |
| $ 90,490.63 | 90% |
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
"One of the Best Value Colleges in Michigan"
By Direct Parent
Sate-of-the-Art Facilities
The MAT Program is part of the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. The MAT Faculty offices can be found on the second floor of Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences (CHS). All MAT program coursework is located at the Health Campus on the Medical Mile in Grand Rapids, MI. The health campus is comprised of CHS and Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health. Students pursuing the combined degree will have their undergraduate coursework on the Allendale Campus as they complete their Clinical Exercise Science Degree. Once a combined degree student starts their MAT coursework, they will be moved to downtown Grand Rapids Health Campus.
Combined Degree Programs
Qualified undergraduates may choose to pursue an accelerated bachelor/master combined program and obtain both a B.S. and Master of Athletic Training within an accelerated time frame, usually five years. Students who choose to apply to this program may take graduate courses after being admitted to the Master of Athletic Training professional program and completing at least 90 undergraduate credits.
Accreditation
The Grand Valley State University Athletic Training Program is a CAATE accredited program that is Active in Good Standing.
Request Information