Athletic Training, MATR

Department of Physical Therapy Chairperson: Allison Hyngstrom P.T., Ph.D.

Athletic Training Program Director: Christopher F. Geiser, Ph.D., L.A.T., P.T., A.T.C

Vision

Our vision is to build upon a Catholic, Jesuit education that is genuinely transformational, so that our students graduate not simply well educated and effective Athletic Trainers, but also better people; and to do so with such excellence that when asked to name the best entry-level Master of Athletic Training programs in the United States, people will include Marquette University.

Department of Physical Therapy Mission

To prepare future health care practitioners and researchers with an education rich in clinical experiences, community outreach and research opportunities to develop leaders guided by the values of “Cura Personalis.”

Program Mission

The Master of Athletic Training program at Marquette University supports the missions of the university and the College of Health Sciences to graduate professionals who reflect strong, Judeo-Christian Jesuit-based values and entry-level professional competence. The program strives to educate students who will develop into professionals that are knowledgeable of current practices and trends, skillful in applying their knowledge and flexible in their relationship with others. It is the mission of the program that these students will become practitioners who are self-directed lifelong learners, who continually strive to advance their knowledge and skills, and who understand the social, political and economic forces that impact the profession.

Philosophy

The Master of Athletic Training program is committed to providing a generalist athletic training education to qualified students who have completed a rigorous blend of prerequisite basic science course work. The goal of the master’s degree curriculum is to develop the Jesuit ideals of cura personalis (care for the total person) and men and women for others, and to integrate these ideals into the effective delivery of care for athletes and active individuals.

The teaching-learning process is recognized as a dynamic interaction of shared responsibility among the academic faculty, clinical faculty and students. The program supports the educational view that students learn in a multitude of ways, necessitating a variety of learning experiences. These experiences are important for the development of a life-long autonomous learner who is self-motivated, self-directed and able to construct knowledge, not just absorb it. Faculty members are resources and role models in the development of these traits.

Each faculty member accepts the responsibility of being a role model by maintaining personal clinical competence, providing quality instruction, contributing to the general body of knowledge, showing professionalism, respecting the dignity of others and being advocates for patient and professional causes. Finally, they help students to become educated members of society, active members of their profession and role models for peers and future Athletic Trainers.

Expected Global Student Outcomes

  1. Marquette Master of Athletic Training graduates demonstrate technical proficiency in the field of athletic training as outlined in the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education’s Standards for Accreditation of Professional Athletic Training Program.

  2. Marquette Athletic Training graduates apply critical thinking and evidence-based decision making in creating and implementing plans of care for both athletic and general populations with a variety of both acute and chronic conditions.

  3. Marquette Athletic Training graduates exhibit values consistent with the Jesuit tradition of lifelong service and caring for others through the safe and ethical practice of athletic training as outlined by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification (NATABOC).

Program Objectives

  1. To provide a generalist athletic training graduate education to qualified students who have completed a rigorous blend of prerequisite course work.
  2. To develop the Jesuit ideals of cura personalis (care for the total person) and men and women for others, and to integrate these ideals into the delivery of healthcare for active and athletic populations.
  3. To recognize and take an active role in the dynamic and interactive teaching-learning process with shared responsibility among the academic faculty, clinical faculty and students.
  4. To support the concepts of multiple learning styles and contextual learning in efforts to assure the development of a life-long autonomous learner who is self-motivated, self-directed and able to absorb, construct and internalize knowledge.
  5. To assure each faculty member accepts the responsibility of being a role model by maintaining personal clinical competence, providing quality instruction, contributing to the general body of knowledge, showing professionalism, respecting the dignity of others and being advocates for patient and professional causes.
  6. To mentor students to become educated members of society, active members of their profession and role models for peers and future Athletic Trainers.

Academic Regulations: Pre-Professional Phase

Freshman Admission Requirements

Students may be admitted to the program as freshmen with a guaranteed admission to the professional phase after junior year for students who successfully meet all requirements for advancement. Guaranteed admission cannot be extended if requirements are not successfully completed in the three-year pre-professional phase.

High school applicants to the Master of Athletic Training program are expected to fulfill the general admissions requirements listed in the university section of this bulletin. In addition, the following specific items should be noted for admission to Athletic Training:

  1. One year of high school chemistry and biology is required. Applicants should include trigonometry among the three required units in mathematics because trigonometry is a prerequisite for General Physics at Marquette.
  2. Due to limited space in the Direct-Admit program, previous experience in settings in which athletic trainers' function is strongly recommended.
  3. Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits may be applied toward Master of Athletic Training pre-requisite courses. Note: AP and IB credits awarded by MU are credit-bearing only and are not included in grade point average (GPA) calculations.

Requirements for Admission to the Professional Phase

Students admitted to the Direct-Admit Master of Athletic Training program (as an incoming freshmen or transfer applicant) must meet all requirements for advancement to the professional phase, which include:

  1. A 2.800 or greater cumulative grade point average in the specified 34 minimum credits of Master of Athletic Training prerequisite course work or equivalent courses consisting of BIOL 1001, CHEM 1001, CHEM 1002, PHYS 1001, PSYC 1001, EXPH 2110, EXPH 2115, EXPH 2045, BISC 1035, medical terminology and a statistics course (minimum of 34 credits).1 (Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits may be applied towards M.A.T.R. pre-requisite courses. AP and/or IB credits awarded by MU are credit-bearing only and are not included in grade point average (GPA) calculations.)
  2. A grade of C of better in all Master of Athletic Training prerequisite courses.1
  3. A demonstrated plan for completion of a bachelor’s degree in August after the first year in the two-year professional phase of the Master of Athletic Training program. Students cannot proceed to the final year of the Master of Athletic Training program (summer, fall, spring) without completion of their bachelor's degree.

Following acceptance into the professional phase of the program, students follow the curriculum as outlined for the two-year professional phase unless prior approval is received from the program director.

Fulfillment of the above criteria is assessed on the day after final grades are posted for the spring term, prior to students entering the professional phase of the program in the summer of their third year. Students who have successfully met the requirements are guaranteed admission into the professional phase of the program with the class they entered as freshmen. Students failing to satisfy all requirements forfeit admission into the Master of Athletic Training professional phase.

Transfer Applicants

Marquette students who were not admitted as freshmen, but admitted to the Exercise Physiology major, may follow the EXPH/MATR option and can apply to join the direct-admit pathway into the professional phase of the program in their freshman, sophomore or junior year if there is available space in the program. Applicants are evaluated on a competitive basis. To apply for this internal window of admission, students need to track the Exercise Physiology major curriculum and meet or exceed all requirements for the undergraduate phase. Further details of entrance requirements are available on the Athletic Training website.

External transfer students with degrees completed (from MU or other institutions) and applicants in their final year at MU may also apply to the professional phase of the program. A minimum of 6 spaces in the program are reserved for applicants who have completed undergraduate degrees prior to enrollment in the Master of Athletic Training program. All external transfer applicants apply via the Athletic Training Central Application Service at atcas.liaisoncas.org. External applicants must complete the prerequisite requirements listed below with a minimum grade point average of 2.800 based on a 4.000 system.

Master of Athletic Training Prerequisites are as Follows

Biology (one semester with or without lab)3
General Chemistry (two semesters with lab)8
General Physics (one semester with lab)4
General/Introductory Psychology (one semester)3
Statistics3
Medical Terminology1
Exercise Physiology3
Anatomy and Physiology (two-semester course A&P sequence or separate semester courses)6
Kinesiology or Biomechanics (one semester with or without lab)3
Total Credit Hours:34

Essential Functions

Students are made aware as freshmen and prior to entering the professional phase that all students must be able to carry out the basic duties of a generalist Athletic Trainer with or without reasonable accommodation(s). A generalist Athletic Trainer is one who must demonstrate:

  • 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 norm.

  • 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. This includes the lifting and transportation of patients. This also includes the ability to successfully pass and maintain certification by the American Heart Association in one- and two-person adult CPR, infant and child CPR and the use of an automatic electronic defibrillator (AED).

  • 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 judgements and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language 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 education 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.

Students must sign the program’s technical standards document verifying that they meet the program's technical standards for admission into the Master of Athletic Training program. Before an offer for admission into the Master of Athletic Training can be formally accepted by students, they must submit a completed program physical exam form, signed by their healthcare provider, verifying that they meet the program’s technical standards. If they do not meet the technical standards as outlined, students must meet with the Master of Athletic Training program director and a representative from the Office of Disability Services, to determine if appropriate accommodations can be made which allow them to accomplish the occupational duties necessary to successfully navigate the educational program and to practice in the profession of athletic training. If such accommodations are not acceptable to the Master of Athletic Training program director, the offer of admission for the Master of Athletic Training is withdrawn.

Academic Regulations – Professional Phase

Students must complete the academic requirements of the Master of Athletic Training program within three years of admission to the professional phase of the program (summer after junior year for students in the direct-admit track). Failure to complete the Master of Athletic Training program requirements within the 3-year time limit may result in dismissal from the program. During the professional phase of the program students are considered in good academic standing if they comply with the academic standards printed in the Master of Athletic Training Student Handbook. Failure to meet the academic requirements results in probation or dismissal from the program.

Overview

There are certain categories of student performance problems that can lead to some form of censure. These problems may be identified at any point during the academic year, though a systematic review of all students' course grades is also conducted at the end of each academic term. The review of other, non-course grade problems is typically conducted on an individual basis as issues arise. A finding of significant problems in any of these areas can result in probation, suspension or dismissal, depending on the nature and severity of the problems identified. All of these statuses are maintained permanently on the students' academic record; only statuses that result in dismissal, however, appears permanently on Marquette University's official transcript. If students are reinstated following a dismissal, that notation also permanently appears on the official transcript. Refer to the "Transcripts-Official' section of the Health Sciences Profession policies for statuses that appear permanently on the official transcript.

Academic Censure (Dismissal/Probation/Academic Alert)

Academic Dismissal – Required to Withdraw for Academic Reasons (RWAR)

All students admitted to the Master of Athletic Training program must maintain good academic standing, as defined as the following:

  • A cumulative GPA at or above 2.800 by the end of the second term in the program and each term thereafter.
  • Final grades in all courses required for the Master of Athletic Training degree of at least C (no C-, D+, D, F, WA or WF grades) for graded courses; a satisfactory (S) in courses with an S/U grade basis; or satisfactory no credit (SNC) in courses with SNC/UNC grade basis.

Health Science Professional (HESP) students in the Master of Athletic Training program  (i.e., students with completed undergraduate degrees) who do not maintain good academic standing may be Required to Withdraw for Academic Reasons (RWAR). The Office of the Registrar (OTR) and the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) monitor the program academic requirements at the end of each term (fall, spring and summer). Students who do not meet these academic requirements are academically dismissed (coded as RWAR by OTR) and their record coded as failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) by OSFA. Students receive notification of RWAR and SAP via Marquette email. As per university email policy, students have the responsibility to monitor their email at all times. Students subject to RWAR/SAP may be dropped from any classes in which they are subsequently registered.

Undergraduate students in the Master of Athletic Training who do not maintain good academic standing are dismissed from the athletic training program. Undergraduate students who are not allowed to continue in the Master of Athletic Training program but remain in good standing at the university as an undergraduate student, are allowed to continue with their undergraduate degree course of study. Refer to the Master of Athletic Training Student Handbook for process to appeal a dismissal from the program.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

There are other SAP conditions for which students are responsible and are applied to all students in the program, both professional and undergraduate. Refer to the complete SAP policy on the OSFA website.

RWAR/SAP Appeal Process

Students must appeal both RWAR/SAP by sending one form, which addresses both RWAR and SAP issues. This is done via the Academic Censure form located on the Marquette Central academic forms website. The form includes all of the required information students must submit in order to have their appeal reviewed.

  • The form is submitted to Marquette Central for initial review for completeness of forms. Completed appeal forms are then forwarded to the program chair in Athletic Training (AT). The program chair, in consultation with the AT Academic Standards Committee, has the final decision on all RWAR/SAP appeals. The Academic Standards Committee may require a hearing with the student. See appeal hearing procedures in the Master of Athletic Training Student Handbook.

  • If the appeal is approved, students are reinstated on probation and the AT Academic Standards Committee establishes an academic probation plan for them to regain their satisfactory academic and degree progress standing and their eligibility for financial aid is restored.

  • The plan must be measurable and ensure that students are able to meet Marquette's SAP standards by a specific point in time. Plans include courses to be taken, expected grades and a time frame to complete the outlined objectives.

  • The plan is monitored by the AT Academic Standards Committee.

  • Should students not fulfill all of their academic obligations as outlined in the academic probation plan, their performance is evaluated by the committee and additional action may be taken, including the College Academic Alert (see below); however, students are again coded with SAP for that term.

Athletic Training Probation and College Academic Alert (CAA)

Probation

  • Automatic probation based on GPA – Students in the Athletic Training program are allowed one instance of automatic probation for a single term grade point average (GPA) between 2.700 and 2.800 if all required courses are completed with a grade of C or better or S/SNC for non-graded courses. To return to good academic standing, the average GPA of the term resulting in automatic probation and the next graded term must be equal to or greater than 2.800.
  • All students for whom conditions of probation have been established are subject to committee review and possible CAA action should they fail to fulfill the specific terms of probation. Conditions of probation may be prescribed in writing at the time of the admission or readmission (including readmission from RWAR). Conditions may also be prescribed in writing in the case of students whose course performance or failure to follow academic advice warrants such action at any time during the program.

Failure to meet the requirements of probation may lead to College Academic Alert (see below).

College Academic Alert (CAA)

Academic performance is monitored carefully by the Athletic Training (AT) Academic Standards Committee and students either not maintaining steady progress or not demonstrating adequate achievement are barred from future registration in the program by College Academic Alert (CAA) action. During the professional phase of the program, students may be placed on College Academic Alert (CAA) for the following:

  • A single term GPA below 2.700
  • Failure to maintain conditions of probation

It is possible that students are barred from registration for academic reasons even though the student’s cumulative GPA exceeds 2.800. Students concerned about their academic progress should consult the program chair.

Students placed on College Academic Alert cannot register for subsequent courses in the Athletic Training program and are removed from any such classes for future terms in which they are registered. Students are notified by letter or email of the committee’s decision and of the appeal process. Undergraduate students that are not allowed to continue in the Athletic Training program, but remain in good standing at the university, are allowed to continue in their undergraduate degree course of study.

Academic Dismissal – Professional Integrity           

Students may be dismissed from the Athletic Training program for failure to maintain professional integrity standards, which may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Failure to comply with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Code of Ethics and the NATA Standard of Professional Practice in either on- or off-campus settings.
  2. Failure to comply with learning objectives set forth in a professional behavior learning contract between the student and the program.
  3. Failure to complete their undergraduate degree by the end of the second summer session in the professional phase of the Master of Athletic Training degree.
  4. Clinical misconduct, including, but not limited to:
  • Conduct that constitutes harassment, threats or abuse of, or discrimination against peers, faculty, patients or others.
  • Provision of any services in the Master of Athletic Training program, including laboratory experiences in courses, while under the influence of an illegal substance and/or alcohol.
  • Breach of patient/client confidentiality.
  • Failure during a clinical experience, to comply with the policies and procedures of the clinical facility or organization.
  • Failure to comply with the Master of Athletic Training program policies and procedures outlined in the Master of Athletic Training Student Handbook. 

Violations of the professional integrity requirements results in a hearing with the Athletic Training Academic Standards Committee. Findings of misconduct to self, faculty, the university clinical placements and/or patient may result in failure in the assignment, failure in the course or dismissal from the program. For instances of dismissal from the program, a notation of “Required to Withdraw for Professional Integrity Reasons” is placed on the student’s permanent academic record and transcript.

Academic Dismissal - Academic Misconduct

Dismissal for academic misconduct (RWAM) is determined per the Academic Misconduct policy found in the  Health Sciences Professional policies. Once this determination has been made, students are dismissed from the university. This action results in ineligibility to register at Marquette. Reinstatement criteria for students who are dismissed, if applicable, are outlined in the dismissal notice. If students are allowed to return to the university, a permanent notation of ‘Reinstated to the University’ appears on the academic record and Marquette’s official transcript.

Absences

Students who are ill or anticipate absence for a family emergency must contact the Athletic Training program office immediately. All students must consult with the instructor of the course(s) missed for makeup, if necessary. Absences of two or more weeks, regardless of the reason, during the two-year professional phase of the Master of Athletic Training program may be considered as grounds for repeating the entire term.

Anticipated absences from clinical experiences must be approved in advance by the Athletic Training Clinical Education Coordinator (CEC) at Marquette University and the center coordinator of clinical education at the clinical site. Unapproved absences are not acceptable and may lead to dismissal from the clinical site. Emergency absences, illness, etc., are circumstances usually considered to be acceptable absences if they are substantiated by the coordinators.

Accreditation

The Master of Athletic Training program was re-accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) during the 2020-2021 academic year for the maximum time frame of 10 years. The next re-accreditation assessment (comprehensive program review) occurs in the 2030-2031 academic year. Students are free to contact CAATE with questions or concerns by email (info@CAATE.net) or phone at 844-GO-CAATE (844-462-2283).

CR/NC Grade Option

University guidelines allow junior and senior students to elect one course per term (to a maximum of four courses) for which only a CR or NC grade is assigned, given certain requirements are met. Refer to the CR/NC option entry in the university section of this bulletin for the specific requirements. The CR/NC option is not available for any course that is a prerequisite for the Master of Athletic Training program or any course required in the professional phase of the program.

Course Sequence

Professional phase courses taken early while a student is in the pre-professional phase must be completed with a grade of C and a minimum 2.800 GPA for all professional phase courses completed in a given term. If only one professional phase course is taken in a given term, a grade of B is required to exceed the requirement of a 2.800 GPA per term. Taking courses early and out of sequence is discouraged. Students who fail to meet these requirements may be placed on academic probation and are required to retake professional phase courses.

Emergency Care, CPR and Safety

All clinical sites provide the students with safety information including emergency procedures. There may be potential health risks at a clinical site. Students are required to complete yearly OSHA training. Students are not employees of the facility and are not covered by workman’s compensation. Students provide proof of health insurance but should also be aware that they are responsible for the cost of any emergency care, unless the injury or illness was due to negligence on the part of the facility. In non-emergency situations, students should expect to be responsible for their own medical care while off campus.

All Master of Athletic Training students are required to attend and provide documentation of completion of yearly OSHA training sessions, which assures that they have received training on OSHA guidelines for blood borne pathogens and universal precautions.

Certification in Basic Life Support

Certification in basic life support that includes child, infant and both one- and two-person adult CPR along with automatic external defibrillator (AED) training is required prior to the start of the Master of Athletic Training first summer session and must be maintained by all students throughout the duration of the Master of Athletic Training program. Failure to maintain current certification may be considered clinical misconduct and result in academic dismissal procedures. Students should contact their local Heart Association or Red Cross offices.

Examinations

Students who miss a final examination without prior approval from the course director, risk the loss of credit and the possibility of not being able to enroll in subsequent Master of Athletic Training courses. All such cases are evaluated by the Athletic Training program director.

Liability Insurance

Even though the university has liability insurance on students while they are in clinical practice situations, some facilities require students to have an additional liability policy. This type of insurance can be obtained through the insurance company used by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association by student members of the association, or through an alternate company if acceptable to the Athletic Training program and the clinical site.

Policy for Students Requesting Accommodations

It is the responsibility of students to utilize the Office of Disability Services to identify and request reasonable accommodations in the classroom or laboratory. Students are encouraged to be proactive in addressing their learning needs and to discuss their needs with their instructors as early as possible at the beginning of each term.

Tuition/Financial Aid for Professional Phase

From a program standpoint, students in the direct-admit athletic training program are considered in the pre-professional phase for Years 1-3 and the professional phase for Years 4-5. Direct-admit students are charged normal undergraduate rates of tuition for Years 1-4 and are eligible for financial aid as undergraduate students. Direct-admit students are then charged a year-round tuition rate in the final (fifth) year of the Master of Athletic Training program (billed 1/5 summer, 2/5 fall, 2/5 spring). Students who enter the Master of Athletic Training program with a completed undergraduate degree, are charged the year-round tuition rate for each year of the two-year program (1/5 summer, 2/5 fall, 2/5 spring).

Withdrawal from the Master of Athletic Training Program

Withdrawal from the program in either the pre-professional phase (for students in the direct-admit) or the professional phase (two-year Master of Athletic Training) is achieved through a written request submitted to the director of the Athletic Training program. Any student considering withdrawing from the athletic training program is encouraged to meet with the director of the Athletic Training program and their adviser prior to making a final decision. Withdrawal prior to completion of the undergraduate degree may result in delays in graduation, depending on sequence of course work to be completed. If withdrawing from the Master of Athletic Training program results in students withdrawing from all courses at the university, they must complete the University Withdrawal form, found on the Marquette Central website.

For additional information on other College of Health Sciences policies, refer to the Policies tab.