Athletic Training, MS

Accreditation

The Department of Kinesiology & Military Science offers a program leading to the Master of Science degree in Athletic Training. The Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), 2001 K Street NW, 3rd Floor North, Washington, DC 20006.

Mission Statement

The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Master of Science in Athletic Training Program is devoted to excellence in instruction, research, and service. The Athletic Training Program provides a challenging, comprehensive, and student-centered learning environment preparing students to excel at the professional level as a productive and engaged athletic trainer. As the only accredited program located in South Texas that is also a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), the program is committed to providing educational opportunities for all communities with the goal of increasing the educational achievements of all students, regardless of background.  

The program incorporates the values of a supportive academic and clinical community, which promotes professional leadership and ethical conduct through an abundance of active learning opportunities creating life-long learners. Students are prepared for employment in a variety of athletic training settings. Students obtain the skills to collaborate with local and global allied healthcare partners creating an interprofessional team designed for high quality comprehensive patient care. Graduates of the program are prepared to serve various patient populations in culturally competent and responsive manners.

Program Description

The Master of Science in Athletic Training Program is a selective and competitive admissions program. The Master of Science in Athletic Training Program (MS in AT Program) is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The MS in AT Program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is a two-year, 57-credit hour program consisting of formal classroom instruction and a wide variety of hands-on experiences. This may include clinical time with the institution's NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports teams as well as several other activity organizations such as cheer, dance, ROTC and the campus recreation center. In addition to on-campus experiences, students get hands-on clinical experience at affiliate sites including physical therapy clinics, orthopedic clinics, family practice clinics, and local high schools. Upon completing the degree program, students will have met the CAATE educational requirements and are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) national examination to practice Athletic Training. Students would also be eligible for Texas Licensure for Athletic Training, or other state licensure programs outside of Texas.

Students will be held to the standards provided by the CAATE. New requirements/standards from the CAATE may result in programmatic changes which may not be reflected in the current catalog. All updates will be posted on the website and in the student handbook immediately.  Any changes will be reflected in the catalog as soon as possible. The MS in AT Program administrators and faculty will do their best to implement any changes in a timely fashion in the least disruptive method possible for students.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Athletic Training Program will:

  1. Apply appropriate preventative techniques, bracing, or taping to reduce the frequency or severity of athletic injuries.
  2. Perform a clinical evaluation of an athletic injury, formulate a clinical impression of the diagnosis, and make appropriate referral to physicians or other healthcare professionals as needed to assist the patient.
  3. Provide immediate care to athletic injuries, including the use of standard emergency procedures.
  4. Administer a therapeutic treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning program to facilitate the recovery, function, and performance of the patient.
  5. Establish and manage policies and procedures for the delivery of healthcare services while following accepted guidelines to promote safe participation, timely care, and legal compliance.

Academic Standards

Students will progress through the Athletic Training curriculum in a cohort model. Courses are designed in a specific sequence and students are required to progress through the designed curriculum with specific requirements. Please see the MS in Athletic Training Handbook posted on the program's website regarding programmatic progression, retention, and dismissal policies (https://gradcollege.tamucc.edu/degrees/education/athletic_training.html).

Students can earn a maximum of two (2) Cs to remain in the program.  If a student earns more than two (2) Cs or below at any time during the program, the student will be dismissed from the program, even if the GPA does not fall below 3.0.

All requirements, including coursework at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, must be completed within seven (7) calendar years from the date of initial enrollment in coursework.  

Progression, Retention, & Dismissal

All students must meet the standards for minimal performance and progression as outlined in the Graduate Academics and Degree Requirements section of this catalog.

Students who drop a course or do not enroll in a semester in which they are eligible to enroll will only have access to subsequent courses in their area of study when space is available.  Therefore, it is highly recommended that students consult the graduate athletic training academic advisor or the Athletic Training Program Director before withdrawing from any course.

Students may be dismissed from the program without previous warning for unsafe and/or unprofessional behavior identified by Athletic Training program administrators and faculty.  The conduct of athletic training students should meet ethical standards as defined by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Code of Ethics.  Personal integrity is reflected in professional judgments.  Consequently, the MS in Athletic Training program reserves the right to dismiss students from the program for unprofessional or unsafe behavior.  Please see the MS in Athletic Training Handbook for the Code of Ethics and examples of violations.

Experiential Learning

Students in the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program will participate in didactic and clinical educational experience. During the clinical educational experiences, students will adhere to the NATA Code of Ethics. Students will be engaging with patients within the community and should conduct themselves as an allied health care professional. Students will be evaluated on their clinical behavior and knowledge by preceptors. If a student receives unsatisfactory evaluations, the student will be placed on a remediation plan.

Fitness to Practice

In addition to meeting or exceeding academic standards, students pursuing the MS in Athletic Training must meet fitness to practice standards that are assessed by faculty and/or preceptors throughout the program.

These standards include demonstration of physical skills, competencies, and assessments in their interaction with others, proficiencies for the CAATE competencies and standards, and the requirements to practice as an Athletic Trainer in the State of Texas.  In addition, students must demonstrate professionalism as outlined in the MS in Athletic Training Handbook.

At regular intervals throughout the program, students will be evaluated regarding their clinical knowledge and professionalism by preceptors and/or faculty. Students who fail to demonstrate competency and/or professionalism may receive a program violation and/or may be required to enter a remediation plan in order to remain in the program. If a remediation plan is developed, students must demonstrate satisfactory remediation prior to being allowed to continue towards graduation. Specific information concerning fitness to practice and codes in which students are expected to conform may be found in the MS in Athletic Training Handbook.

Advising

Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this catalog. Students are advised; however, that such information is subject to change without notice. Therefore, students should consult with appointed academic advisors each semester prior to registration. Students should be aware that courses are offered in a specific sequence in a cohort model.

Admission Requirements

The Athletic Training Program is a selective and competitive admissions program due to CAATE accreditation standards. The College of Education and Human Development graduate admissions requirements are specified in the COEHD's Graduate Policies and Regulations section of this catalog.  Additional MS in Athletic Training requirements and restrictions are listed below: 

1.  Applicants must have completed prerequisite courses as outlined in the MS in Athletic Training Handbook except as noted below.  The applicant's prerequisite GPA may be utilized to evaluate competitive admission.​

a. Applicants who have taken coursework with similar content with different course titles may request a course evaluation by the Athletic Training Admissions Committee (ATAC).  Applicants must submit the course syllabus and/or course description to the committee for review.  The ATAC will make the determination regarding acceptability of such courses towards a candidate's application.

b. Applicants who are in the process of completing prerequisite courses at the time of application may be accepted to the program on conditional admission status.  Please see Conditional Admission section below.

c. Applicants lacking one prerequisite course may be selected for admission to the program on a conditional admission status; however, the student must take the prerequisite course during the first semester following admission in addition to the two required program courses.  Please see Conditional Admission section below.

2.  Applicants who meet previous criteria will participate in an interview with the ATAC.

3. The ATAC will consider all professional and personal qualifications in determining applicants for admission to the program.  Minimally meeting the required admissions criteria does not guarantee automatic admission to the program.  The MS in Athletic Training is competitive and only a limited number of students will be admitted each year.  The number of admitted students will be determined by the number of faculty, available space to facilitate learning, and by the number of clinical preceptors available for adequate supervision. 

Individuals who are denied admission twice are ineligible for reconsideration for admission.

Conditional Admission

Students may be admitted conditionally at the discretion of the Athletic Training Admission Committee (ATAC).  (See "Conditional Status" in the Admission section of the catalog.)  Students who do not meet the 3.0 Overall GPA criteria, have earned below a 3.0 in the required prerequisite courses, are in the process of completing prerequisite courses, are missing a prerequisite course, or are missing documentation in their admission file may be granted conditional admission as determined by the ATAC.  Students will receive a program admissions letter outlining the terms of their probational admission, a timeline for the conditional admission, and outlined criteria required to satisfy the probational admission decision.

All conditionally admitted students will be required to take SMED 5310:  Evidence-Based Practice,  SMED 5341:  Law and Ethics in Athletic Training in their first semester, and SMED 5300 Clinical Anatomy in their first summer.  Students must earn a B or better in each SMED course to progress in the program.  Failure to earn a B or better in SMED 5310, SMED 5341, and SMED 5300 and maintain a 3.0 GPA or better will result in dismissal from the MS in Athletic Training program.  

Students who do not meet the 3.0 overall GPA criteria, do not meet the 3.0 prerequisite GPA criteria but have completed all prerequisite courses, or are in the process of completing prerequisite courses will satisfy the conditional admissions criteria by taking the two listed SMED courses above and earning a B or better in each course and will be required to maintain a 3.0 GPA or better to remain in the program. Additionally, students who are in the process of completing pre-requisite courses when an admissions decision is made will be required to submit an official transcript demonstrating successful completion of the coursework and must earn a 3.0 prerequisite GPA to remain in the program.

Students who are missing a prerequisite course, will be required to complete the prerequisite course (in addition to the two required SMED courses) during their first semester in the MS in AT Program. Students will be required to complete the missing prerequisite coursework with a grade of C or better and a resultant average prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or better will have their admission revoked.

Students who have missing documentation in their admissions file may be granted conditional admission at the discretion of the ATAC. To satisfy the terms of the conditional admission, students must produce the remaining documentation by the time listed on the program admissions letter (or the end of the academic term) or their admission will be revoked.

Transfer Credit

Due to the accreditation standards set forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), all courses must be taken when students are enrolled in the MS in AT program at TAMUCC.  No transfer credit will be accepted. 

Program Requirements

Core Courses
SMED 5100Emergency Care and Response 12
SMED 5200Taping, Bracing, and Preventative Care2
SMED 5300Clinical Anatomy3
SMED 5310Evidence Based Practice3
SMED 5312Research Capstone3
SMED 5313Biological Statistics3
SMED 5321Lower Extremity Assessment, Evaluation and Management3
SMED 5322Upper Extremity Assessment, Evaluation and Management3
SMED 5323Head, Neck & Spine Extremity Assessment, Evaluation and Management3
SMED 5324General Medical Conditions3
SMED 5331Therapeutic Intervention I3
SMED 5332Therapeutic Intervention II3
SMED 5333Pharmacology3
SMED 5334Emerging Practices3
SMED 5335Athletic Training Seminar3
SMED 5341Law & Ethics3
SMED 5342Behavioral Health Interventions3
SMED 5343Administration, Leadership, & Professional Development in Athletic Training3
Clinical Experience - Internship Courses
SMED 5101Athletic Training Clinical Experience I1
SMED 5102Athletic Training Clinical Experience II1
SMED 5103Athletic Training Clinical Experience III1
SMED 5104Athletic Training Clinical Experience IV1
SMED 5105Athletic Training Clinical Experience V1
Total Hours57
1

Course will be taken twice (summer of 1st year and repeated summer of 2nd year). 

National Certification for Athletic Trainers

Students in their last semester of completing their degree are permitted to apply to take the certification exam prior to graduation provided all academic and clinical requirements of the CAATE Accredited Program have been satisfied or will be satisfied during their last semester, and students have successfully completed the program exit exam. Students can apply to the Board of Certification (BOC) electronically at http://www.bocatc.org.

Texas Licensure for Athletic Trainers

Students may apply for the licensure examination prior to their graduation if they are within two semesters of completion of their degree. Eligible students can apply to the Texas Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers electronically at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/at/at.htm.

Courses

SMED 5100  Emergency Care and Response  
1 Semester Credit Hour (1 Lecture Hour)  

SMED 5100 provides the skills needed by health care professionals who are trained to respond to breathing, cardiac, and other first aid emergencies. This includes the use of automated external defibrillation (AED), oxygen, suctioning, and airway management devices to care for a victim of breathing or cardiac emergencies. This course will be taken twice; once in the summer of first year in the program for initial certification and then again in the summer of the second year in the program for recertification.

SMED 5101  Athletic Training Clinical Experience I  
1 Semester Credit Hour  

SMED 5101 offers a field-based professional experience to provide students the opportunity to apply knowledge and theory related to the philosophy, principles, and competencies in the field of athletic training.

SMED 5102  Athletic Training Clinical Experience II  
1 Semester Credit Hour  

SMED 5102 offers a field-based professional experience to provide students the opportunity to apply knowledge and theory related to the philosophy, principles, and competencies in the field of athletic training.

SMED 5103  Athletic Training Clinical Experience III  
1 Semester Credit Hour  

SMED 5103 offers a field-based professional experience to provide students the opportunity to apply knowledge and theory related to the philosophy, principles, and competencies in the field of athletic training.

SMED 5104  Athletic Training Clinical Experience IV  
1 Semester Credit Hour  

SMED 5104 offers a field-based professional experience to provide students the opportunity to apply knowledge and theory related to the philosophy, principles, and competencies in the field of athletic training.

SMED 5105  Athletic Training Clinical Experience V  
1 Semester Credit Hour  

SMED 5105 offers a field-based professional experience to provide students the opportunity to apply knowledge and theory related to the philosophy, principles, and competencies in the field of athletic training.

SMED 5200  Taping, Bracing, and Preventative Care  
2 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5200 provides students with lab-based instructions and experiences to introduce the various products and equipment used in the development and construction of pads and braces for injury prevention during sport and physical activity. Students will learn how to apply taping, bracing, bandaging and padding techniques that are common practice in Athletic Training.

SMED 5300  Clinical Anatomy  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5300 provides students with the foundational knowledge of students entering the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program.  The course is designed to review and build upon students' previous knowledge of muscular and joint anatomy, manual muscle testing, and sensory innervations.

SMED 5310  Evidence Based Practice  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5310 prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to make independent judgments about the validity, results, and application of clinical research and to implement evidence-based clinical practice in their careers.

SMED 5312  Research Capstone  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5312 provides students with an intellectual opportunity to integrate their knowledge of research basics and clinical skills, with a possibility for publication or presentation.

SMED 5313  Biological Statistics  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5313 presents a study of the basic biological statistical concepts and their application to research problems in Athletic Training. Knowledge of biological statistics is imperative as students are required to participate in a case study, critically appraised topic, and/or research project. Students are encouraged to publish thus adding to the body of knowledge within Athletic Training. Topics will include issues related to descriptive and inferential statistics.

SMED 5321  Lower Extremity Assessment, Evaluation and Management  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5321 provides students with general knowledge of evaluation techniques of athletic injuries to the lower extremities including history taking, observation, palpation, neurologic and orthopedic testing as well as its acute management and documentation. Students will learn to utilize critical thinking skills to evaluate differential diagnosis and analyze the patient's signs and symptoms to defend a clinical diagnosis.

SMED 5322  Upper Extremity Assessment, Evaluation and Management  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5322 provides students with general knowledge of evaluation techniques of athletic injuries to the upper extremities including history taking, observation, palpation, neurologic and orthopedic testing as well as its acute management and documentation. Students will learn to utilize critical thinking skills to evaluate differential diagnosis and analyze the patient's signs and symptoms to defend a clinical diagnosis.

SMED 5323  Head, Neck & Spine Extremity Assessment, Evaluation and Management  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5323 provides students with general knowledge of evaluation techniques of athletic injuries to the head, neck and spine including history taking, observation, palpation, neurologic and orthopedic testing as well as its acute management and documentation. Students will learn to utilize critical thinking skills to evaluate differential diagnosis and analyze the patient's signs and symptoms to defend a clinical diagnosis.

SMED 5324  General Medical Conditions  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5324 will provide students with lectures, discussions, and laboratory activities concerning general medical conditions, evaluation techniques, and athletic injuries to internal organs. In addition, inter-professional working relationships with other health and medical professionals and the role of an athletic trainer within the healthcare system will be discussed and explored.

SMED 5331  Therapeutic Intervention I  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5331 provides the student with knowledge of current theory and application of therapeutic modalities used in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.

SMED 5332  Therapeutic Intervention II  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5332 provides the student with knowledge of current theory and application of therapeutic exercises and manual therapy used in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.

SMED 5333  Pharmacology  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5333 will include lectures and discussion of selected sports medicine topics focusing on pharmacology in athletics and activity. Students will examine different classes of medication and their impact on sports and exercise. In addition, inter-professional working relationships with other health and medical professionals and the role of an athletic trainer within the healthcare system will be discussed and explored. Written assignments are designed to provide the student with an opportunity to demonstrate their library research and written communication skills.

SMED 5334  Emerging Practices  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5334 provides students with creative, flexible, and innovative learning experiences on key emerging concepts and techniques that are newly arising within the field of Athletic Training. Content and instruction will examine new technology in the field, emerging theories, legal/ethical challenges, and changes, as well as other evolving issues within the profession of athletic training.

SMED 5335  Athletic Training Seminar  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5335 provides students with an organized study session to prepare students to be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) national examination. This course is in line with the 6th Role Delineation Study from the BOC.

SMED 5341  Law & Ethics  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5341 provides students with knowledge concerning the legal and ethical issues associated with the practice of athletic training and other health care fields. This course examines the legal principles including negligence, tort, and liability as well as other issues concerning those practicing athletic training. In addition, this course will examine moral and ethical issues in the field which may or may not align with the legal issues in the field. This course is designed to engage students in critical thinking and to challenge them to begin to think about their lives from a legal and ethical perspective.

SMED 5342  Behavioral Health Interventions  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5342 includes aspects of psychology for understanding and explaining behaviors in the context of exercise and sport. Discussions of identifying high-risk individuals, counseling, and referring individuals for help are emphasized. This course will also examine the relationships between psychological factors and human physical activity while obtaining peak performance. Evaluating published research, particularly theory and research methodology practices will be required. Motivational interviewing and behavioral change theory will be briefly discussed.

SMED 5343  Administration, Leadership, & Professional Development in Athletic Training  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

SMED 5343 provides the general knowledge and application of athletic training administration including facility design, insurance claims, liability issues, and injury and treatment records. This course is designed to engage students in critical thinking and to challenge them to begin to think about their lives from a professional leadership perspective. This course is in line with the current Role Delineation Study from the BOC.

SMED 5390  Special Topics  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Contemporary issues in Athletic Training: topics vary with professional identification of participants.

SMED 5696  Directed Individual Study  
1-6 Semester Credit Hours (1 Lecture Hour)  

requires departmental approval. Directed individual study will be designed to address problems by students with specific needs. May be repeated when topics vary. Programs will be designed for individual cases through special permission of the Department Chair and Dean.