Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)

The post-professional graduate Athletic Training Education Program has been preparing students for a career in Athletic Training for over 20 years and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) as an advanced degree (post-certification) program in athletic training. The student entering this program receives a Master of Science degree in athletic training and can expect to complete the requirements in one calendar year. Students graduating from the program will be eligible to receive national certification as a Performance Enhancement Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Students will learn how to use the same Optimum Performance Training Model used by the NASM for training Olympic and professional athletes. In addition, students perform original research through the creation of a thesis, complete a cadaver anatomy course and take courses that enhance leadership skills. This program is a post-professional graduate athletic training education program and the student must have passed the Board of Certification (BOC) examination or have completed the requirements to take the certification examination. The graduate athletic training student can expect to complete the academic coursework in one calendar year, which starts in June of each year and ends in the following May. Graduate students have an opportunity to apply for a graduate assistantship, which will defray the cost of tuition and provide a stipend. This clinical experience is not required to enroll in the program. Graduate assistantships occur from mid-August to approximately the end of May the following year. Clinical experiences take place at area high schools, local colleges and California University of Pennsylvania.

Traditional with online and distance education (web-based) offerings

• Solid background in athletic training
• Graduate School Application plus $25 nonrefundable application fee
• Program application and essay
  
• Official transcripts/baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Two letters of recommendation
• BOC certified or have completed exam requirements (students must sit for the exam as many times as possible before August camps)
• Minimum overall undergraduate 3.00 GPA
• Eligible for Athletic Training Credential from Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine
• Emergency cardiac care certification prior to start of assistantship
• Liability insurance prior to start of assistantship
• Appropriate clearances prior to start of assistantship
  

Graduate assistantships are available and will be appointed based on qualifications and experience.

Thomas F. West, PhD, ATC
724-938-5933
west_t@calu.edu

http://www.calu.edu/academics/graduate-programs/athletic-training/index.htm

School of Graduate Studies and Research
California University of Pennsylvania
Eberly 202B
250 University Ave.
California, PA 15419
724-938-4187
http://www.calu.edu/prospective/graduate/index.htm

Thomas F. West, Ph.D., ATC, Penn State University; Professor, Program Coordinator
Bruce D. Barnhart, Ed.D., ATC, West Virginia University; Professor
Carol M. Biddington, Ed.D., West Virginia University; Assistant Professor
William B. Biddington, Ed.D., ATC, West Virginia University; Professor
Shelly Fetchen DiCesaro,Ph.D., ATC,University of Pittsburgh;Instructor
Marc S. Federico, DPT, MPT,Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania; Assistant Professor
Rebecca A. Hess, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh; Professor
Barry E. McGlumphy, Ed.D., ATC, University of Pittsburgh; Associate Professor
Michael Meyer, Ph.D., ATC, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Assistant Professor
Linda Platt Meyer, Ed.D., ATC, Duquesne University; Associate Professor
Jamie Weary, DPT, ATC, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania; Assistant Professor
Ellen J. West, Ed.D., ATC, West Virginia University, Associate Professor
Ed Zuchelkowski, Ph.D., West Virginia University; Professor