Athletic Training

From the sidelines and locker rooms to hospitals and clinics, the demand for athletic trainers is rising in the United States. If you have a passion for an exciting and growing career, Drake’s athletic training program is for you.

Learn to lead

As a student in Drake's Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program you’ll gain knowledge and experience needed for a successful career within AT, including individual and team athletics, clinical practice, hospital-based practice, school-based practice, occupational health, and many other opportunities.  

Our program places a distinct emphasis on developing entrepreneurial leaders committed to advancing the AT profession. Through a curriculum rich with high-impact teaching practices, you will become a capable communicator, problem solver, and decision maker with competence in professional, team-based, patient-centered care, practice management, and advocacy.

Getting started

You can enter Drake’s MSAT program via the pre-AT program. In this five-year program, you’ll spend your first three years at Drake completing the necessary math, science, and liberal arts coursework for successful admission into the professional MSAT program. Once you begin the professional program, you’ll spend two years completing master’s level courses in athletic training. Along with your master’s degree, you will also earn your Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. You may enter the pre-AT program directly from high school or as a transfer student. You can also enter directly into the professional MSAT program through a separate admission process, outlined on the MSAT website.

Put your knowledge to work

You’ll begin your experiential education with job shadowing and career exploration in the pre-AT program as you complete your bachelor’s degree. Once admitted to the professional program, you’ll be in the field for three full-time, immersive experiences. During these clinical rotations, you will work with patients and enhance your knowledge base through hands-on involvement.

Of course, you’ll benefit from the experiences that all Drake Bulldogs enjoy—mentorship from professors at the top of their field; résumé-worthy internships, research experiences, and other professional preparation; opportunities to learn while serving the community; and January Term experiences that immerse you into the fascinating topics—and locations—you choose.

Opportunities abound

As a student, you’ll choose from a wide range of curricular options that allow you great latitude in directing your professional career. Career opportunities for athletic trainers are growing more quickly than the average for most professions. The job outlook for athletic training is projected to grow 21 percent from 2014 to 2024. As a Drake graduate, you will be recognized for your commitment to advancing your practice, supporting your community, and advocating for your patients and profession.

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