Admissions Requirements

• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or international equivalent.
• An undergraduate major in the health sciences is preferred, but this is not a mandatory requirement.
• There is no minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement for admission. Applicants ordinarily have a cumulative and combined science GPA of at least 3.0. However, prospective students with lower GPAs are encouraged to apply. In exceptional cases, the program may approve admission by reason of special backgrounds, abilities, and interests. 

• Foundational knowledge is required for admission consideration. Listed below are the subjects and corresponding number of credits applicants must complete before enrollment. For applicants on a trimester schedule, 5-to-6 quarter hours at minimum satisfy a prerequisite.
  • Anatomy and Physiology (lab optional): 3-4 credits
    • May be completed in various departments such as anatomy, biology, health science, integrative physiology, kinesiology, or neuroscience. 
  • Biological Science (lab optional): 3-4 credits
    • May be completed in a department of anatomy, biology, or neuroscience.
  • Chemistry (lab optional): 3-4 credits
  • Physics (lab optional): 3-4 credits
  • Psychology: 3 credits
  • Statistics: 3-4 credits
• A minimum letter grade of C is required in each course linked to this list. Furthermore, coursework in these subjects has a five-year currency. This currency requirement may potentially be waived for an applicant who has been working full-time and continuously in the healthcare field since completing the coursework. Although completion of coursework is not required until the time of enrollment, no more than two courses specifically linked to this prerequisite list can be outstanding at the time of application.
• Advanced placement credit accepted at an undergraduate institution can satisfy a number of prerequisites, including biological science, chemistry, psychology, and statistics courses. College-Level Examination Program credit may also satisfy course prerequisites. 

The following coursework is not required, but strongly recommended.

• Basic Emergency Care: 1-4 credits
• Biomechanics: 3 credits
• English Composition or Intensive Writing: 3 credits
• Exercise Physiology: 3 credits
• Medical Terminology: 1-4 credits
• Nutrition: 3 credits

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission. If applicants have taken the GRE, we advise that they share their score(s). If applicants have not taken the GRE but have SAT and/or ACT scores, we advise that they be shared. However, the SAT and ACT are not required for admission.

Test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) may be required for international applicants. See GCAC-305 Admission Requirements for International Students for more information.

Shadowing/observational experiences are not required for admission but are recommended. In applicable cases, applicants have the option to provide evidence of having completed shadowing/observational hours. Ideally, these experiences would be under the supervision of a professional in good standing with the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (verification can be done through the organization's directory).  

A personal statement must accompany application materials and include why an applicant is pursing the degree program, with focus on how their background and interests match well with the curriculum. Applicants should also preset a brief summary of short- and long-term goals relevant to career planning.

A letter of recommendation from two different references is required. Letters should focus on the applicant's academic, professional, and personal attributes as well as potential for successful graduate study. Potential references may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• An athletic trainer you interacted with during a shadowing/observational experience
• A faculty member from your college/university studies
• A supervisor/employer from and internship, job, specialized support group, or other activity

• Selected candidates will be required to meet with the admissions panel for a personal interview. The panel looks for attributes such as maturity, empathy and compassion, motivation, ability to communicate, cultural sensitivity, critical thinking skills, and potential to achieve career fulfillment as an athletic trainer. 
• Interviews may be conducted in-person or remotely, and provide an opportunity for candidates and the panel to interact.
• Discussion will center on how the program’s mission and applicant’s goals align. Additional dialogue will include rationale for entering the profession and pursing a degree at Penn State.

Applicants offered admission to the Master of Athletic Training program must review the technical standards deemed essential for successful completion of the curriculum. Prior to and every semester after enrollment, students are required to attest that they meet the technical standards either with or without reasonable accommodations. Upon completion of the attestation, Penn State reserves the right not to admit any applicant who cannot meet the technical standards. This right to not admit or the right to rescind admission applies in cases where reasonable accommodation cannot be provided, would result in a fundamental alteration to the technical standards, or would compromise patient/client care or the safety of the prospective and/or currently enrolled students.

In addition to these admission requirements, participating clinical education sites (on- and off-campus) may require specific background checks and/or medical clearances in order to host a student for experiential learning purposes. Examples include screening of state or federal criminal records and vaccination records. Sites may choose to deny a student’s placement in their facilities based on the information in these records. Such instances may create a barrier for students to satisfy compulsory clinical education activities and therefore not complete degree requirements necessary for graduation.

1. All candidates must first submit their materials through the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service. 
2. Candidates selected for admission must then complete a secondary application through The Penn State Graduate School.