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Athletic Training Students in Casting and Splinting Lab
Photo taken pre-pandemic

Updated: March 5, 2021

The University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) today announced its new accelerated Athletic Training (MS) program beginning fall term 2021. The establishment of the program is in response to a mandate by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education that all professional athletic training programs nationwide become master’s degree level programs by 2022.

Pitt’s new accelerated Athletic Training program is currently accepting applications for its fall cohort. The program will prepare students to become health care providers who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses. Students will develop cognitive skills, psychomotor mastery, and affective values as they pertain to the practice domains of the athletic training profession. The new AT program combines sound classroom education with invaluable clinical experiences, with a focus on producing highly successful and effective health care providers who will shape the future of the profession. 

“Since 2015, when the Athletic Training Strategic Alliance announced that all professional athletic training education programs be at the master’s level, the AT faculty at Pitt have been working towards the implementation of our new curriculum,” states Dr. Amy Aggelou, program director. “We are truly excited about the opportunities that this degree will have for our graduates. The program’s new structure allows for us to include educational and experiential opportunities that are typically elusive to students at the undergraduate level.” For example, during the last year of the program, students will spend time in a clinically-immersive practicum in which the student will not be taking any courses. This practice-intensive experience allows the student to experience the totality of care provided by athletic trainers.

Upon completion of the MS in Athletic Training, students will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification, Inc. examination. Successful completion of this exam affords the candidate a variety of employment opportunities. Over the past two years, graduates of SHRS’ current Athletic Training program have experienced a 100% pass rate on the BOC exam and the program has had a 100% retention rate.

Students interested in the new accelerated Athletic Training program should apply by April 9, 2021 to begin the program this fall.

Pitt SHRS is a nationally renowned leader in the field of health care education, research and clinical practice preparation. With 13 different disciplines related to health and rehabilitative care, SHRS shapes future generations of health care professionals—therapists, counselors, advocates, scientists, providers and practitioners—trained to serve the needs of all people regardless of background, levels of health or mobility. We are built on a legacy of academic excellence and innovation and fueled by passionate educators and researchers, allowing us to meet the health care and rehabilitation needs of today and drive meaningful change in the future.

The University of Pittsburgh is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), 2001 K Street NW, Third Floor North, Washington, DC 20006 USA. The program is currently applying to the CAATE for a change in level of degree and is pending approval.