Heidelberg College

Programme overview

The Master of Athletic Training at Heidelberg is a two-year professional program accredited by CAATE that equips graduates to pursue certification and state licensure as athletic trainers. The curriculum combines classroom learning with extensive clinical education across settings such as sports medicine clinics, universities, industries, physician offices, urgent care clinics, emergency rooms and local high schools. Clinical placements ensure experience with equipment-intensive sports (for example football and lacrosse), sports emphasizing upper or lower extremities (baseball, softball, soccer) and exposure to general medical conditions.

What you'll study

The program covers the required professional curriculum and competencies needed by athletic training organizations and for the Board of Certification exam. Students apply theoretical concepts and practical skills in real-time during clinical education experiences located in a variety of settings, including sports teams and medical facilities.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and requires submission of an online application by March 1. Two admission pathways exist: a Junior 3+2 pathway for Heidelberg students who have completed at least 111 undergraduate credit hours, the MAT prerequisites, and who will complete a major in Health Science or Exercise Science; and a professional pathway for applicants holding a bachelor’s degree from any regionally accredited institution plus the program prerequisites. Accepted 3+2 applicants begin the MAT in August and a Bachelor of Science degree is intended to be awarded at the end of the first year of the MAT for those in that pathway.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam and pursue state licensure to work as Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) in diverse clinical environments, including collegiate and high school athletics, sports medicine clinics, industry, and medical facilities. Heidelberg reports historically strong performance by its students on the BOC exam.

Scholarships & funding angle

Students should budget for program-specific expenses that can include fees, clinical attire, professional dues, travel to clinical sites and off-campus events; the program estimates these typical costs total $500 or more over the duration of the program. Prospective applicants should consult Heidelberg’s financial aid and scholarship offices and the program FAQ for information on available funding and external scholarship opportunities.