Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. To become an AT, one must first graduate from a CAATE accredited professional athletic training education program that results in the granting of a master's degree in athletic training (MAT).
This 3+2 program allows students to complete the entire bachelor's and master's degree program in five years, and be eligible to take the Board of Certification Examination (BOC) upon program completion. Students in the Kinesiology/Pre-AT program complete master's prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, anatomy and physiology. They also complete courses that provide foundational knowledge in athletic training.
Students will apply to the master's program using the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS) by February 1st of their third year. Acceptance into the MAT program is limited, and merely completing the application process does not guarantee admission. More information about the application process and selection criteria can be found at CU's Athletic Training website.
The fourth and fifth years are dedicated to the MAT didactic and clinical coursework. Students receive a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology/Pre-AT degree after the fourth year. The MAT program takes two full years, including two summer (August) semesters, to complete. The design of the new master's degree program allows students to become immersed in athletic training didactic and clinical content courses because the foundational knowledge and general education courses will be complete before students enter the master's program. The MAT curriculum sequence can be viewed at CU's Athletic Training website.
KINESIOLOGY PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Kinesiology Program at Castleton University is to provide a comprehensive and progressive academic experience that will prepare students for a wide range of career paths related to fitness, wellness, and healthcare. A Kinesiology degree can open the doorway to many healthcare related professions. Specifically, the Kinesiology/Pre-Athletic Training Program prepares students to enter the Master of Athletic Training (MAT) Program at Castleton University.
The Kinesiology Program embraces the overall mission of Castleton University to provide a transformational education that emphasizes undergraduate liberal arts and professional studies while also offering graduate programs. The Kinesiology Program strives to prepare students for relevant and meaningful careers in a global economy; advanced academic pursuits; and engaged, environmentally responsible citizenship.
KINESIOLOGY PROGRAM GOALS
The Kinesiology Program will prepare students to:
- Utilize the science of kinesiology to impact health and wellness across the lifespan.
- Think critically and effectively apply content knowledge to real world situations and tasks.
- Act as ethically responsible professionals.
- Utilize effective oral and written communication skills.
- Secure employment in a kinesiology-related field, or gain admission to a graduate program of study.