The Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program is a two-year graduate program that prepares students to challenge the Board of Certification examination and enter the profession of athletic training. 

Applicants to the program must be enrolled in the Castleton University Kinesiology/Pre-Athletic Training bachelor's degree program OR have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university by the time of matriculation to the MAT program.  See below for more specific admissions requirements. 

Enrollment in the MAT program is limited and admission is highly selective.  New cohorts enter the program annually in the summer and complete a two-year, 67-credit curriculum.  The program uses a competency-based approach in both the classroom and clinical settings.  A medical model is used to educate students to serve in the role of athletic trainer with emphasis on clinical reasoning skills.  The clinical rotations consist of four semesters of extensive experiences that include assignments with men and women's varsity athletic teams, cooperative experiences at other area colleges, high schools, Killington Medical Clinic, and the Vermont Orthopedic Clinic.  Students will also work with other health care professionals in the practice settings of emergency medicine, orthopedics, family practice medicine, chiropractic medicine, and physical therapy.  Students will complete one immersive clinical experience in which they participate in the full-time experience and day-to-day role of an athletic trainer.   

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the CAATE-accredited Athletic Training Program at Castleton University is to provide a comprehensive and progressive academic and clinical education experience for students.  This experience at Castleton will prepare students to pass the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and achieve employment in the field of Athletic Training.

The MAT Program accepts the overall mission of Castleton University to provide the opportunity for intellectual and personal growth of students through excellence in teaching, close student-faculty interaction, numerous opportunities for outside-the-classroom learning, and an active and supportive campus community.  The MAT Program strives to prepare students for meaningful careers; further academic pursuits; and engaged, environmentally responsible citizenship.

Program Goals

1. The MAT Program prepares students to:

a. Think critically and effectively apply content knowledge to real world situations and tasks.

b. Be professionally and ethically responsible administrators of athletic healthcare.

c. Maintain the highest standards of evidence-based clinical expertise, and patient values and circumstances.

d. Utilize effective oral and written communication skills as an athletic trainer.

e. Secure employment in athletic training or related field, or gain admission to a graduate program of study.

2. The MAT program continually strives to provide high quality didactic and clinical instruction and learning opportunities for the students.

Admissions Requirements

1. Enrolled in the Castleton University Kinesiology/Pre-Athletic Training bachelor's degree program OR earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university by the time of matriculation to the MAT program.

2. A statement that addresses why you want to pursue a master of athletic training degree, previous exposure you have had with an athletic trainer or other healthcare provider, and your professional goals.  Limit your statement to 500 words or fewer; include a word count at the end of your statement.

3. Current resume.

4. Two letters of reference that speak to your scholarship and potential as a health care professional. 

5. Official transcript of all college/university work, both graduate and undergraduate.  It is with your success in mind that we carefully review your academic foundation. We encourage interested students to apply. Admission to the program may be granted if the applicant has an undergraduate cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale and shows aptitude for graduate studies as reflected in references, writing ability, and personal objectives.

6. Transcript must verify completion of all of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better:

• Human Anatomy (3-4 cr with lab)
• Human Physiology (3-4 cr with lab)
• Chemistry (3-4 cr with lab)
• Physics (3-4 cr with lab)
• Biology (3-4 cr with lab)
• Kinesiology or Biomechanics
• Physiology of Exercise
• Nutrition
• Statistics
• Introductory Psychology
• Public Heath (or equivalent)
• Personal Health (or equivalent)

7. Current CPR certification at the professional rescuer level prior to matriculation to the MAT program.

8. Criminal background check prior to matriculation to the MAT program. Castleton uses CastleBranch for the certified background check.

9. Students must meet minimum technical standard requirements to be eligible to participate in the MAT Program.  The technical standards can be found in the MAT Program Policies And Procedures, which are available on the Castleton MAT web site.

Application Deadline and Process: 

Students will apply to the program through the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS). 

The application deadline is February 1st.  Program faculty will review completed applications after this deadline.  Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed after this deadline if space in the cohort permits.  Select applicants will be invited to interview.

Program Retention Standards

Once accepted into the MAT Program, students must meet minimum academic and clinical retention standards.  The program's Progression, Retention, and Probation policy is available on the MAT website.

Accreditation Status

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Additional Fees

Additional fees and expenses include but are not limited to: 1. Equipment, supplies, and select laboratory and curricular technology fees; specific course fees can be viewed within the course descriptions, as listed in the graduate catalog.  2. The purchase of appropriate attire to be worn in the clinical setting.  3. Travel to and from clinical sites.