Kinesiology Department
Katherine Polasek, chair
Alyson Dearie, graduate coordinator
Professional Studies Building, Room 1164
607-753-4300
Fax: 607-753-5596

Overview

SUNY Cortland has a long history of educating students to become certified athletic trainers. In 1974, SUNY Cortland was the first undergraduate Athletic Training Program in New York State approved by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA). In April 1996, the program received its initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

The Master of Science in Athletic Training integrates theory and practices with a strong clinical experience to prepare students for a career as an athletic trainer. To practice as an athletic trainer, a candidate must complete a professional athletic training program from a nationally accredited academic institution that sponsors an athletic training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  After completion of this master's of science in Athletic Training degree, students are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination which is required for a career as a certified athletic trainer.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

1. Implement systematic, evidence-based examinations and assessments to formulate clinical assessment and determine patients' plan of care.      
2. Integrate evidence-based practice to deliver current practices to promote optimal patient care.
3. Develop a value system based on the standard of expected care in accordance with the athletic training professional and ethical standards.
4. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
5. Demonstrate professional growth and actively participate in the athletic training profession.

Program Highlights

The graduate program in Athletic Training provides core coursework in clinical assessment, therapeutic interventions, acute care and emergency management, general medical conditions, intervention and referral, pharmacology and performance enhancement, and healthcare administration and leadership. The program develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills that students use to apply theoretical knowledge to clinical practice.

The degree program requires 39 credit hours of required coursework, 12 credit hours of supervised clinical experience and 3 credit hours of thesis, project or comprehensive examination.

Graduate Admissions

Evaluation Policy

At the State University of New York College at Cortland, we seek a diverse and academically strong student body. Our admission policy and practice will not discriminate based on age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin or marital status.

Required Materials

1. Completed online Graduate School Application.
2. A bachelor's degree. Forward official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended directly to the SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office.
   Note: Candidates for admission must present evidence of bachelor's degree conferral prior to the start of their academic program.
3. A typewritten statement of 250 words or less submitted with the online application demonstrating professional goals and commitment to, and interest in, the athletic training profession. The applicant should demonstrate an ability to write clearly and well.
4. A resume, submitted online with the application.
5. Two letters of recommendation — one letter must be from the supervising certified athletic trainer where you completed your observation hours.
6. Complete a minimum of 50 observation hours under direct supervision of a BOC certified athletic trainer. Observation hours verification form can be found on the SUNY Cortland Athletic Training webpage. 
7. Provide a copy of current Basic First Aid and CPR/AED certification that meet Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) requirements.
8. Review the technical Standards document (located on the program webpage).

Admissions Criteria

1. Preference will be given to a GPA of 3.0 and above on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate degree.
2. Preferred grade of C in the following college or university courses:
   • Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab)
   • Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab)
   • Biology
   • Biomechanics
   • Chemistry I
   • Exercise Physiology
   • General Psychology
   • Physics I
   • Public Health
   • Sport Psychology
   • Statistics

Exceptional applicants who do not meet all of the above requirements will be considered on an individual basis. Qualified applicants who have content deficits may be required to complete program related undergraduate coursework within one year of their matriculation.      

Once the SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office receives all of the required documents, your application will be forwarded to the Kinesiology Department. A committee consisting of a minimum of two athletic training program representatives will evaluate the applications.

Additional Program Expenses

Prospective students must be aware that, upon acceptance into the Athletic Training Program, there will be additional expenses. These expenses will include, but are not limited to, the following: liability insurance, uniforms, CPR mask, small medical kit and equipment, ID badge, travel to affiliated clinical education sites, fingerprinting, professional membership, etc. Additional expenses may arise if faculty and staff determine the need or accreditation standards dictate.