Master of Athletic Training
Become a certified athletic trainer
UNI's athletic training degree program has a strong legacy of student success. The first accredited program in Iowa to offer the Master of Athletic Training (MATR) towards professional certification, this program prepares you to excel in a career where you can make significant contributions as a health care professional. This degree offers:
- Highly effective hands-on learning environments: Four athletic training clinics, hydrotherapy room, research laboratory, UNI’s only cadaver lab and specially equipped classrooms
- Clinical experiences with athletic trainers and licensed health care professionals on and off campus
- A student-to-faculty ratio and close instructional relationships with faculty and staff that enhance your learning experience.
You can enter this nationally accredited program with an approved bachelor's degree, or complete UNI’s new 3+2 blended program which leads to both your BA and MATR in five years.
Placement
Graduates going on to secure positions in the past three years
Job Growth
Job potential well above other occupations over the next decade
Accredited
Ongoing CAATE recognition of quality with successful outcomes
Interested? Request Information
Tell us more and we'll send information on how you can succeed with a Masters of Athletic Training degree from the University of Northern Iowa College of Social & Behavioral Sciences.
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Kelli Snyder, Ph.D. Masters of Athletic Training Program Coordinator |
Career Opportunities
With the master’s in athletic training, you are prepared to take the national exam for certification for a career in demand. With a better than average job growth expected, you will fill needs as a certified athletic trainer in positions in various settings, including:
- School districts, colleges and universities
- Professional teams (NFL, NBA, MLB, etc.)
- Fitness and wellness organizations, small and large
- Medical groups, clinics, occupational health, hospitals and health systems
- Military
- Public safety
- Performing arts
- Independent practice
Courses & Curriculum
Your coursework includes a rigorous set of classes as well as clinical experiences which are a required part of the curriculum. A sampling of courses:
- Advanced Acute Care in Athletic Training
- Orthopedic Injury Assessment
- Pathoetiology of Musculoskeletal Injury
- Therapeutic Interventions
- General Medical Conditions
- Preventative Health Techniques
- Administration and Professional Development
- Advanced Rehabilitation
- Mental Health Care in Athletic Training Practice
- Gross Anatomy
Nationally Accredited
UNI's Master of Athletic Training program is accredited by the CAATE and will have its next comprehensive review during the 2025-2026 academic year. CAATE is located at 2001 K Street NW, Third Floor North Washington, DC 20006.
Next Steps
Apply Now
Our application process is smooth and easy. You can apply now and pay your fee later or even get it waived, if you qualify. Current or former UNI students will also have their app fee waived.
Requirements for Admission
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- 2.75 is the minimum GPA to be accepted without provision; applicants with a GPA lower than 2.75 may still be admitted provisionally, at the discretion of the program and the Graduate College
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- 50 hours of athletic training observation experience
- Completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher
- Technical standards form
- Criminal background check.
Applications due by April 1st for full consideration for the Summer semester.
Requirements for International Applicants
Along with the basic application requirements, international applicants also need:
- Proof of English proficiency
- A copy of the personal data page of your passport
- A completed UNI Financial Statement and Certification form
- Non-refundable application fee.
A program with impact
“There are so many opportunities available at UNI. I’ve worked with people at the collegiate level, high school level, been in an orthopedic office. I have learned way more than I ever thought I would in two years. With this athletic training program, I know that I’m going to have a career out of it. Seeing an athlete go from getting injured to going back to play is so inspiring. Sometimes it takes weeks, sometimes it takes months, but you are there every single step of the way. It feels good.”
Experiences of a lifetime
“I think going into a graduate program is a great choice. Every class that I have taken has been intriguing and enjoyable because they all include content about something I love. If you choose to join UNI's MATR program, get to know every staff member they are some of the best people I know and every conversation with them is enjoyable.”
Pathways of Study
4+2 PROGRAM
Traditional Pathway
STEP 1
Complete 4 years of
undergraduate education at UNI (120 credits):
- UNIFI (general education credits)
- Major of your choice (Kinesiology with Pre-Athletic Training emphasis, Biology or other)
- Master of Athletic Training prerequisites
STEP 2
Complete 2 years of graduate education.
3+2 PROGRAM
Blended Degree
STEP 1
Complete 3 years of
undergraduate education at UNI (97 credits):
- UNIFI (general education credits)
- Major in Kinesiology with Pre-Athletic Training emphasis
- Master of Athletic Training prerequisites
STEP 2
Complete 2 years of graduate education (54 credits).
ATHLETIC TRAINING PREREQUISITES
BIOL 2052 - General Biology: Cell Structure & Function (or equivalent)
BIOL 3101 - Anatomy & Physiology I (or equivalent)
BIOL 3102 - Anatomy & Physiology II (or equivalent)
CHEM 1110 - General Chemistry I (or equivalent)
PHYSICS 1511 - General Physics I (or equivalent)
STAT 1772 - Introduction to Statistical Methods (or equivalent)
PSYCH 1001 - Introduction to Psychology (or equivalent)
Fund Your Degree
Get the opportunity to learn and fund your degree through hands-on experiences, earning monetary awards or a combination of both. Visit one of the following pages to learn about graduate assistantships, scholarships or additional details on Athletic Training at University of Northern Iowa College of Social & Behavioral Sciences.