Choosing the right Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program is a critical step for aspiring athletic trainers. These professionals play an essential role in modern healthcare, working with athletes and physically active individuals to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. As the need for certified athletic trainers increases, students are seeking programs that balance hands-on experience, affordability, personal support, and a strong academic foundation.
Antioch University’s MSAT program offers all of these elements and more. Designed to prepare students for certification and impactful careers, Antioch’s program blends early clinical exposure, a personalized learning environment, flexible course delivery, and a research-driven curriculum. It’s a comprehensive solution for students who want to become ethical, evidence-based, and adaptable healthcare professionals.
Early Hands-On Clinical Experience
A standout feature of Antioch’s MSAT program is its early emphasis on clinical experience. Students begin clinical rotations in their second semester, a design choice that fosters confidence and practical skills from the start. Rather than waiting until the end of their program to engage with real patients, students are placed in clinical settings while they continue their coursework.
This early exposure includes a range of environments—such as high schools, colleges, and rehabilitation clinics—which helps students explore different athletic populations and healthcare contexts. These placements are designed not only to build technical competence but also to instill the interpersonal and decision-making skills essential for professional practice.
“Early clinical experiences have given me the opportunity to connect material from class in real world settings.” -Isa Lewis
The hands-on component reflects Antioch’s philosophy of experiential learning, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam and real-world athletic training scenarios.
Personalized Learning Environment
At Antioch, students are not just faces in a crowd. The MSAT program is built around small cohorts of 8 to 15 students, allowing for a high degree of interaction between students and faculty. This model encourages dialogue, collaboration, and mentorship—essential qualities in a healthcare education setting.
Each student receives tailored academic support and career guidance. Faculty members are not only experienced clinicians and educators, but also accessible mentors who understand the importance of building strong relationships with their students. From one-on-one coaching to thoughtful feedback on clinical skills and research projects, the support students receive is both rigorous and compassionate.
“Cohort learning has been very beneficial for building a supportive community and aid in building leadership/ teamwork skills. The faculty and staff have such a deep passion for this program, which inspires me every day.” -Alyssa (Isa) Lewis
This tight-knit academic environment enhances learning and provides students with the tools and encouragement they need to thrive in a demanding and evolving field.
“This program has helped me continue to grow meaningful relationships not only with my professors, but with my peers I am around so often in my cohort. We have become our own little family. The preceptors I have come in contact with have become lifelong mentors and have taught me things I will carry throughout my career. Whether that is medically, professionally, or just as a young adult trying to navigate the world. They have all helped me discover different parts of myself and have been a big part in my journey in athletic training.” -Ravyn Goodson
Flexible and Affordable Program Structure
Another reason students choose Antioch is its affordability and adaptable format. The MSAT program consists of 56 credit hours and is competitively priced compared to other accredited programs in the U.S. But the real innovation lies in its delivery model.
The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program is offered in person on the Otterbein University campus in Westerville, Ohio, through a partnership with Antioch University. These two institutions are co-founders of the Coalition for the Common Good—the first national higher education system of affiliated universities organized around a shared mission: to educate students not only for professional success but to advance pluralistic democracy, and promote social, racial, economic, and environmental justice in service of the common good.
In the second year of the MSAT program, students transition to a hybrid model—completing academic coursework online while continuing in-person clinical experiences. This flexible format allows students to relocate and complete immersive clinical placements in settings that align with their personal interests and long-term career goals. The model supports work-life balance, accommodates professional and family responsibilities, and gives students the chance to build connections and gain experience within healthcare systems in the communities where they hope to practice.
Comprehensive Thesis Requirement
Antioch’s MSAT program goes beyond standard clinical education by integrating a robust research component. Every student completes an independent thesis that links clinical experience with evidence-based research. This approach ensures that graduates are not only skilled practitioners but also contributors to the academic and scientific advancement of the profession.
The thesis project encourages students to investigate meaningful topics related to injury prevention, rehabilitation, performance enhancement, or healthcare delivery. It culminates in a scholarly presentation and a written report, fostering analytical skills that are increasingly valued in healthcare settings.
“A meaningful moment for me early on into my clinical experience in the MSAT program was while I was at Ohio Wesleyan for my fall rotation. I gained the trust of my supervising athletic trainers and they both allowed me to take on a bigger role of leadership amongst the other students there. It made me feel like I accomplished a big milestone in my clinical setting.” -Jacob Neri
By including a thesis, the program positions students as thought leaders and evidence-based practitioners who are prepared to tackle complex challenges in athletic training.
Interdisciplinary and Accreditation-Aligned Curriculum
Antioch’s MSAT program also emphasizes interdisciplinary education. Students engage with professionals across related fields such as nutrition, mental health, and physical therapy, reinforcing the reality that athletic trainers are part of a broader healthcare ecosystem.
The curriculum aligns with the standards of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and prepares students to sit for the BOC exam. This alignment ensures that students meet national professional benchmarks and are ready for credentialing as certified athletic trainers.
Conclusion: Why Antioch’s MSAT Program Stands Out
Selecting an athletic training program is a major decision—and Antioch University delivers on what matters most. With early clinical exposure, small class sizes, flexible course delivery, and an emphasis on both mentorship and research, Antioch’s MSAT program equips students for lasting careers in athletic training.
Whether your goal is to work in high school athletics, collegiate sports, clinical rehab, or community health, Antioch provides a rigorous and supportive pathway to professional success.
Ready to Apply?
Visit Antioch University’s MSAT program page to learn more about curriculum details, faculty, and student success stories.
You can also apply to the ATCAS or contact an admissions counselor for personalized guidance.
Start your journey in athletic training at a university that sees your potential and supports your path—every step of the way.
