Do you have a deep passion for learning about the human body as well as desire to aid in patient treatment and rehabilitation? Are sports and the field of competition somewhere you thrive and are passionate about? Does a career that combines healthcare and physical activity sound like the optimal environment for you?
At Point Loma Nazarene University, you can earn your Master of Science in Athletic Training (MS-AT) alongside your bachelor’s degree in San Diego’s only master's level professional program for athletic trainers. Athletic trainers play a critical role in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of their patients.
*Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014-2024
This program will help you optimize your learning, career, and your impact on others as you develop skills in injury evaluation, functional rehabilitation, prescribing therapeutic modalities, and healthcare management. You’ll also gain the clinical proficiency necessary to pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become a certified athletic trainer at the end of your studies.
"Our program consists of extensive clinical experiences designed to provide a multifaceted learning experience that will shape the student into sound clinicians who are service-oriented and focused on providing quality patient care."
Nicole Cosby, Ph.D., ATC
MS–AT Program Director
From current undergraduate students to those already with bachelor’s degree who are looking for a career change, our new MS-AT program is designed to prepare individuals for the dynamic and growing field of athletic training and meet the growing demand for master's level professionals. Program options are available for students at any stage of their career journey.
M.S. in 5 (3 + 2) program for students without a bachelor's degree. We offer an accelerated program in which you earn both a bachelor's and master's degree. The program takes five years to complete.
For more information on the 3+2 route and the application process please click here to visit our undergraduate web page which provides information on the Exercise and Sport Science major and your route to transition into the MS-AT.
Two-year professional program for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. Please continue to explore this website.
Gain clinical skills through diverse internship opportunities, take courses that pair a functional, applied learning approach with the latest industry research and trends, giving you the real-world experience today to fulfill your potential tomorrow.
Gain exposure to valuable clinical experiences designed to prepare you for your vocation while learning from faculty with diverse skill sets in athletic training, physical therapy, and medicine.
Become challenged and fully equipped to become highly effective allied healthcare professionals who incorporate a Christian perspective, academic excellence, and professional/relational proficiency into clinical practice.
| 2015-2016 | 2016-2017 | 2017-2018 | 3-Year Total | |
| Number of program graduates | 12 | 10 | 11 | 33 |
| Number of students who attempted certification | 12 | 7 | 10 | 29 |
| Number of students who passed exam on first attempt | 12 | 6 | 9 | 27 |
| Percentage of students who passed exam on first attempt | 100 | 86 | 90 | 93 |
| Number of students who passed exam, regardless of attempts | 12 | 6 | 9 | 27 |
| Percentage of students who passed exam, regardless of attempts | 100 | 86 | 90 | 93 |
| 2015-2016 | 2016-2017 | 2017-2018 | 3-Year Total | |
| Number of students who entered the program | 15 | 13 | 8 | 36 |
| Number of students graduating the program | 12 | 12 | 5 | 29 |
| Student Retention Rate | 80% | 92% | 63% | 81% |
| 2015-2016 | 2016-2017 | 2017-2018 | 3-Year Total | |
| Number of Students Graduating from Program | 12 | 11 | 12 | 35 |
| Student Graduation Rate (%) | 86 | 85 | 80 | 83 |
| 2015-2016 | 2016-2017 | 2017-2018 | 3-Year Total | |
| Number of Students Employed as AT | 8 | 9 | 10 | 27 |
| Student Employment Rate as AT (%) | 67 | 90 | 91 | 82 |
| Number of Students Employed as Other | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Student Employment Rate as Other (%) | 0 | 0 | 9 | 3 |
| Number of Students Not Employed | 4 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Student Not Employed Rate (%) | 33 | 10 | 0 | 15 |
State authorization is a formal determination by a state that PLNU is approved to conduct activities regulated by that state. PLNU is not required to obtain state authorization in every state, and the university has opted at this time not to seek authorization in some states. Additionally, PLNU meets the criteria for exemption from authorization in certain states.
At this time, PLNU does not have authorization in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin, which means residents of these states cannot enroll in any PLNU online program or course.
Authorizations in specific states may change periodically. PLNU recommends individuals contact PLNU admissions at (800) 733-7770 for the latest information.
PLNU cannot confirm whether or not specific programs meet out-of-state requirements for Professional Licensure or Certification.
For more information on State Authorization and Program Licensure, please refer to our disclosures page.
Did you get your 10,000 steps today? Have you ever wondered if that really is the right number to measure our fitness and health?
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MS-AT), the successful student will be able to:
View the program mission, goals and outcomes.
Sample 2 year didactic and course sequence.
Detailed course information is available on the course catalog:
The Master of Science in Athletic Training program has two routes for admission, with each route requiring the prospective student to complete the required course prerequisites. These routes include:
Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.
Official transcripts must be sent to:
Point Loma Nazarene University
Office of Graduate Admissions
3900 Lomaland Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106
Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.
After admission into the MS-AT program, the following documentation must be submitted to the MS-AT Program Director/Clinical Coordinator prior to the beginning of the first fall academic semester:
Prerequisite course syllabi are required at the time of application
Anatomy and Physiology with a lab
Physics (please contact program director for questions regarding this course)
Biology
Chemistry
Psychology
Students must satisfactorily complete all remaining prerequisite course requirements in accordance with the admission requirements before beginning MS-AT coursework.
Accepted students are required to meet technical standards and specific health requirements (e.g., vaccinations).
Persons who have been dismissed from another athletic training program are not eligible for consideration for admission to Point Loma Nazarene University.
Applicants who decline or are denied admission may reapply in any subsequent year. Admission requirements are subject to change, and admission in one year does not guarantee admission in any subsequent year.
Persons who cannot pass an FBI/Department of Justice Background Check are not eligible for clinical education rotations and are not admissible to the program.
Point Loma Nazarene University considers all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, special needs, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal civil rights laws. Some information requested in the application is requested for federal or accreditation reporting and will not be used in a discriminatory manner.
The MS-AT program requires all athletic training students to maintain a 3.00 graduate GPA. Failure to meet the 3.00 GPA requirements automatically places the student on academic probation (Probation Level I). If the student fails to re-establish a graduate GPA of 3.00 after one semester, or has a semester GPA below a 2.75, he/she will be placed on Probation Level II and be removed from the program.
The minimum passing grade for any athletic training graduate course is a C. If a student does not meet the minimum passing grade, the student will be required to re-take the course. Since the MS-AT program follows a cohort model of education where courses are offered yearly, re-taking a course will require the student to re-take the course the following year. In that case, there is no guarantee the re-take course will fit into the planned course schedule of the student. There is a strong possibility that re-taking a course will delay the student's graduate date and his/her ability to take the Board of Certification Examination.
Each student must be in good standing with Point Loma Nazarene University and the Athletic Training Program to graduate. The following are the graduation requirements:
The MS-AT's academic retention and probation policy was adopted from the policies listed in the University's Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog
Probation I
Criteria (must meet one of the following):
Consequences (dependent on probation criteria):
Probation II
Criteria (must meet one of the following):
Consequences (dependent on probation criteria):
The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy per your particular program. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission under exceptions process.
We take seriously the role of providing you with financial, academic, and career support so you have the tools you need to be successful at PLNU and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.
With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.
The MS-AT program awards 3 incoming students a $1,000 one-time scholarship. Only students who complete their application for admission into the MS-AT before March 12th of each application year are eligible for consideration.
The program also offers scholarships for students once enrolled. Scholarship amount will vary and will be based on students meeting the minimum requirements below. Interested students should complete their admissions application by January 7th of the academic year.
The scholarship committee will review applications and collectively decide who has been awarded a scholarship. Students receiving a scholarship will be notified approximately 3 weeks after application submission via an email from the program director. Students who do not receive a scholarship will be notified as well and given feedback on their application.
$725/unit
Upon acceptance and enrollment in the MS-AT program, students will be required to pay an additional, one-time program fee of $1,400. Program fees are utilized to provide each student:
Students are not required to attend local conferences but are highly encouraged. Program fees can be used to cover the cost of registration for a local conference, however, students must apply and a committee will determine which students based on application will be selected to attend the conference.
Students in the athletic training program may be required to have fingerprinting and background checks performed. This depends on the clinical site assignment. Fees for these two processes can range from $25-$75 and will be covered by the program using the program fee.
Students in the MS-AT will take Gross Anatomy Dissection. The lab fee for this course is $500. This fee is covered by the program.
Students are required to maintain CPR certification as per the CAATE guidelines and standards, the cost of certification will be covered by the program.
Some required clinical clothing is provided for the ATS, the required clothing is purchased using program fees. In the spring semester decisions are made regarding the clothing required for the following fall semester. Students are notified as to the clothing that will be required, provided to them, and the optional clothing they may purchase. The Head Athletic Trainer is the administrator responsible for the required clinical clothing. The Head Athletic Trainer serves on the institutional logo committee and consults her colleagues and students regarding style, size, required and optional clothing.
Students are responsible for the costs of their own immunizations, the currency of which must be documented and placed on file in the Program Director's office.
| PLNU | Cost | Vons Immunizations | Minute Clinic | ||
| Flu Shot | $25 | Hep B | $80 | Hep A/B | $139 ea. |
| MMR | $85 | Gardasil | $125 | Flu Shot | $31.99 |
| Tdap | $65 | Menactra | $120 | Tdap | $64.99 |
| Menactra | MMR | $129.99 | |||
| TB Testing | $25 - PPD $55 - IGRA |
Meningitis | $149.99 | ||
| Physical Exam | $25 | ||||
| Titer | $25 |
The student is responsible for transportation and the costs associated with that transportation to clinical affiliate sites which are utilized in the clinical courses. Students are encouraged to ride share and/or cost share.
PLNU’s MS-AT will prepare you for careers in education, healthcare, sports administration, business, and many other specialized fields.
When students ask PLNU professor and chair of the Department of Kinesiology Dr. Jeff Sullivan for career advice, he tells them to find what they’re passionate about and distinctly gifted in and use that to partner with God. For Sullivan, this is more than advice; these are the words he lives by.
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The Master of Science in Athletic Training program has two routes for admission, with each route requiring the prospective student to complete the required course prerequisites. These routes include:
• Students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree and the essential prerequisites from a regionally accredited college or university.
• The 3+2 accelerated program in coordination with the Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science (Pre-Allied Health concentration) and prerequisites at Point Loma Nazarene University. Advising for this route of admission is critical and applicants will apply directly through the department using an internal application.
See the Application Information tab for additional information.
Students may consider working a part-time job, but should remember that this is a full-time, rigorous degree program.
You will have the option to apply for scholarships, grants, loans, and other special types of aid through Student Financial Services. Contact your enrollment counselor for more information.
Students who enroll in the program as part of the 3+2 accelerated program in coordination with the Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science (Pre-Allied Health Concentration) and prerequisites at Point Loma Nazarene University can expect to complete the program in five years. Students who enroll in the program with a bachelor's degree can expect to complete the program in two years.
• Two days a week in class
• Three days a week in clinicals
• Clinicals can be on the same day as class
• One clinical is always on Friday
Class sizes are estimated to be 20 to 25 people.
Yes! As an international student, you can apply as a senior in university or any time after you obtain your bachelor’s degree. If you earned your baccalaureate degree outside of the United States, all documents must be translated into English and evaluated by members of National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). You must also submit official proof of English proficiency (TOEFL). Please contact Graduate Financial Aid and Student Support Services for more information.
We welcome and encourage people of all backgrounds as students in our programs. Issues that relate to faith may be discussed in some classes, and engaging in discussion with individuals with alternative points of view will be encouraged as learning opportunities. Students will work within a learning community that is supportive academically, spiritually, and emotionally.
No. There are several types of graduate programs related to athletic training (Kinesiology and Post-Professional Athletic Training Programs). Our program is a post baccalaureate professional program designed for students interested in pursuing the Board of Certification credential.
No. There are several types of graduate programs related to athletic training. Our program is a postbaccalaureate professional program designed for students interested in pursuing the BOC credential. As a graduate of an accredited undergraduate athletic training program, you’re already eligible for the BOC exam.
In general, there are two types of accredited athletic training programs and several degree levels. Professional programs prepare students for entering the profession after successfully passing the Board of Certification exam. Professional programs are offered at the undergraduate (baccalaureate) and graduate (postbaccalaureate) degree levels. Both programs include the same educational content to prepare students for the BOC exam; however, some postbaccalaureate programs include an additional emphasis in specialty areas or research. The post-professional program is a second type of graduate program option for certified athletic trainers or students who are already eligible for the BOC exam and are seeking an advanced degree.
There is no specific major required for admission to the MSAT, but there are specific prerequisite courses that must be taken prior to entering into our program.
If at PLNU, we suggest the Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science (Pre-Allied Health concentration), since it includes most of the prerequisite courses (see answer to the previous question) and provides opportunities for students to achieve certifications in strength and fitness — excellent additions to athletic training. It is imperative that the student receives academic advising from a kinesiology or athletic training faculty member as soon as possible. If not at PLNU as an undergraduate, we suggest kinesiology, exercise science, applied health science or some type of health, fitness, or pre-medicine major, though any major is acceptable as long as the prerequisites are met.
Each student completes a minimum of seven clinical experiences while in the athletic training program. Each experience will provide exposure to a different athletic training setting. Students will experience high school, collegiate, general medical, physical therapy, and orthopedic surgical environments through a variety of sites in the San Diego area.
