Athletic Training, M.A.T.

Overview

The Master of Athletic Training program consists of 55 credit hours which are inclusive of the latest research, knowledge, and techniques, as well as all required CAATE 2020 Athletic Training Education Competencies.

The program is designed to provide structured didactic (classroom) and supervised practice experiences to prepare a student for an entry-level position in athletic training. Didactic courses are sequenced and integrated to maximize student learning. The purpose of supervised practice courses is to provide a structured clinical experience in which to prepare for professional practice and engage in professional socialization.

Throughout the Master of Athletic Training program, supervised practice courses provide direct patient care opportunities for a variety of injuries and patient populations including contact (high risk) and non-contact sports, male and female patients, upper extremity and lower extremity injuries, sport and non-sport settings, and general medical conditions.

The University Bulletin and Graduate School Handbook, along with the MAT Hub, should be used as a guide throughout progression through the Master of Athletic Training program. Any alterations to the policies and procedures will be made available to all students, faculty, staff, and preceptors.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors. 
• Integrate evidence-based medicine into existing standards of care. 
• Utilize critical thinking to make accurate and expedient clinical decisions. 
• Employ appropriate interventions for injuries and illnesses.

Supervised Practice Clinical Experiences

Students gain clinical experience in the following settings:

• Collegiate:
  • The University of Tulsa, an NCAA Division I university that competes in the American Athletic Conference, and
  • Oral Roberts University, an NCAA Division I university that competes in the Summit League;
  • Rogers State University, an NCAA Division II University that competes in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association;
• Various local high schools including Union, Owasso, Bishop Kelley, Bixby, Jenks, Tulsa Public Schools, Holland Hall, Cascia Hall, and Broken Arrow;
• FC Tulsa, a professional soccer club;
• Advanced Orthopedics of Oklahoma, a local sports medicine clinic;
• Primary Care, through a variety of opportunities though the Tulsa Fire Department and physician practices;
• Interprofessional practice; and
• Other special events as available. 

In all clinical rotations, students are supervised by BOC certified and state-licensed athletic trainers. All students work one-on-one with their preceptor in the clinical setting.

Athletic training students also gain experience with emergency situations and primary care conditions through clinical simulation scenarios.

Admission

Formal acceptance into the athletic training program will be granted based on criteria listed below. The program is a competitive program. Therefore, only students who meet all the criteria below will be admitted. For students who do not meet the all the requirements at the time of application, consideration may be given for probation or provisional admission at the discretion of the Athletic Training Program Director and Graduate School. 

Requirements for admission to the Graduate School, including English language proficiency, may be found in the Admission  section of this Bulletin.

In addition, applicants to the graduate program in athletic training must meet the following requirements:

• Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale,
• Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from an athletic trainer verifying observation experience and one from a former or current professor, and
• Satisfactory completion of the following prerequisite coursework or equivalent coursework (35 credits) with a letter grade of C or higher:

Application Reviews

Students interested in early acceptance and given first consideration for acceptance into the program must submit all electronic application materials prior to October 15th. For regular admission, students should submit electronic application materials prior to February 1^st to be given first consideration for acceptance into the program. Program matriculation begins in the summer academic term only.

The Master of Athletic Training faculty will review all submitted materials. This information, in conjunction with recommendations, provides the objective information necessary to identify qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will also complete an interview by a committee of faculty. The number of applicants accepted will reflect an appropriate student-faculty ratio and the availability of appropriate clinical resources. Applicants will be notified of acceptance status within 45 days of completed application and the submission of all required documentation. 

Health and Safety Requirements

Following admission and prior to beginning supervised practice experiences, Master of Athletic Training students must adhere to the following health and safety requirements.  

Technical Standards. The written technical standards verify that the student is capable of meeting minimum standards relating to physical, mental, and emotional health with or without accommodations. The preceptor of the student must read and sign this form. Students who require accommodation to meet the technical standards must submit appropriate documentation to the Center for Student Academic Support and obtain verification so that the program can provide reasonable accommodation. This form must be completed prior to beginning coursework in the Master of Athletic Training program. The form will be uploaded and stored in the student’s CastleBranch account. If at any point during a student’s tenure in the athletic training program they are unable to meet the technical standards as documented upon admission to the program, their health status must be evaluated by a physician before they will be allowed to progress in the program.

Health Requirements. Prior to beginning supervised professional practice experiences and annually thereafter, students must complete online training in blood-borne pathogens, HIPAA, and the Right to Know (OSHA communication standard). Prior to beginning supervised professional practice experiences and annually thereafter, students are required to present proof of the following immunizations and screenings to the Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitative Sciences : TB, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (Tdap), hepatitis B, varicella, COVID, and flu. These may be done at the Hurricane Health Center on campus for a fee or at a private physician’s office. For some immunizations, a declination waiver may be signed in lieu of immunization records. These records will be uploaded and stored in the student’s CastleBranch account.

Immunization & Screening Policies. As part of the application process, and annually as required, students are required to upload  proof/documentation of the following to Castlebranch.

• Adult Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis): current immunization (due every 10 years)
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): current immunization (must be retaken if any one or more were taken prior to 1968)
• Hepatitis B series:  immunization or sign a waiver with the Department of Kinesiology
• and Rehabilitative Sciences administrative assistant. 
• Varicella: documentation of having had Varicella (Chicken Pox) or documentation of immunization (one dose of vaccine prior to 13^th birthday or two doses of vaccine after 13^th birthday). Student may also submit documentation of titer test supporting immunity.
• Influenza vaccination: immunization or sign a waiver with the Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitative Sciences administrative assistant.  Annually prior to November 15^th.

Students are required to present documentation of influenza or waiver. Students in some off-campus rotations may have to complete additional testing/training (i.e., drug testing, sexual abuse awareness course) as required by the site. Other immunizations may be required as health guidelines dictate.

Criminal Background Check. Students are required to submit to a criminal background check upon formal admission to the program as required by the contract with off-campus clinical agencies. These records will be uploaded and stored in the student’s CastleBranch account. This will allow proper placement of students for supervised professional practice rotations. The University of Tulsa cannot guarantee that completion of the degree program will enable one to take applicable licensure or certification examinations if the student has a previous arrest record.  The appropriate governing body (BOC Inc., NSCA, Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure, etc.) will consider the nature of the conviction/arrest, personal character, and efforts to rehabilitate an individual before giving approval to take the examination in such circumstances. Clinical sites may be notified if there is a red flag on the background check. The decision of the governing body is completely outside the control of The University of Tulsa.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). During the first summer and upon expiration (typically every other year) thereafter, MAT students must provide documentation of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification, specific details follow. Documentation must be uploaded to Castlebranch. This certification may be granted after successful completion of the CPR course offered in ATRG 5116/7116. All MAT students are required to be CPR certified for adult, child, and infant, using one- and two-person methods. The student must also have AED training. Acceptable CPR courses include:

• American Red Cross class: “CPR for the Professional Rescuer” 
• American Heart Association class: “Basic Life Support for the Health Care Provider”
• Emergency Care and Safety Institute: “Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Health Care Provider”

Policies Related to the MAT Program

Non-Academic Grievance Policy. The Athletic Training program provides the students with a method by which academic or clinical grievances may be addressed that is congruent with The University of Tulsa Student Complaint Policy. It is the goal of the athletic training faculty to resolve all conflicts informally at the lowest level within The University of Tulsa structure. The student is requested to discuss any area of conflict in the following sequence: faculty and other parties involved, Athletic Training Program Director, then the Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitative Sciences.  If the student is unable to obtain resolution at these informal levels, the student may initiate the formal grievance process. The Athletic Training Program follows the procedure outlined in the Student Complaint Policy housed within the Student Handbook. The Student Complaint Policy can be found at https://utulsa.edu/student-life/student-resources/student-handbook policies/?_ga=2.27376063.245704376.1708038625-1502287782.1693231798.

Non-Discrimination Policy. The University of Tulsa Non-Discrimination Policy can be found at https://utulsa.policystat.com/policy/11821708/latest/.

A summary of the policy states: The University of Tulsa is committed to maintaining equal access to its programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons, including by maintaining an environment that is free of illegal discrimination and harassment. In keeping with that policy, the University prohibits discrimination and harassment by or against any member of the University Community because of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, or any other legally-protected class. Discriminatory conduct and harassment violate the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. This Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy (Policy) shall not be construed to restrict academic freedom at the University. Conduct prohibited by this policy may also violate applicable federal and state law.

The University of Tulsa MAT Non-Discriminatory Policy. In compliance with The University of Tulsa non-discriminatory policy, the Master of Athletic Training program does not discriminate based on age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or veteran status. In addition, it is these guidelines of the ATP that extend these principles into our daily work. All coaches, staff, and athletes must be judged and treated under these same conditions.

Financial Aid. Students who have a financial need will be given financial assistance, in the form of scholarships, through the athletic training program. Students qualify for scholarship money from the program to assist with tuition beginning in the first fall semester in the program.  Money is divided, based on academic level, among all students who qualify.  Students who are on programmatic probation will not receive scholarship money from the MAT but are still eligible for external funding.  Students who have a tuition waiver, full scholarship, or other monies that cover tuition cannot qualify for athletic training scholarship money per university policy.

Grade Policy. The MAT program has a grade policy that is in accordance with the Graduate School Grade Policy. It states:

Minimum Grade Policy

B” or better in all ATRG didactic and Supervised Practice (SP) courses.

1. Failure to achieve a B or better on the first attempt will lead to probation, remediation, and/or require the student to repeat the course the next time it is offered.
2. Failure to achieve a B or better on the second attempt will lead to dismissal from the Athletic Training Program.
3. Failure to comply with these stated requirements will result in programmatic probation. Details of probation are outlined in Section V of this handbook.

“C” or better in all foundation courses outlined in the 2020 Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) standards (Standards 54 & 55) “C” or better in all transfer courses credited towards the degree.

Clinical Competency of Athletic Training Skills and Knowledge

Clinical competency is determined by completion of clinical projects, demonstration of clinical skills and knowledge in structured clinical practical exams, demonstration of content knowledge in comprehensive exams, clinical education contact hours, and final preceptor evaluations.

Comprehensive Exams

1. Students will complete a comprehensive exam as part of their first three SP Courses. Content for this exam will include all previous clinical and didactic information presented in their course progression. These exams are meant to expose students to the types of questions found on the Board of Certification (BOC) exam.

Clinical Competency in a SP course is defined as:

1. Completing clinical projects at 80% or better
2. Completing the minimum number of clinical education hours in the enrolled SP course
3. Completing final evaluation of SP course with assigned clinical preceptor at 80% or better

A student failing to demonstrate mastery at 80% of competency in the Supervised Practice course will be further evaluated for competency by the program director, clinical education coordinator, ATRG faculty and clinical preceptors. If it is determined that a student needs remediation, a plan of action will be developed for the student, based on the needs as determined by the faculty and preceptors. This plan can include, but is not limited to:

1. Clinical Projects
2. Preceptor Evaluations
3. Student Driven Assignments
4. Didactic Quizzes

The student will not be allowed to progress in their academic sequencing until they demonstrate competency in required skills and knowledge and receives permission from the program director.

Note: A “B” or better in a Supervised Practice course does not guarantee demonstration of clinical competency in athletic training skills and knowledge.

Liability Insurance. Liability insurance is required for all students who have been formally accepted into the athletic training program. Liability insurance policy premium fees are automatically billed to the student’s account through the Office of the Bursar. Students may purchase a supplemental policy if they choose.

Transportation. Each Athletic Training Student is responsible for transportation to and from clinical sites throughout the entire MAT Program. This requires that each student has personal access to a car or ride share (Uber, Lyft, etc). Any associated costs are the responsibility of the student. Sites vary from on-campus to 35 miles from campus for regular semester courses. Anything that is outside of this range can occur as agreed upon by the athletic training student and clinical education coordinator with approval from the program director. Immersive sites may be local or anywhere in the US, but student preference will be taken into account as much as possible. Athletic training students will not be placed outside of the traditional clinical range as stated above except where the student has requested. During the immersive clinical experience, the students must have access to either public transportation or a car.

Transportation of an injured/ill patient. An athletic training student cannot be the primary driver in the transportation of an injured or ill patient. Per accreditation standards, athletic training students cannot assist a patient when not in direct auditory and visual contact with a preceptor.

Supplemental Experiences. Supplemental experiences may become available to some or all of the Master of Athletic Training Students. Eligibility of the student to participate in the supplemental educational experience is based upon the discretion of the Clinical Education Coordinator and must be pre-approved by the Clinical Education Coordinator prior to participation. The stipulations surrounding participation in the supplemental experience are determined on an individual basis. Generally, no more than 20% of a student’s total number of hours may come from supplemental experiences unless an extenuating circumstance exist. Extenuating circumstances will be determined by the Clinical Education Coordinator in consultation with the Program Director.

Recruitment Policy. The University of Tulsa Master of Athletic Training program recognizes the fundamental importance of equity in all aspects of its operations, including student recruitment. We acknowledge that systemic biases and inequalities exist within the higher education system and commit to actively addressing these issues to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all prospective college students. This policy outlines our commitment to equity in student recruitment and establishes guidelines to promote diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in our recruitment efforts.

Guiding Principles:

1. Fairness: We believe in providing equal opportunities to all prospective MAT students regardless of their socio-economic background, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
2. Diversity: We recognize the value of diversity in enriching the learning environment and fostering a vibrant campus community. We strive to recruit a diverse student body that reflects the breadth of human experiences and perspectives.
3. Inclusion: We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where all students feel valued, respected, and supported in their academic pursuits.
4. Accessibility: We aim to remove barriers to higher education and ensure that our recruitment processes are accessible to students from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities and individuals facing financial hardship.

Guidelines:

1. Outreach and Engagement:
   1. Implement proactive outreach strategies to connect with prospective students from underrepresented groups, including minority communities, low-income households, rural areas, and first-generation college students.
   2. Collaborate with community-based organizations, schools, and educational institutions serving diverse populations to promote awareness of our institution and its programs.
2. Holistic Review Process:
   1. Adopt a holistic approach to admissions that considers not only academic achievements but also extracurricular activities, personal experiences, and individual circumstances.
3. Financial Aid and Scholarships:
   1. Publicize information about available financial assistance programs and resources to ensure transparency and accessibility for all prospective students.
4. Accessibility Accommodations:
   1. Offer accommodations and support services to applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process, such as accessible application materials, alternative formats, and accommodations for interviews or campus visits.
   2. Ensure that all recruitment events and materials comply with accessibility standards and are inclusive of individuals with diverse needs.
5. Evaluation and Continuous Improvement:
   1. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of our recruitment efforts in promoting equity and diversity within the student body.
   2. Solicit feedback from students, staff, and community stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance equity in student recruitment.

Implementation and Oversight:

Recruitment efforts for the MAT will be a joint effort of the MAT program faculty, the Graduate School, and the Oxley College of Health and Natural Sciences. These entities, in collaboration with other relevant campus departments and stakeholders, will be responsible for implementing and monitoring compliance with this policy. Annual assessment on recruitment outcomes and progress towards equity goals will be held between the Graduate School and MAT program faculty to ensure transparency and accountability. By adopting this student recruitment policy, our The University of Tulsa and the MAT program reaffirms its commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible learning environment that empowers all students to succeed and thrive. We recognize that achieving equity requires ongoing dedication and collective effort, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing equity in all aspects of our educational mission.

Course Sequence