Master of Science in Athletic Training
What is athletic training?
Athletic training is a multi-faceted healthcare profession with a hands-on clinical approach to patient care, allowing the Athletic Trainer (AT) to impact and change lives every day, whether their patient is an elite athlete on the field or an industrial professional in the workplace. ATs are critical to the healthcare team as they mitigate risk and promote wellness through prevention strategies, examine and diagnose patients, develop rehabilitation plans, and help patients improve their overall wellbeing. Ats provide immediate care on the field, ranging from first-aid for blisters to life-saving defibrillation. They provide rehabilitation to help their patients get back to their active lives, whether on the field, in the factory, or on their daily runs. With their whole-person approach to healthcare and wellness, ATs provide care for health conditions that affect all parts of a person - whether it's screening for strep throat or identifying those in need of a mental health referral.
Why choose Athletic Training at UTC?
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Graduate Athletic Training Program (GATP) prepares students to serve as licensed healthcare professionals in a variety of settings including college/universities, high schools, orthopedic offices, professional sports, industrial and occupational health, and performing arts. The UTC GATP, as the second Masters-level Athletic Training program established in the country, has a rich history among Athletic training education. Our program boasts a strong focus on evidence-based practice and research experience that trains students to utilize skills they've learned in their own practice following graduation. The award-winning faculty is always excited to interact with AT students and has an open-door policy to facilitate a community among faculty, preceptors, and students. Our program is truly a family and we strive to create an open, honest atmosphere for our students.
The Graduate Athletic Training Program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC-GATP) is a professional athletic training program, which means that students become eligible to sit for the Board of Certification exam during their final semester of the program. We are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The CAATE is recognized as an accrediting agency by the Council of Higher Education (CHEA). After the comprehensive review for continued program accreditation in 2019, the UTC-GATP was granted the maximum 10-year accreditation. The next comprehensive review is scheduled for 2029.
Program Outcomes Data: https://caate.net/program-info/42/
- Classes and Opportunities
- Cadaver Anatomy
- Orthopedic Assessment
- Emergency Simulations
- Advanced Skills Course (IVs, Suturing, EKG)
- Over 30 Clinical Sites and 50+ Preceptors
- Obtains over 1200 clinical hours
- 100% Overall BOC Pass Rate
- 100% Job Placement Rate
- Careers
- Athletic Trainers often work in sport settings such as high schools, colleges, and professional sports, but they also care for members of the military, performing arts, recreational athletes, and anyone in physically-demanding jobs. ATs are employed by hospitals, orthopedic clinics, industrial companies, performing arts schools and dance companies, military bases, and public safety departments (fire, police). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for Athletic Trainers will grow by 16% - much faster than average - between 2019 and 2029.
- Application Information
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis starting September 1st each year. The GATP Admissions Committee will review verified applications as they are submitted between September 1 and April 1. Early applicants will receive priority consideration for admission.
All applications must be submitted using ATCAS by going to the following link: https://atcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login
- Virtual Information Session Dates
We will be hosting virtual information sessions several dates the FALL 2025 semester (all Eastern times):
- August 22nd at 11am
- September 10th at 1pm
- October 6th at 9am
- October 28th at 12:30pm
- November 19th at 4:30pm
*These sessions will all be similar in format, including a 30 minute overview of our program and a Q & A panel of 2-4 current students, not to exceed an hour total. If you would like to attend, please sign up here. A zoom link will be sent to you within 24 hours of the session you sign up for. If you are unable to make any of these but would like a one-on-one session with a faculty member, please email our program director at [email protected].
- Open House
Oct 17, 2025 1-5pm Eastern (Tentatively)
*We will be hosting an in-person Open House on October 17th from 2-5pm (tentatively). During this visit, you will have the opportunity to interact with faculty, staff, and athletic training students, as well as take a tour of campus and our Athletic Training facilities. A program overview will be provided, including some tips and pointers on what to look for in your search for a graduate school. This will give you an opportunity to get to know them a little better in a more casual environment. You are then free to explore Chattanooga and see what the Scenic City is all about! To sign up to attend, please fill out this form.
"Our clinical sites are definitely great learning experiences. There are so many opportunities for us in Chattanooga!"
"From my first CPR patient on my EMS rotation to my first time assisting in a C-spine patient last fall to assessing my first real concussion, I've had some many experiences here both in and out of the classroom that it would take hours for me describe."