Master of Athletic Training

Life University has notified the CAATE of its decision to voluntarily withdraw accreditation for its Master of Athletic Training program, effective September 30, 2020. Students currently enrolled in the MAT program who do not complete all graduation requirements by September 30, 2020 will NOT be eligible to sit for the BOC examination. Should you have any questions regarding this decision or concerns about the program, please be in touch with Dr. Jana Holwick, Dean of the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies at Jana.Holwick@LIFE.edu.

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Athletic Training Program. The program framework and curriculum are in the process of being updated to be compliant with the new 2020 CAATE standards and to better serve our students. The anticipated application deadline and start date for a new cohort of students is pending. Check back to this page for updates as a timeline is determined.

Inquiries can be directed to:
Karen Pfeifer, MS, ATC, LAT
MAT Program Administrator
Karen.Pfeifer@LIFE.edu
(770) 426-2771

Program Links:
2018-2020 Program Costs
2017-2020 Outcomes Data
2018-2020 Curriculum

Learning Environment

Students who choose to pursue the Master of Athletic Training would enter the program with minimal knowledge and experience in athletic training. After completing this degree, students would meet or exceed all the requirements to sit for the national Board of Certification (BOC) exam. The degree program prepares students in the five domains of athletic training:

Injury and illness prevention and wellness promotion
Examination, assessment and diagnosis
Immediate and emergency care
Therapeutic intervention
Health care administration and professional responsibility

Our clinical education involves hands-on application of skills in a variety of sports through Life University’s athletic teams and Sport Science Institute, other college athletic programs, high school athletics, sports medicine and PT clinics, chiropractor’s offices and other arenas.

Career Opportunities

Athletic Training is recognized as an allied health care profession that provides comprehensive care to the athletic and physically active populations. An athletic trainer (AT), is involved in the prevention, assessment/evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. In addition, they also have responsibilities in health care administration and education. As a member of the Sports Medicine team, an AT works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care workers, athletic coaches, administrators and parents. Athletic trainers may be employed in high schools, colleges, sports medicine and PT clinics, professional sports programs, corporations, physician practices, the military and other health care settings.

Industry Links

Links to Learn More

Fast Facts

From the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 23 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,100 openings for athletic trainers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Testimonials

Azalea Hancock, M.A.T. Student
“I enjoy it because I can keep the connection to sports and athletes. I played basketball growing up, was an assistant coach at a local high school during my time at Georgia State and my family is big on sports. So staying active and maintaining that connection is important to me. I also enjoy the health, fitness and rehabilitation aspect. Then you tie in immediate care, being a first-responder to an injury. There’s so much you can do with [the degree]. I’ve learned a lot through the program, mentors in the field and my clinical experiences.”