Design, Goals, Objectives & Purpose

Explore this page to learn more about the design, goals, objectives, purpose, and vision of Chatham University's Master of Athletic Training (MSAT) program.

Program Design

The Master of Science in Athletic Training is a five-term, 67-credit, full-time degree program with clinical experiences embedded within each term. Course content is delivered through various methods predicated on student-centered and engaged learning.

Methodologies include bare but are not limited to: 

  • problem-based learning, 
  • case-based scenarios,
  • and laboratory sessions delivered face-to-face and via distance learning. 

Clinical experiences, including a 10-week fully immersive placement, are individually tailored to each student's interests as well as to provide depth and breadth of experiences to develop highly skilled, critically minded entry-level professionals. 

Program Goals & Objectives

  • Goal 1: Provide educational experiences tailored to developing the cognitive, behavioral and psychomotor skills necessary for successful Athletic Training practice.  
    • Objective 1.1: Demonstrate evidence-based clinical decision-making in the areas of prevention/screening, evaluation, and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, treatment, and rehabilitation.
    • Objective 1.2: Integrate the educational competencies and clinical proficiencies into patient care necessary for success as an entry-level athletic trainer.
    • Objective 1.3: Display appropriate positive personal behaviors and professional attributes to meet the expectations of successful practice and future employment.
    • Objective 1.4: Demonstrate proficiency in the simulated and actual acute and emergency care of patients.
    • Objective 1.5: Apply concepts of prevention and health promotion in the care of patients.
  • Goal 2: Provide students a professional atmosphere promoting the ethical, legal, safe, culturally competent, and effective delivery of healthcare services in interdisciplinary teams that meet and respect the rights and well-being of the patients. 
    • Objective 2.1: Demonstrate proficiency in the interdisciplinary approach to effective professional practice.
    • Objective 2.2: Display culturally sensitive and competent professional behavior toward individuals and groups of patients.
    • Objective 2.3: Adhere to ethical and legal practice from the NATA Code of Ethics, BOC Standards of Practice, and national, state, and institutional policies.
    • Objective 2.4: Display effective interpersonal and inter-professional communication skills with patients, members of the healthcare team, and relevant stakeholders.
    • Objective 2.5: Engage in advocating for the profession, patients/clients, and relevant communities in the public and legislative domains.
  • Goal 3: Provide educational experiences that support the development of administrative functions of healthcare practitioners and facilities. 
    • Objective 3.1: Develop and execute administrative plans for budgeting, finance, cost control, and long-term planning.
    • Objective 3.2: Develop plans for emergency preparedness, legal adherence, principles of supervision, and professional liability.
    • Objective 3.3: Apply principles of healthcare administration and delivery that comply with the legal, ethical, and regulatory systems.
    • Objective 3.4: Develop self-assessment skills and formulate an individualized career development plan.
  • Goal 4: Support the development of evidence based Athletic Training practice and application of evidence-based practice within the delivery of patient care. 
    • Objective 4.1: Demonstrate proficiency in locating and critiquing peer-reviewed medical research.
    • Objective 4.2: Develop and answer focused clinical questions using principles of evidence-based practice.
    • Objective 4.3: Understand principles of research, including design, methodologies, and statistical analysis and interpretation.
    • Objective 4.4: Demonstrate critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills based on the application of scientific evidence.
  • Goal 5: Promote effective oral and written communication necessary for patient and caregiver education, inter-professional practice, and medical record documentation with a variety of constituents, including patients, caregivers, peers, supervisors, third-party payers, and other relevant healthcare professionals.
    • Objective 5.1: Demonstrate effective oral and written communication with patients, caregivers, and support personnel.
    • Objective 5.2: Demonstrate effective oral and written communication with preceptors, supervisors, and other healthcare professionals.
    • Objective 5.3: Demonstrate proficiency in written and electronic medical record documentation.
    • Objective 5.4: Create effective home management or care instructions for specific patient injuries or conditions.

  • Goal 6: Prepare students for the transition from individualized skill execution to encompassing autonomous practice through clinical education that provides a variety of patient exposures in differing settings.

    • Objective 6.1: Demonstrate proficiency in the necessary integrated clinical education competencies.
    • Objective 6.2: Execute proficiencies in authentic patient interactions.
    • Objective 6.3: Demonstrate the ability to alter treatment plans for a wide variety of patients based on the patient populations and employment settings.

Program Purpose 

The mission of Chatham University and the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program align in many ways and create a seamless partnership in developing students into engaged, respectful, and culturally competent citizens. The MSAT program provides opportunities to work with culturally diverse patient populations across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Students will be exposed to the importance of interprofessional collaboration in academic and clinical settings in order to better understand healthcare and respect the diversity of cultures, identities, and opinions. Graduates will be engaged in advocating for the athletic training profession and for patient access, and comprehensive care. 

Vision Statement

The Chatham University Master of Science in Athletic Training Program will be nationally recognized for its evidence-based didactic and clinical education to prepare students to be critically reasoning, evidenced-based practitioners who serve to advance the profession by strongly advocating for the best patient care in interdisciplinary environments.