1. What is an athletic trainer?
Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. More information about the athletic training profession can be found on the National Athletic Trainers' Association website (www.nata.org) (NATA, 2009).
2. What types of employment opportunities exist for the MATrg graduate?
Once you have graduated from the MATrg and have successfully passed the Board of Certification exam, employment opportunities can be found in a wide variety of settings where people are physically active. Some of these settings include (but are not limited to…) colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports, industrial and commercial, the military, and the performing arts. Additional information can be found on the National Athletic Trainers' Association website (www.nata.org).
3. Is a Bachelor's Degree required for acceptance into the MATrg?
Yes, you must have baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
4. Is the MATrg an accredited program?
Yes, the MATrg ATEP is an accredited program. The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) is the governing body for accreditation of entry level athletic training education programs in the United States, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. The NDSU MATrg was awarded accreditation status in 2006.
5. What is an entry-level athletic training program?
An entry-level program prepares the student to meet the requirements to take the Board of Certification exam and to earn the credentials "ATC" that are required to work in the profession.
6. What is a typical day like for a student in the MATrg?
Typically, classes are scheduled weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. or later evening. Clinical education hours generally occur between the hours of 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and can be extend into the weekend, depending upon the type of clinical assignment or requirement scheduled for the student.
7. Is it possible to work, either part-time or full-time, and still be successful in completing the degree program in a time frame of 2 years?
The MATrg is an intense education program that requires a tremendous time commitment for students, both in the classroom and in the clinical setting. It is highly recommended that part-time employment considerations are minimal, and that full-time work opportunities are not considered.
8. Can I take classes online?
No, the athletic training courses are not web based.
9. Is the GRE required to be admitted into the MATrg program?
At this time the GRE is not required for admittance into MATrg. It is being discussed by the graduate faculty and may be added in the near future.
10. Do I have to do a thesis if I enroll in the MATrg program?
No, the MATrg is an applied or professional program and a thesis is not required to graduate with this degree.
11. How many credit hours do I need to take to be considered full time as a graduate student?
Full time graduate students carry 9 credits. Part time is considered less than 9 credits.
12. When is the dead line for application?
Application deadline is February 1st.
13. When will a decision be made regarding my application?
Applications will be reviewed no later than February 28th. Applicants will then be contacted regarding an interview.
14. Is an in-person interview required to be accepted into the program? Can I do a phone interview instead?
At this time, interviews will be conducted on campus or via Skype.
15. How long is the MATrg program?
The MATrg is 36 credits and is completed over 4 consecutive semesters. Courses are sequenced and cannot be taken out of sequence.
16. Are there any special requirements that international students need to complete before applying for the MATrg program?
International students need to meet all institutional requirements deemed necessary by the NDSU International Office and Graduate School. See links below for additional information.
17. Where do I send my transcript, recommendations, etc.?
Transcripts need to submitted with your NDSU Graduate School Application which his submitted on line at www.ndsu.edu/gradschool. The MATrg Program Application, including a copy of a signed Professional Rescuer or Healthcare Provider card, verification of observation hours, recommendation letters, personal essay is submitted to the MATrg Application Coordinator, North Dakota State University, PO Box 6050 Dept 2620, Fargo ND, 58108.
18. Can the MATrg program be completed in less than 2 years?
No, due to accreditation requirements a student must complete 4 semesters of clinical experience.
19. Will my application be considered if I don't meet the minimum academic requirements?
Since applications are due February 1st, students may be taking required academic courses during the semester they are applying to the MATrg. Program application should reflect that the courses are being taken during the semester the application was submitted.
20. How many students do you accept into the MATrg program?
We will accept up to 8 students in the MATrg. This program has a competitive admissions process.
Student Financial Services
701.231.6200
www.ndsu.edu/bisonconnection/finaid
Graduate School
701.231.7033
www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/
International Office
701.231.7895
www.ndsu.edu/international
Residence Life701.231.7557www.ndsu.edu/reslife/