Program Mission: The mission of the professional Master of Science in Athletic Training at the University of Kentucky is to effectively prepare entry-level athletic trainers, who are life-long learners and servants to their communities, for employment and/or pursuit of advanced education by providing a comprehensive education in a collaborative, evidence-based, patient-centered environment that includes robust educational, scholarly, clinical, and service opportunities.
For Program Goals and Policies, please see the Program website: https://www.uky.edu/chs/athletic-training/professional/caate
Program Information and Outcomes: https://caate.net/Program-Information-and-Outcomes/634
Accreditation Information: The University of Kentuky Professional Master of Science in Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) located at 6850 Austin Center Blvd, Suite 11, Austin, TX 78731-3184. The program will have its next comprehensive review during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Licensure Information
Most states require anyone engaging in athletic training or using an athletic trainer title to have a state license. License requirements vary by state, but most states require the BOC national certification to be earned. This certification requires graduation from a CAATE accredited program.
The University of Kentucky of Professional Master of Science in Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and meets educational requirements to obtain licensure in Kentucky and other U.S. states that require a license or certification to practice as an athletic trainer. Students interested in using the degree to seek licensure in another state or territory should visit the Out-of-State Students page to learn more about Athletic Trainng licensure requirements in the U.S. state or territory where they may be interested in pursuing licensure. Licensure requirements are subject to change.
Admission Requirements
Students must meet the University of Kentucky Graduate School requirements in addition to the following Program admissions requirements:
Must have a minimum overall GPA >3.0 (out of 4.0)
Must have a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite course work. Prerequisite coursework must completed prior to starting the Professional Program. These courses do not have to be completed at time of application:
- Biomechanics (3 credits)
- Exercise Physiology (3 credits)
- Human Physiology (3 credits)
- Human Anatomy (3 credits)
- Can be combined Anatomy and Physiology (I and II, 6 credits total)
- Psychology (3 credits)
- Physics (3 credits)
- Biology (3 credits)
- Chemistry (3 credits)
- Foundational Science Lab (1 credit, associated with Chemistry, Physics, or Biology)
Recommended but not required:
- Introduction to Athletic Training
- Research Methods/Scientific Writing
The Professional Admissions Committee reserves the right to request course syllabi for confirmation of course content for all prerequisites. Applicants are encouraged to review this list below to determine equivalency of their completed coursework to the Program prerequisite courses.
Complete and document 50 hours of observation under the supervision of an Athletic Trainer.
Personal Statement (please respond to the following prompts with at least 200 words each):
- When you investigated the UK PMATP, what aspects of the program aligned with your personal values and goals? What components interested you most?
- Tell us about the greatest challenge you have faced and how you have addressed that challenge.
Two Professional References
Traditional undergraduate students must demonstrate the ability to satisfy completion of their respective bachelor’s degree prior to the beginning of the Professional Program.
Students enrolled in accelerated degree programs must demonstrate completion of the required courses associated with their accelerated track prior to the beginning of the Professional Program.
Progression Requirements
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of ≥ 3.0 for progression and matriculation. Each course within the PMATP curriculum will use the University of Kentucky Graduate School graduate grading scale which includes A, B, C and E (1). In alignment with the University of Kentucky Graduate School grading scale, a grade of C or better must be achieved for all courses within the PMATP curriculum (1).
Students who earn an E in a course shall retake the course when offered again and earn a passing grade before they are allowed to take additional PMATP courses. All PMATP courses are typically offered once an academic year. Students who earn two Es or who earn a C in 9 or more credit hours in the Program will be dismissed from the Program. Students who are dismissed from the PMATP will not be re-admitted into the PMATP. All students retain the right to appeal according to University policies.
The PMATP will follow the repeat option policy of the University of Kentucky Graduate School. Per the University of Kentucky Graduate School, students may repeat a graduate course and count only the second grade as part of the graduate grade point average for one course in a particular degree program or in post-baccalaureate status (1). Additionally, the PMATP will follow the University of Kentucky Graduate School Scholastic Probation Policy (1). Students will have one semester to achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Application and re-admissions processes to the University of Kentucky Graduate School for students dismissed for failing to be removed from academic probation can be found in the University of Kentucky Graduate School bulletin (1). Students who are dismissed from the University of Kentucky Graduate School for failing to be removed from academic probation will not be re-admitted into the PMATP.
Degree Requirements
The Professional Master of Science in Athletic Training Program is a 74 credit hour program.
In addition to completion of all required course work, students must pass the comprehensive final exam with a 70 percent or better in the final semester.
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