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Combined Degree: Allied Health Sciences B.S. and Athletic Training M.A.T.

Grand Valley State University combined degree programs offer current qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree, meeting unique personal, academic, and career goals. A combined degree can reduce the cost and total time required to complete both.

Visit the program website for more information.

Program Overview

Allied health professionals work in healthcare teams to provide a range of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and direct patient care and support services that are critical to their organizations and the patients they serve.

Qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the program and obtain a bachelor's degree in allied health sciences and a master's in athletic training within the accelerated time frame. Undergraduates apply to the athletic training program in the fall of their junior year. Application requirements:

  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or better.
  • Completion of all prerequisite courses with a C or better.
  • Personal statement.
  • Completion of supplemental questionnaire.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • Resume/CV.
  • Minimum of 35 hours of documented observation.
  • Basic life support (CPR/AED) and first aid certifications.

Why Pursue a Combined Degree at Grand Valley?

  • Personal attention by faculty in all courses and labs in our student-centered program.
  • Consistent high pass rates on the Board of Certification (BOC) exam for athletic trainers. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
  • Accelerate your career trajectory and complete your degrees one step ahead of the competition.
  • Respond to emerging job markets.
  • Meet the growing national need for more master's trained employees.
  • Gain valuable internship and career opportunities through partnerships in the West Michigan area.

Location & Format

All undergraduate students begin their academic career on the Allendale Campus. Students in this major continue their upper division studies on the GVSU Health Campus, near the Grand Rapids Medical Mile.

Format:
  • Face To Face

Coursework

Students who are accepted into the program will take courses in the AHS general emphasis and use up to a maximum of 12 credits as a substitution for the required minor. The students must complete the following M.A.T. courses their senior year:

  • ATH 506 - Intervention and Referral
  • ATH 510 - Foundational Concepts and Techniques in Athletic Training
  • ATH 514 - Assessment and Evaluation
  • ATH 521 - Athletic Training Clinical I

Career Options

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that ten of the 20 fastest-growing occupations are healthcare-related. They also predict 3.2 million new wage and salary healthcare jobs between 2018 and 2028. Graduates in the field of athletic training can be found anywhere people are active. This includes professional sports organizations, hospitals, clinics, colleges and universities, the military, and the performing arts.

Admission Requirements

Students may apply to the program as early as the start of junior year. Visit the online catalog for more information about admission requirements for the combined bachelor of science in allied health science and masters in athletic training.

For More Information

College of Health Professions
Allied Health Sciences, School of Interdisciplinary Health

500 Lafayette NE, Suite 106
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5000
[email protected]

Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

301 Michigan St. NE, 200 CHS
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5700