What is Athletic Training?
The National Athletic Trainers’ Association defines athletic trainers as unique health care providers and an essential member of any health care team skilled and trained in the prevention of injury and illness, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergency, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions. Found on sidelines, military bases, warehouse floors, performance halls and clinics and hospitals, ATs provide a safer approach to work, life and sport.
For more information about what an Athletic Trainer is, please visit our Program Information page, the BOC, NATA, and/or AT4me.
Why Study Athletic Training at Grand Valley?
- Hands-On Experience Day 1: Gain practical experiences through semester-long clinical placements and up to two immersive experiences.
- Local and Nationwide Clinical Placements: We collaborate with students to provide immersive sites across a wide range of clinical settings, from high school athletics to professional sports, including the emerging settings within the athletic training profession.
- Knowledgeable Preceptors: Learn from highly skilled healthcare professionals and dedicated mentors through our extensive network of clinical experts throughout West Michigan and across the United States.
- 100% Board of Certification Exam Pass Rate: Our graduates are well-prepared for the certification examination.
- Financial Opportunities: Take advantage of our graduate assistantships and graduate-level scholarships to help support your educational goals.
- Top-of-the-Art Simulation Center and Facilities: Our facilities and simulation center prepare students through advanced learning environments to enhance patient care and decision-making.
- Experienced Faculty: Our faculty bring more than 80 years of combined professional experience and are committed to supporting students throughout their academic and professional journey.
- Interprofessional Focused: Learn alongside and collaborate with students and professionals from other healthcare disciplines to prepare for team-based patient-centered care.
- Small Class Sizes: Students benefit from our personalized instruction with lab experiences maintained at an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- Career-Ready Skills: Graduate with hands-on experiences through a variety of clinical settings, professional certifications, and confidence to excel in clinical practice as a healthcare professional.
- 100% Employment Rate: Supported by strong industry partnerships and an engaged alumni network, our graduates successfully secure employment after graduation and certification.
Program Overview
Thank you for your interest in Grand Valley State University's Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree offered through the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. The MAT is a graduate two-year degree that provides students with a theoretical and conceptual foundation combined with extensive hands-on clinical experience for professional preparation structured around a cohort model. Qualified GVSU undergraduates may choose an accelerated Bachelor/Master program, obtaining a combined degree in Exercise Science (BS) through the Department of Movement Science or Allied Health Sciences (BS) through the School of Interdisciplinary Health and Athletic Training (MAT) through the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. The athletic training program is designed to engage students in collaborative assignments and projects, common intellectual experiences, a diverse learning environment, and community-based learning; in direct alignment with the University's core value of integrating liberal learning with professional development. Students will be required to complete collaborative projects within the curriculum and have an opportunity to experience becoming producers of research through their graduate project.
Admissions Process
Application Deadline: October 15 (rolling)
The Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program at GVSU includes both didactic coursework and clinical experiences structured around a cohort of 24 students per year.
The Grand Valley State University Athletic Training Program is a CAATE accredited program that is Active in Good Standing.
Dr. Tonya Parker GLATA Outstanding Educator 2025
Dr. Tonya Parker, who is this year's recipient of the GLATA Outstanding Educator Award!
Congratulations to Aaron Rietman Outstanding Preceptor 2024
Congratulations to Outstanding Preceptor 2024 Aaron Rietman