Do you have a deep passion for learning about the human body as well as a desire to aid in patient treatment and rehabilitation? Are sports and the field of competition somewhere you thrive and are passionate about? Does a career that combines healthcare and physical activity sound like the optimal environment for you?

At Point Loma Nazarene University, you can earn your Master of Science in Athletic Training (MS-AT) degree at Balboa Regional Center which hosts our state-of-the-art athletic training, human performance, and biomechanics labs. These facilities allow you to practically apply athletic training skills in real time and learn from renowned faculty. Our labs are also used by our faculty and students to support professional athletes and organizations across Southern California. 

PLNU’s hands-on MS-AT program features three concentrations that prepare you for professional practice after graduation. You have the flexibility to choose one of the following concentrations allowing you to be successful — and more marketable — in your future career and vocation:

1. Anatomy Education

This concentration is meant for individuals with aspirations to teach athletic training or sports medicine within the career teaching education pathways in a high school setting or those wanting to teach as an adjunct or part-time professor at a college/university. The anatomy education concentration will allow you to take a fully online anatomy course where you’ll dive deeper into the anatomy of the human body.

To prepare you for teaching in a classroom setting, students start by learning about some of the best practices in the scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education, followed by hands-on teaching experience in the anatomy laboratory and classroom. Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to integrate your clinical experience as an athletic trainer and your knowledge of educational practices to teach the next generation of healthcare professionals. By graduation, students can expect to gain the necessary experience and hours needed to teach classes in anatomy.

2. Biomechanics 

This concentration is meant for individuals who are passionate about applying 3D motion capture technology to study joint motion in sports movements and interested in using a hands-on practical application of your knowledge with professional sports teams and athletes. 

In the biomechanics concentration, students take an eight-week biomechanics course, study with a nationally recognized biomechanist, utilize PLNU’s state-of-the-art biomechanics lab, and complete an internship that involves learning the motion capture, force platform, and electromyography systems while possibly working with professional teams and athletes.

Biomechanics is a technical concentration that requires strong mathematical skills and frequent work with hardware and software systems. Those completing this concentration will not only be prepared to work as a certified athletic trainer but will also gain the skills to work as a biomechanist if that’s the desired career path.

3. Sport Performance* 

The sport performance concentration is meant for individuals who are excited about the sport and tactic strength and conditioning side of athletic training. 

In this concentration, you’ll learn how to not only be a well-rounded athletic trainer but how to incorporate the principles of strength training and conditioning to a myriad of differential populations. You’ll learn the principles of coaching, weight training, injury analysis, energy system analysis, testing and exercise programming, all with the goal of learning how to monitor, evaluate, and enhance performance.

After graduation, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to work with various populations, such as youth, high school, collegiate, military, firefighters, law enforcement, and first responders to not only enhance performance but reduce premature morbidity and mortality.

*Students who choose the sport performance concentration will also be eligible to take the NSCA Strength And Conditioning (CSCS) Exam. 

Benefits of a concentration

PLNU empowers MS-AT students to take charge of their career and vocation unlike any other athletic training master’s program. Not only will you graduate with a degree from an accredited program, you’ll also graduate with the skills, hands-on clinical experience, and professional resources to make you a well-rounded AT. You have the flexibility to tailor this program to your goals; after the first year of structured learning, your second year will branch into a more specialized clinical experience to prepare you for what it’s actually like to have a career in the practice. 

Through PLNU’s program, students learn invaluable skills from highly trained professors as well as from other fellow master’s students in the kinesiology field to give you a well-rounded experience of what working with various healthcare practitioners looks like. By graduation, you’ll understand how to use and apply your skills in your chosen concentration while also working with a diverse range of professionals.

Athletic trainers play a critical role in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of their patients. With employment opportunities for athletic training professionals expected to grow by 17% through 2031*, earning your MS-AT could be the right decision for you today.

*Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021-2031.

This program will help you optimize your learning, your career, and your impact on others as you develop skills in injury evaluation, functional rehabilitation, prescribing therapeutic modalities, and healthcare management. You’ll also gain the clinical proficiency necessary to pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become a certified athletic trainer at the end of your studies.

"Our program consists of extensive clinical experiences designed to provide a multifaceted learning experience that will shape students into sound clinicians who are service-oriented and focused on providing quality patient care." 

Nicole Cosby, Ph.D., ATC
MS–AT Program Director

From current undergraduate students to those already with their bachelor’s degree looking for a career change, PLNU’s flexible MS-AT program is designed to prepare individuals for the dynamic and growing field of athletic training and to meet the growing demand for master's-level professionals. Program options are available for students at any stage of their career journey.

The MS-AT program is offered in two different formats:

1. M.S. in 5 (3 + 2)  program for students without a bachelor's degree. PLNU offers an accelerated program in which you can earn both a bachelor's and master's degree. The program takes five years to complete.
   • For more information on the 3+2 route and the application process please click here to visit our undergraduate webpage, which provides information on the health and human performance major and your route to transition into the MS-AT. 
2. Two-year professional program for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. Please continue to explore this website.

Program Goals

1. Prepare students to successfully pass the Board of Certification (BOC) Examination. (PLO-1)
2. Produce ethical, professional, and evidence-based certified athletic trainers who provide high-quality patient-centered care. (PLO-2,3)
3. Provide a variety of clinical experiences that exposes students to diverse patient populations and healthcare settings.  (PLO-4)
4. Create healthcare leaders who are willing to serve others through their selected vocation and calling. (PLO-1,4,5)

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MS-AT, the successful student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to become a certified athletic trainer.
2. Critically evaluate and integrate the best available evidence for clinical decision making.
3. Deliver new evidence that is intended to change clinical practice to various healthcare communities through scholarly research presentations and symposiums.
4. Describe the importance of collaborating with multiple healthcare professionals to improve patient care in diverse populations.
5. Demonstrate preparedness for their vocation and calling.

Relevant Experience

Gain clinical skills through diverse internship opportunities, choose a concentration that sets you apart from other athletic trainers, and take courses that pair a functional, applied learning approach with the latest industry research and trends, giving you the real-world experience today to fulfill your potential tomorrow.

Professional Preparedness

Gain exposure to valuable clinical experiences designed to prepare you for your vocation while learning from faculty with diverse skill sets in athletic training.

Your clinical experience is valuable. It allows you to put into practice the hands-on skills you learn in the classroom. Our department consistently partners with clinical sites to give students the best possible opportunities as they step into the clinical portion of the program. Some of the many clinical sites we partner with include:

• Professional sports (SD Padres, SD Legion)
• NCAA DI athletics (Stanford, San Diego State University, University of California San Diego, University of San Diego)
• NCAA DII athletics (Point Loma Nazarene University, Cal State San Marcos)
• Community colleges and high schools
• Occupational medicine (SD Fire, Amazon, Industrial Athlete Pros)

PLNU partners with over 20 clinical sites in the San Diego region. Please click here to see a list of clinical sites associated with PLNU's MS-AT program.

Note: All clinical sites are currently requiring students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two doses + booster). Failure to meet your clinical site’s vaccination requirements could hinder your progression in the MS-AT and your ability to graduate on time.

Pursue Your Purpose

Become challenged and fully equipped to serve as a highly effective allied healthcare professional who incorporates a Christian perspective, academic excellence, and professional/relational proficiency into clinical practice.  

State Authorization

State authorization is a formal determination by a state or U.S. Territory that PLNU is approved to conduct activities regulated by that state or U.S. Territory. PLNU is not required to obtain state authorization in every state or U.S. Territory, and the university has opted at this time not to seek authorization in some states. Additionally, PLNU meets the criteria for exemption from authorization in certain states.

Visit our disclosures page to view our color-coded state authorized map to view your state’s authorization status. If you have questions, please contact your enrollment counselor. 

Authorizations in specific states and U.S. Territories may change periodically.

Professional Licensure or Certification

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and meets the requirements to sit for the board of certification examination in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. PLNU cannot confirm whether or not specific programs meet out-of-state requirements for professional licensure. Information about out-of-state requirements in athletic training can be found within each state's licensing act. Please consult the CAATE website for other questions regarding the field of athletic training.  

For more information on state authorization and program licensure, please refer to our disclosures page.

CAATE Program Information and Outcomes Page

Program Start Date(s):

• Summer 2025 Quad II — July 7, 2025

Application Deadline(s):

• Summer 2025 Quad II — June 20, 2025

Start Application

The Master of Science in Athletic Training program has two routes for admission, with each route requiring the prospective student to complete the required course prerequisites. These include:

1. Students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree and the essential prerequisites from a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants will apply through the university’s application process.
   
   OR
2. The 3+2 accelerated program in coordination with the Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Performance (Pre-Allied Health Concentration) and prerequisites at Point Loma Nazarene University. Advising for this route of admission is critical, and applicants will apply directly through the department using an internal application.

Application Checklist For Students Already with an Undergraduate Degree

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
    
2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution* that reflects the following requirements:
   • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in last 60 undergraduate credits.

   • Prerequisite course GPA of 3.0 or higher with no course grade below a "C."
     
     (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
      

     Official transcripts must be sent to:

     Point Loma Nazarene University
     Office of Graduate Admissions
     3900 Lomaland Dr.
     San Diego, CA 92106

     Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
     gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
     
     *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.

3. Submit a personal essay. Specifically, state how you would like to use your master’s degree from PLNU to further your career. Make sure you clearly touch on the two points below (one to two pages):
   • Clarify what job setting you see yourself pursuing upon completing the M.S. in Athletic Training and specify how this degree program will help you in that setting.
   • State how your previous education and work experiences have uniquely prepared you for success in this program.
4. Submit a resume/curriculum vitae.
    
5. Submit two letters of recommendation that describe your academic ability and your potential as a future healthcare professional. One letter must be from a professor/teacher. It is strongly encouraged that the second letter is from a supervisor or mentor who works in a healthcare setting.
6. Ensure undergraduate course prerequisites are met.
    
7. Completes an interview with the athletic training program selection committee. All applicants will be scored by each selection committee member using a standardized interview rubric to reduce interviewer bias.

*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

Post-Admission Documentation

After admission into the MS-AT program, the following documentation must be submitted to the MS-AT program director/clinical coordinator prior to the beginning of the first fall academic semester:

• Read, sign, and meet the technical standards for admission.
• Read the athletic training student handbook and agree to adhere to all policies and procedures listed in the handbook. Students will sign a student  handbook verification form upon admittance into the program.
• Provide immunization records and complete the immunization record form.
• Complete a physical examination by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
• Submit an observation hours verification form (10 hours volunteering under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Please have all hours of verification submitted by July 1 of the application year. Students are encouraged to find their own observation opportunities. However, if you need help finding opportunities, please contact Dr. Ryan Nokes, clinical education coordinator, at rnokes@pointloma.edu.)

Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite course syllabi are required at the time of application.

• Anatomy and Physiology with a lab
• Physics (please contact the program director for questions regarding this course.)
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Exercise Physiology
• Psychology

*Students looking to fulfill their anatomy prerequisite have the option to complete it through PLNU's Anatomy Learning Institute. 

Additional Course information

• If a combined anatomy/physiology course is taken, two semester or three quarter courses are required.
• Prerequisite courses may be repeated only once; the second grade will then be used to calculate GPA.
• Pass/credit grades for prerequisite courses will be accepted if the granting institution has a C or better basis for a grade of credit/pass.
• Courses that have received advanced placement credit (AP or CLEP) may fulfill prerequisite requirements. The credit hours and grade points will not be computed in the GPA calculation.
• Students must satisfactorily complete all remaining prerequisite course requirements in accordance with the admission requirements before beginning MS-AT coursework.
• Accepted students are required to meet technical standards and specific health requirements (e.g., vaccinations).
• Individuals who have been dismissed from another athletic training program are not eligible for consideration for admission to Point Loma Nazarene University.
• Applicants who decline or are denied admission may reapply in any subsequent year. Admission requirements are subject to change, and admission in one year does not guarantee admission in any subsequent year.
• Individuals who cannot pass an FBI/Department of Justice background check are not eligible for clinical education rotations and are not admissible to the program.
• Point Loma Nazarene University considers all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, special needs, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal civil rights laws. Some information requested in the application is requested for federal or accreditation reporting and will not be used in a discriminatory manner.

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy per your particular program. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission under exceptions process.

Start Application

PLNU’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MS-AT) will prepare you for careers in healthcare, education, research, sports administration, and many other specialized fields.

Some MS-AT Career Routes Include:

• Athletic trainer
• Teaching within CTE pathways
• Adjunct or part-time college professor
• Biomechanist
• Strength and conditioning coach
• Sports scientist
• Research positions
• Physician assistant
• Physical therapist
• Chiropractor

Job Outlook for Athletic Trainers

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 17% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

Athletic training will always be a valued skill that correlates with a high-demand degree and job outlook, especially as sports programs for any age and experience level continue to grow and flourish in today's society. Athletic trainers who can provide high-quality treatment, injury prevention, and injury detection are highly sought after by employers — especially when entering the job market with a concentration in your desired vocation. 

As more and more people become aware of the long-term effects and detriments that injuries can cause, many employers and insurers strive to onboard athletic trainers who can attend to employee injuries. These athletic trainers also work to create programs meant to reduce injury rates in the first place. Furthermore, depending on the state, some insurance companies recognize athletic trainers as healthcare providers and reimburse the cost of an athletic trainer’s services.

Available Scholarships
 

The MS-AT program awards three incoming students a $1,000 one-time scholarship. Only students who complete their application for admission into the MS-AT before March 12 of each application year are eligible for consideration.

The program also offers scholarships for students once enrolled. Scholarship amounts will vary and will be based on students meeting the minimum requirements below. Interested students should complete their admissions application by January 7 of the academic year.

Scholarship Criteria

1. Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in the MS-AT for the fall.
2. Complete the scholarship application.

The scholarship committee will review applications and collectively decide who has been awarded a scholarship. Students receiving a scholarship will be notified approximately three weeks after application submission via an email from the program director. Students who do not receive a scholarship will be notified as well and given feedback on their application.

Program Cost

Graduate program and fifth-year for traditional students 

$740/unit

Program Fee

Upon acceptance and enrollment in the MS-AT program, students will be required to pay an additional, one-time program fee of $1,400. Program fees are utilized to provide each student:

For information about the courses required for the Athletic Training, M.S. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Students can enroll in this online course to meet the anatomy prerequisites requirement.

Anatomy Prerequisite