What You’ll Learn 

You’ll learn to think critically and effectively apply content knowledge to real-world situations and tasks in Vermont State’s athletic training graduate program. You’ll become a professionally and ethically responsible administrator of athletic healthcare and learn how to maintain the highest standards of evidence-based clinical practice. You’ll learn to integrate information technology, clinical expertise, and patient values and circumstances. You’ll also develop the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully as a healthcare professional.

Outside the Classroom, In the Community 

In this program, you’ll gain leading-edge skills for athletic training jobs through clinical placements that will help you grow your professional network. You will complete 1000+ hours of clinical experiences during the program. Our many affiliate sites include: 

• Vermont State’s Castleton Campus  
• Middlebury College 
• Vermont Orthopaedic Clinic 
• Killington Medical Clinic 
• Castleton Community Health Center 
• Middlebury High School 
• Rutland High School 
• Fair Haven Union High School 
• Mill River Union High School 
• Slate Valley Physical Therapy 

Welcome to Vermont State 

We’re excited you are interested in applying to Vermont State University. Our graduate admissions application is now open and our Admissions Counselor is ready to answer your questions! 

Master of Athletic Training Program Admissions Requirements & Application Process

Admissions Requirements

1. Applicants to the program must have earned a bachelor’s degree from Vermont State University or another regionally accredited college or university by matriculation AND meet specific prerequisite coursework requirements. Enrollment in the MAT program is limited, and admission is selective. New cohorts enter the program annually in the summer and complete a two-year, 66-credit curriculum.
2. Official transcript of all college/university work, both graduate and undergraduate. With your success in mind, we carefully review your academic foundation. We encourage interested students to apply. Admission to the program may be granted if the applicant has an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale and shows aptitude for graduate studies as reflected in references, writing ability, and personal objectives.
3. The transcript must verify completion of all of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better: • Human Anatomy (3-4 cr with lab) • Human Physiology (3-4 cr with lab) • Chemistry (3-4 cr with lab) • Physics (3-4 cr with lab) • Biology (3-4 cr with lab) • Kinesiology or Biomechanics • Physiology of Exercise • Nutrition • Statistics • Introductory Psychology • Public Health (or equivalent).
4. A statement that addresses why you want to pursue a master of athletic training degree, previous exposure you have had with an athletic trainer or another health care provider, and your professional goals. Please limit your statement to 500 words or fewer and include a word count at the end.
5. Current résumé.
6. Two letters of reference that speak to your scholarship and potential as a health care professional.
7. Proof of current CPR certification at the professional rescuer level.
8. Students must meet minimum Technical Standard Requirements to be eligible to participate in the MAT Program. A completed Technical Standards form must be submitted as part of the application process.
9. Students who meet all requirements 1-8 listed above will be contacted after February 1 to schedule an interview.

Prior to matriculation, students must submit:

1. A criminal background check. Castleton uses CastleBranch for the criminal background check.
2. Immunization record.

Application Deadline and Process

Students will apply to the program through the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS). Begin the application process here: Apply now.

The application deadline is February 1st. Program faculty will review completed applications after this deadline. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed after this deadline if space in the cohort permits.

For More Information

If you have questions regarding your application, contact the Admissions Office at Admissions@VermontState.edu or by calling 888.398.8878. For questions about the program, contact Reese Boucher, Athletic Training Program Director, at Reese.Boucher@VermontState.edu or 802.468.1435.

Vermont State University provides a high-quality, affordable master’s degree in Athletic Training to students across Vermont and beyond. Our financial aid team is here to help you explore all your options.

Scholarships 

The Athletic Training Scholarship 

Returning students are eligible for the Athletic Training Scholarship. The Athletic Training Scholarship, initiated by Dave Perrin ’76 and funded with the help of alumni, faculty, and friends, was established for the benefit of students studying athletic training. The recipient will be selected by the AT program faculty. To be eligible, you need to meet the following requirements: 

• Enrolled in an Athletic Training program full-time 
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 
• Demonstrate need as determined by the Financial Aid Office  
• Current FAFSA submitted 

Scholarships From Athletic Training Professional Organizations  

Note: these scholarships require sponsorship from the athletic training program faculty. The faculty consider academic, clinical, and professional achievements of students when selecting the nominees. 

• The Vermont Association of Athletic Trainers (VAAT) Scholarship: 
  The Vermont Association of Athletic Trainers (VAAT), in cooperation with District One of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), is committed to honoring outstanding athletic training students from the VAAT membership who have excelled academically and clinically. At present, one $2,500 grant and one $1,000 grant will be awarded annually to students who have participated with distinction in a university athletic training program. These awards are meant to encourage the recipients to continue their educational development in the athletic training profession. A maximum of two students from the Master of Athletic Training program may be nominated annually by program faculty to be eligible for these grants. 

• Eastern Athletic Trainers Association Scholarships: 
  The Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association, Inc. has inaugurated a scholarship program honoring outstanding students from the EATA membership who have excelled academically and clinically as professional (entry-level) athletic training students. At present, 11 grants of $3,000 are awarded annually to students in entry-level accredited programs who have participated with distinction in a college or university athletic training program. These awards are meant to encourage the recipients to continue their education toward a professional athletic training degree and pursue a career in athletic training.  

Tuition Structure  

The graduate tuition rate applies to this program, according to your in-state or out-of-state resident status. Visit Tuition & Fees for current tuition rates. 

There are additional fees and expenses that are not included in the tuition rate for this program. Here are examples of fees and expenses you might need to cover, and other expenses may apply too. 

1. Equipment, supplies, and select laboratory and curricular technology fees; specific course fees can be viewed within the course descriptions, as listed in the graduate catalog.  
2. The purchase of appropriate attire to be worn in the clinical setting.  
3. Travel to and from clinical sites.