Athletic Training, MA

The mission of the athletic training program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha is to prepare students for successful careers or advanced academic studies in the field of athletic training by providing didactic and clinical education, resources, and opportunities which lead to the growth and development of dedicated practitioners, reflective scholars, and responsible citizens.

Program Related Information

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Program Contact

Sam Wilkins, PhD, Director, Athletic Training Programs and Graduate Program Chair (GPC)
402.554.2670
sjwilkins@unomaha.edu

Program Website

Alternative Entry into the MA in athletic training from the BS in kinesiology

The School of Health and Kinesiology offers an alternative entry into the MA in athletic training, which allows outstanding students to complete the BS in Education undergraduate kinesiology degree and the MA in athletic training graduate degree. The alternative entry program is designed for dedicated students who are motivated and willing to take on early the challenges relating to graduate education. Interested students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor for more information about this program.

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Application Deadlines 

Summer 2026: The priority candidate deadline is January 15. Applications may be accepted through April 15.

Other Requirements

• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0 is required for unconditional admission.
  • Students with a 2.70-2.99 cumulative GPA may apply and be admitted provisionally. Provisional admission typically means that the admitted student must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher, and earn “B” or higher on all courses during the first 12 hours of graduate coursework.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the U.S., OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a predetermined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.
  • Internet-based TOEFL: 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 110 in order to be considered a strong candidate for admission.
• Statement of Purpose: Address the following in under 1000 words:
  • Why should you be selected for the University of Nebraska at Omaha Graduate athletic training Program?
  • Describe your attributes that you feel are clearly and directly related to the profession of athletic training.
  • What in your life has most directly influenced your choice of becoming an athletic trainer?
  • What is/are your primary career goal(s)?
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from individuals who should be able to speak about your abilities as a student, your leadership and problem-solving skills, and your potential as an athletic training student.
• Applicants must complete a minimum of 25 hours of observation with a an athletic trainer (ATC).
  • These hours should be completed in the 12-month period prior to application to the program. For students with more than 25 hours, a minimum of 25 hours must be completed in the 12-month period prior to application.
• All graduate candidates accepted to the UNO athletic training program:
  • Who received their bachelor’s degree from another institution must provide the course syllabi and course outlines/schedules in order to provide evidence that specific National Athletic Trainers’ Association Educational Competencies and Proficiencies were completed.
  • Must provide proof of physical examination and required vaccinations prior to admission. The physical exam must be completed within 12 months of the first day of our summer session course (typically the first week of July).

Degree Requirements

The following undergraduate prerequisites (deficiencies) must be completed prior to admission with a grade of “C” or better:

• Anatomy and Physiology (6 Credits)
• Biology (3 Credits)
• Biomechanics (3 Credits)
• Chemistry (3 Credits)
• Exercise Physiology (3 Credits)
• Nutrition (3 Credits)
• Physics (3 Credits)
• Psychology (3 Credits)

Other Requirements

Once admitted to the athletic training program, the student will obtain clinical hours as part of course requirements. Students will be expected to obtain an average of 20 hours of clinical experience per week during each fall and spring semester, which include some nights, weekends, and travel. Required clinical experiences must be obtained over a minimum of six (6) semesters.

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For more information, please call 402.554.2670.

Exit Requirements

In order to graduate with an MA in athletic training, the following criteria must be met:

• Successful completion ATHT 8900 administered during the student’s final semester.
• Successful completion of all clinical education requirements as given in course syllabi and the Athletic Training Student Handbook.