Admissions

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MS-AT) degree at Florida International University is a limited-access, full-time enrollment program with a highly competitive admissions process based on comprehensive evaluations. Students are admitted once a year for the Fall semester. Applying for admission to the FIU Master of Science in Athletic Training program is solely via the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS) portal.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA average (based on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 credits of upper division courses of the bachelor’s degree
  • Complete the following prerequisite courses* with a minimum grade of “C”:
    • General Biology and Lab (4 credits)
    • Human Anatomy and Lab (4 credits)
    • Human Physiology and Lab (4 credits)
    • Physics and Lab (4 credits)
    • Principles of Nutrition (3 credits)
    • Statistics (3 credits)
    • General Psychology (3 credits)
    • Kinesiology or Biomechanics (3 credits)
    • Exercise Physiology (3 credits)
    • Chemistry and Lab (4 credits)
  • Submit the following directly to the Athletic Training Program by February 15:
    • Three letters of recommendation (one must be from a faculty member)
    • A curriculum vitae/resume
    • A personal statement of professional and educational goals
  • Be admitted to FIU Graduate School. Apply online at FIU Graduate School by February 15 (U.S. students); February 1 (international students). 

Since FIU does not offer a bachelor’s program in Athletic Training, we recommend that students pursue undergraduate majors in fields such as Physical Education (Sport and Fitness Studies Track), Recreational Therapy or Psychology and incorporate the prerequisite courses as elective coursework.

Demonstration of Candidacy

The technical standards set forth by the FIU Athletic Training department establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer as well as to meet the expectations of the program's accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]).

Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be permitted to begin the clinical education component of the program.

Candidates seeking acceptance into the FIU Athletic Training program must demonstrate:

  • The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts, and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
  • Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
  • The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
  • The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
  • The capacity to maintain composure and function during periods of high stress and uncertain clinical situations.
  • The perseverance, diligence, and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined by the program.
  • Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
  • Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Transfer & International Students

Transfer and international students must meet additional university requirements before proceeding with an application. Visit the FIU Graduate School website for details.

In accordance with the FIU Graduate School Transfer Credit Policy, the Athletic Training program may accept a maximum of 11 graduate credits (20 percent or less of the total required credits of graduate coursework) earned from another institution beyond a bachelor’s degree, subject to approval by the program director. Acceptance of transfer credits for a course is dependent upon the following provisions:

  • The student received a grade of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
  • The course was taken at an accredited institution
  • The course is relevant tothe Athletic Training program, as judged by the program director upon review of the course syllabus, to the Athletic Training program
  • The course is listed on an official transcript received by Graduate Admissions
  • The course will be no older than six years at the time of graduation from the program

Students who have completed graduate athletic training coursework at another Athletic Training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education or graduate credits from a non-CAATE-accredited program may apply for transfer credit. The program director will review transfer credits on a case-by-case basis and may request additional documentation to render a decision.

If admitted to the program, transfer students will be required to complete all courses in the prescribed sequence and enroll in all of the clinical education courses. Graduate credit is not awarded for life experiences.

About our Admissions and Program Policies

Florida International University and Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences policies, procedures, requirements and regulations are continually reviewed to serve the needs of the university/college’s publics and to respond to the mandates of the Florida Department of Education, Board of Governors, the Legislature, and other regulatory and accrediting agencies. Changes in programs, policies, procedures, requirements, and regulations may be made without notice.

Contact Us

For assistance or questions regarding our admission and/or application requirements, contact the FIU Athletic Training department: 

Mary Lopez
FIU Athletic Training
Email: Mlopez21@fiu.edu
Tel: 305-348-3167
Fax: 305-348-2125