UNK offers the Master of Athletic Training [2-year graduate (professional) program]. We additionally offer the 5-year undergraduate and graduate combined course sequence [i.e. 3-year undergraduate program in the related field major (e.g. Exercise Science, Physical Education, Teacher Education, Biology, or other) with the newly established Minor in Athletic Training Foundation, and 2-year graduate (professional) program]. Either course sequence (2-year graduate program or 5-year undergraduate/graduate program) allows students to have great academic and clinical experience and provides students with the eligibility to take the Board of Certification (BOC) examination at the completion of the program.
The University of Nebraska Athletic Training Education Program (UNK-ATEP) is developed in accordance with the CAATE Standards for the accreditation of athletic training education programs. Courses include didactic and clinical instruction in subject matter areas as determined by the NATA Athletic Training Educational Competencies. The program offers the student a wide variety of field experience settings for the practice of applying the knowledge and skills acquired.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program is to provide students with a comprehensive educational experience and a strong clinical foundation for a career in athletic training, an allied health care profession. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform tasks professionally and will be able to understand and apply proper prevention, management, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses in physically active individuals across various settings.
Program Goals & Objectives
The Master of Athletic Training has three primary goals and ten program-specific objectives to measure student success and program assurance. The athletic training faculty reviews these annually and submits them to UNK and the CAATE as part of the annual report.
Goal 1. Student Learning
Program Objective 1.1. Learning of Course Content and Knowledge and Skill Applications
Program Objective 1.2. Clinical Education/Experience
Program Objective 1.3. Cumulative Knowledge/BOC Exam Readiness
Goal 2. Student Achievement
Program 2.1. Program Retention Rate
Program 2.2. Program Graduation Rate
Program 2.3. Graduate Placement Rate
Program 2.4. BOC Exam Pass Rate (Standard 6)
Goal 3. Overall Program Effectiveness
Program 3.1. Quality of Instruction (Standard 4)
Program 3.2. Quality of Clinical Education
Program 3.3. Three-Year Aggregate of BOC Exam Pass Rate
Master of Athletic Training program is designated under the Office of Graduate Studies. Graduate students must be admitted to the Graduate Studies first to enroll the Master of Athletic Training program. The UNK Athletic Training Faculty will assist all degree seeking/prospective Athletic Training Students in their academic and career goals.
For successful admission to the Master of Athletic Training, students have to meet a variety of admission requirements. Please see the detailed requirements on the Athletic Training catalog page. If students have any questions, please contact Dr. Kazuma Akehi, Program Director at akehik1@unk.edu.
Graduate (3+2 or traditional 2 year)
Students who are enrolled into the Master of Athletic Training will complete 2 years of academic and clinical education at UNK. Academic course work includes courses such as orthopedic evaluation and assessment, pathology and treatment of medical conditions, therapeutic interventions, and professional development. Upon completion of the academic curriculum and clinical experience, the student is eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) Examination.
Travel costs vary based on the distance of the assigned clinical experience outside of the UNK.
Board of Certification Test
Exam Application Fees: $75 (NATA Members), $100 (Non-NATA Members)
Exam Fees: $375
*Scholarships, loans, and other financial aid may be available to qualified students through our program, college, or university. Please visit the UNK Office of Financial Aid for more information.
Course Fees
Some courses require additional fees beyond the regular tuition. These courses include:
KSS 808 Therapeutic Modality for Athletic Injury - $40
KSS 820 General Medical Conditions in Sport - $40
KSS 860P Gross Anatomy - $235
KSS 885 Clinical I - $100
KSS 886 Clinical II $70
KSS 887 Clinical III - $30
KSS 888 Clinical IV - $30
KSS 889 Clinical V - $60
KSS 890 Clinical VI- $30
Course fees may change. You can also see the most updated course fees from the link at Student Accounts.
The link below points to the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) webpage that posts the UNK program information and outcomes data.
