Bachelor of Science in Health Science/3+2 Master of Science in Athletic Training
The University of Tampa's athletic training program offers an early-assurance 3+2 graduate professional program. Students earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Science after the completion of four years and then a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) after the successful completion of an additional post-baccalaureate year. Students may also enter the program as an undergraduate transfer student or as a post-baccalaureate student.
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science/Master of Science in Athletic Training 3+2 program at The University of Tampa aims to develop the student as a responsible, compassionate healthcare professional with a belief in clinical excellence and lifelong learning. By educating and challenging dedicated students through rigorous academic and diverse clinical experiences to develop excellence in healthcare, the athletic training program will exemplify the balance of learning by thinking and learning by doing throughout the curriculum, both in the classroom and in clinical education experiences. Using a medical-based education model, athletic training students are educated to provide comprehensive patient care in five domains of clinical practice: risk reduction, wellness, and health literacy; assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis; critical incident management; therapeutic intervention; and health care administration and professional responsibility. Along with formal didactic education, the faculty will challenge the students to develop their skills in clinical reasoning, with the capability to integrate theoretic and practical educational components in clinical practice as they prepare to become skilled and confident entry-level athletic trainers who make a positive contribution to society in healthcare. Furthermore, our mission is to provide personalized education to diverse learners through a wide variety of individualized clinical opportunities.
Athletic trainers are highly qualified, multi-skilled healthcare professionals who work as part of a collaborative healthcare team. Athletic trainers provide their services in primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, clinical examination and diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions for injuries and medical conditions, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their education, training and the state's statutes, rules and regulations.
The athletic training profession is evolving in conjunction with healthcare. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic health conditions affecting body structures, activity limitations, and restrictions in participation in societal roles. The entry-level athletic trainer is a multi-faceted, well-rounded healthcare practitioner who should recognize the diversity of practice settings and roles to respond to societal needs. Graduates are expected to demonstrate the highest ethical standards in practice, exhibit cultural sensitivity, participate in professional associations, and be active in advancing knowledge and providing service and education in their communities.
Freshman Direct-entry (accelerated) option
- Accepted to the University as a new first year student with a declared Bachelor of Science with a major in Health Science.
- The direct freshman admission is unique and removes the competitive pressure so entry into the professional phase of the program is guaranteed following completion of the required courses provided the student meets prescribed standards for program progression and prerequisite course requirements.
- High school seniors applying for admission will be reviewed on an individual basis. The best-qualified students are selected from the application pool with a minimum recommended cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
- Recommended courses include 4 years of high school courses in: 1) English, 2) Math, 3) Science, including biology and chemistry [physics encouraged].
Transitional (non-direct-entry)
- Students who are not enrolled in the accelerated direct entry program may transfer into the degree program by declaring a major in Bachelor of Science in Health Science no later than the start of the Fall term in their 3rd year.
- Minimum of 17 hours of college credit with a minimum of a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale with no science grade below a C.
- These students will be considered for formal admission into the professional program if they have completed all MSAT admission prerequisite courses and met the admissions pre-requisite criteria.
- A separate application for admission to the MSAT program will be required.
Pre-Professional Continuation Standards
- Grade Point Average requirements
- With ≤ 32 credit hours
- Good Standing – ≥2.70
- Academic Jeopardy - 2.30 to 2.69
- Academic Probation - <2.30
- With > 32 credit hours
- Good Standing - ≥2.70
- Academic Jeopardy - 2.5 to 2.69
- Academic Probation - <2.49
- A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 is required to enter the MSAT phase of the program.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses:
| BIO 198 | General Biology I | 3 |
| BIO 198L | General Biology I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHE 152 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHE 153L | General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| | MAT 160 or higher | 4 |
| PHY 200 | General Physics I | 4 |
| PHY 200L | General Physics I Laboratory | 0 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology | 4 |
| ESC 105 | Biokinetics and Conditioning | 2 |
| ESC 150 | Comprehensive First Aid/CPR/AED | 2 |
| ESC 330 | Human Development and Motor Learning | 3 |
| ESC 340 | Applied Kinesiology | 3 |
| ESC 380 | Exercise Testing and Prescription | 3 |
| ESC 460 | Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| HSC 100 | Personal and Family Health | 3 |
| HSC 230 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| HSC 231 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| HSC 234 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory | 1 |
| HSC 235 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory | 1 |
| HSC 203 | Nutrition | 3 |
| HSC 350 | Biostatistics | 4 |
| HSC 360 | Principles of Epidemiology in Exercise and Public Health | 4 |
| ATT 110 | Introduction to Athletic Training | 2 |
| ATT 210 | Athletic Training Student Development 1 | 2 |
| ATT 310 | Athletic Training Student Development II | 3 |
| | General Electives | 6 |
| | Major Electives | 6 |
For undergraduate students admitted to the 5-year BSHS/MSAT professional program the following graduate courses will count toward the Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree:
| ATT 501 | Foundations of Practice in Athletic Training | 3 |
| ATT 502 | Acute and Emergency Care in Athletic Training | 3 |
| ATT 503 | Introduction to Clinical Interventions | 2 |
| ATT 515 | Clinical Practicum I | 2 |
| ATT 520 | Clinical Inquiry I | 1 |
| ATT 571 | Clinical Examination & Diagnosis I | 4 |
| ATT 573 | Therapeutic Interventions I | 4 |
The following courses are prerequisites for admission to the MSAT professional program: BIO 198*, BIO 198L*, CHE 152*, CHE 153*, PHY 200/200L*, PSY 101, HSC 203, HSC 230, HSC 231, HSC 234, HSC 235, HSC 350, ESC 340, ESC 460. Those marked with an asterisk (*) also meet Spartan Studies requirements.