DPT to MSAT Bridge Program
Add Athletic Training to Your DPT Skill Set
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) to Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Bridge Program is designed for DPTs who desire to become a certified athletic trainer. This program will advance students with knowledge and skills in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of the physically active population. The program is offered in a hybrid format with a combination of on-campus and asynchronous courses.
The Bridge Program within our Division of Athletic Training is a 14-month, hybrid program designed exclusively for Doctor of Physical Therapy students or licensed DPT practitioners who are seeking certification as an athletic trainer. This accelerated program recognizes the clinical foundation from the DPT program and builds upon it with focused education in injury prevention, acute and emergency care, and healthcare delivery in sports medicine environments. Graduates emerge prepared to provide comprehensive care for physically active populations across secondary school, collegiate, performing arts, tactical, and professional settings.
This program is delivered through a flexible combination of asynchronous coursework, on-campus workshops, and immersive clinical experiences. Students engage in advanced clinical reasoning, sideline management, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based practice.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 1 | ||
| AT 501 | Risk Management & Emergency Care for Athletes | 3 |
| AT 511 | Prevention and Protective Interventions | 1 |
| AT 624 | Therapeutic Exercise II | 2 |
| AT 698 | Imaging, Casting and Bracing | 3 |
| AT 535 | Proficiencies for Bridge Program | 1 |
| Semester Credits | 10 | |
| Fall 1 | ||
| AT 670 | Healthcare Administration | 2 |
| AT 571 | Sports Nutrition | 3 |
| AT 581*** | Athletic Training Clinical Experience I | 4 |
| AT 595 | Special Topics for Bridge Program | 2 |
| Semester Credits | 11 | |
| Spring 1 | ||
| AT 534* | Neurocognitive Assessment & Treatment of Head Injuries | 1 |
| AT 582 | Athletic Training Clinical Experience II | 4 |
| AT 533* | Clinical Medicine | 3 |
| AT 711 | Theories and Practice of Conditioning Athletes | 2 |
| Semester Credits | 10 | |
| Summer 2 | ||
| AT 692 | Athletic Training Clinical Experiences for Dual Majors | 4 |
| AT 774** | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| AT 799** | Independent Study | 2 |
| Semester Credits | 7 | |
| Total Credits | 38 | |
Our accomplished and caring faculty serve as mentors beyond the classroom. As a team, they prepare you to serve to enhance your role as DPT with the additional skills gained with a MSAT degree. You’ll benefit from small class sizes that enable faculty members to provide individualized attention and nurture your academic and professional development.