The typical candidate for a master's degree program in athletic training also has earned a bachelor's degree in the same area. Most schools look for students who are certified as athletic trainers because of that prior training. A strong understanding of health, fitness and medicine are mandatory for an incoming master's degree student.
Master's students will broaden their understanding of prevention and treatment of injuries, but will have more of a focus on clinical work and research. The required classes focus on anatomy, physiology, nutrition and biomechanics, and may also require a study of sports psychology. There is also a clinical component that works on the areas of therapy and rehabilitation. Most programs require a research project and an internship.
The career goal for a master's degree candidate is an advanced level of expertise as an athletic trainer, working with active clients to prevent and treat injuries. The day-to-day work involves educating clients on prevention and risks involved with competition, preparing athletes for participation with taping or braces, treating injuries on site, developing workout plans that minimize injury or provide therapy for existing injuries. The field of athletic training extends beyond colleges and pro sports teams to many high schools and even places like the military and law enforcement agencies where extreme physical exertion is involved.
One of the suggestions given by many universities that teach and train athletic trainers is that students get a secondary school teaching credential in addition to their degree in athletic training. Many master's programs make students eligible for a teaching certification, and since a lot of high schools use trainers, the credential makes for a smooth transition.
A master's degree is a key component for advancement into the management levels of the athletic training field, and many of the top practitioners have received doctorates. Regardless what level the trainer is at in terms of his education, he must continue to take continuing education classes to keep his license current. Certification is governed by the Board of Certification, which oversees the examination process and the ongoing education.
For those who want to study athletic training, even at the master's level, there are universities that offer degree programs online in addition to on campus. There are certainly problems with online learning, especially in a field like athletic training, because of the lack of human classroom interaction and on-site lab facilities. It does allow students who cannot relocate to a city that has a university with a master's program in the field to have an educational option. A student who is working through online course work will still need to do the clinical part of the training at a facility in her area. Students should also be aware that an online degree in this field can be a possible negative in the hiring process to some hiring managers.