Department of Athletic Training

Built for those who keep others moving

Champion human performance by restoring confidence and helping people get back to what they love with a degree in athletic training. If you're energized by fast-paced environments and fascinated by the science of movement, this could be a great career path for you. As an athletic trainer, you'll prevent injuries, respond in critical moments, guide rehabilitation, and work alongside athletes, performers, military personnel, and active people of all ages.

Why study Athletic Training at NAU

You’ll join a dynamic training environment designed to help you grow your expertise and expand career possibilities. The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) at NAU blends classroom learning with more than 1,500 hours of clinical practice. Offered at both Phoenix and Flagstaff campuses, you choose the learning environment that works best for you. 

With a MSAT from NAU, you’ll unlock opportunities to work in a variety of settings, including professional sports, middle and high schools, performing arts, universities, clinics, hospitals, and even industry.

Learning outcomes

While studying Athletic Training at NAU, you will gain foundational knowledge in:

• patient-centered care. 
• interprofessional practice and education. 
• evidence-based practice. 
• clinical practice quality improvement. 
• health care informatics. 
• examination, diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention. 
• prevention, health promotion, and wellness. 
• health care administration. 

Accelerated MSAT program

If you know athletic training is for you, NAU’s accelerated bachelor’s-to-master's program helps you cross the finish line faster. As you complete your undergraduate degree in either Exercise Science or Fitness/Wellness, you can begin taking MSAT graduate courses in your fourth year, allowing you to transition seamlessly into advanced clinical training. This is a great option for gaining momentum early and entering the field sooner!

Dedicated support

Your success is the priority at NAU's Department of Athletic Training. With resources that help fun your education and faculty mentors who prepare you for your career, you'll be able to focus on what matters most: your goals.

Scholarships and assistantships

Your commitment to patient care deserves a program that supports you in return. Scholarships and graduate assistantships are available to support your academic journey at NAU. Assistantships typically include tuition support, stipends, and hands-on experience assisting faculty with teaching or research. You can explore scholarships specific to Athletic Training on the Scholarship Universe website.

Career readiness

From your first semester, you’ll be learning on your feet, blending coursework with in-person clinical experiences that will prepare you for certification and practice. You’ll gain hands-on experience with taping, evaluation, emergency care, therapeutic interventions, and rehabilitation by the time you’ve completed more than 1,500 hours of clinical practice. After passing the Board of Certification (BOC) exam (NAU touts a 94% pass rate!), you’ll be ready to work with high schools, universities, hospitals, specialty clinics, and performing arts groups.