Admission to the MSAT (professional program in athletic training) requires:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a regionally accredited school of higher education by the start of the program.
• Transcripts from each college, university, or technical college attended showing work completed and in progress.
• Observation of two certified athletic trainers in different clinical practice settings. Students applying for admission to the UW–Madison MSAT program must complete a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer or clinical observation experiences in an athletic training facility or clinical practice setting. These forms are submitted with the ATCAS application.
• Minimum of three letters of recommendation.
• A personal statement for the UW–Madison Graduate School discussing your reasons for pursuing a career in athletic training and future professional healthcare goals. One to two pages is considered an appropriate length for the personal statement.
  • A copy of your CV or resume is also required for the UW–Madison Graduate School application.
• An essay on the ATCAS application that addresses the specific question under “writing sample.” This essay should be different than your personal statement.
• A grade of “C” or better in the prerequisite courses or their equivalent.

Admissions Criteria and Selection  

Students who complete the outlined application process will be evaluated using a holistic review / rolling admissions process. We review applications as they come in between December 1 and April 1. Once you submit your application that meets the outlined criteria (prerequisites, minimum GPA, and supporting documentation), a three-person admissions committee will review your application. The admissions committee adheres to the principles of a holistic review by recognizing that no singular piece of information tells the whole story of an applicant’s athletic training potential. This means we consider personal statements, letters of recommendation, academic and work experiences, as well as grades and prerequisite requirements as we evaluate applications. The program is committed to admitting a diverse group of learners who are committed to the profession of athletic training. We encourage applicants to review the Department of Kinesiology’s equity initiatives.

Please review the UW–Madison GUIDE for complete prerequisite and admissions information.