ATHLETIC TRAINING PROGRAM
Our Admissions Mission
- Compassion
- Respecting the rights of others
- Seeking evidence based practice patterns
- Advocating
- Welfare and dignity of others
- Promoting the highest quality health care
- Integrity
- Providing best possible care at all times
The MAT admissions mission is to admit individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences to create a vibrant learning experience that highlights each individuals' contributions. This dynamic learning environment is aimed to create better athletic training clinicians that care for and understand their patients better. The following values, attributes, and characteristics are taken into consideration during our admissions process. We recommend that applicants demonstrate how they hold these values, attributes & characteristics through the following means:
Values, attributes and characteristics were adapted from the National Athletic Trainers' Association Code of Ethics & Manifesto.
- Volunteer and community service
- Experience with individuals from varied backgrounds
- Employment history
- Multicultural experiences
- International experiences
- Bilingual/multilingual
- Research activities
- Healthcare employment/volunteering
- Undergraduate major
- Science/non-science academic merit
- First-generation college graduate
- Self-supporting
COLLEGE OF HEALTH
Commitment to Belonging
The College of Health is committed to diversifying the health professions workforce which is inextricably linked to reducing health disparities in our country. We aim to promote a climate of respect that cultivates and sustains transformative practices by forging spaces of possibility where people feel safe, valued, and welcomed. These ideals are intrinsic to collaborative partnerships and our commitment to diversify the health professions workforce.
How To Apply
The MAT application opens on July 1, 2025 and closes on November 1, 2025.
All applicants must submit the MAT application on the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS), which includes:
Official transcripts must be ordered from all universities and colleges that have been attended or are currently being attended.
- For foreign transcripts, refer to the ATCAS website for guidance.
Applicants must match courses from their transcripts to each of the MAT prerequisites.
- Human anatomy and human physiology must be completed with a final grade at the time of application. All other courses may be planned/in progress.
- Carefully review the MAT Prerequisites for further details and clarification.
Applicants must complete a minimum of 50 hours of observation/shadowing with a certified athletic trainer (ATC):
- Observation hours can be recorded in a format (letter, excel spreadsheet, etc.) best suited to the applicant and the ATC, so long as the ATC verifies and signs-off on the hours.
- If possible, we recommend that applicants observe/shadow in a variety of settings.
- Included here is an example Observation/Shadowing Hours Log.
Applicants must include an essay in their application, addressing the following:
- Describe how your life experiences have prepared you for the rigors of graduate education and how they make you a qualified candidate for the Master of Athletic Training program.
Applicants must include a personal statement, addressing the following:
- Describe your professional goals including why you have chosen Athletic Training as a career.
Applicants must submit 2 letters of recommendation:
- One letter should come from a certified athletic trainer (ATC) regarding the applicant's clinical ability.
- One letter should come from a professor or other professional regarding the applicant's academic ability.
Applicants must include a current CV or resume. Either format is acceptable.
Applicants must review and include a signed Technical Standards document.
Important
Please take the time to navigate through the buttons above for admissions related information including program cost, policies, curriculum, compliance, and financial guidance.
Note: Applicants should not apply to the University of Utah Graduate School unless a formal admissions offer has been extended by the MAT program. Detailed instructions regarding the University of Utah Graduate School application process will be included in the offer letter.
All applicants are considered equally and will have the opportunity to become acquainted with faculty/staff if invited to interview. Please refer to this timeline for additional details:
-
- APPLICATION OPENS
The MAT application on ATCAS opens on July 1, 2025.
- INITIAL AUDIT
As applications are received, they are audited for minimum requirements. If the minimum requirements are met, applications are sent for written review and applicants are invited to interview. Interview invites are generally sent within 2 - 3 weeks of submitting one's application. Applications not meeting minimum requirements are not considered for admission.
- APPLICATION CLOSES
The MAT application on ATCAS closes on November 1, 2025.
- INTERVIEWS
Interviews take place on Friday, November 7, 2025 and Friday, November 14, 2025.
- INITIAL OFFERS
Once interviews have concluded and faculty have completed a final review of applications, admission decisions will be sent out. Ideally, all decisions will be sent by December 1, 2025. Applicants may be offered admission, offered an alternate spot, or denied admission.
- ACCEPTANCE & VACANCY OFFERS
Once decisions are sent and received, applicants who have been offered admission may accept and pay the MAT deposit of $150. Applicants offered an alternate spot may be called to fill a vacancy (vacancy offers may be extended from December to May), or are not called to fill a vacancy and are invited to reapply.
- GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
Admitted students must complete the University of Utah Graduate School application. An offer of admission to the MAT program is contingent upon completing and meeting all Graduate School admissions requirements. Again, applicants should not apply to the University of Utah Graduate School unless a formal admissions offer has been extended by the MAT program.
- PROGRAM START
Admitted students begin their MAT program in the summer of 2026.
- APPLICATION OPENS
