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
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:
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- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the typical applicant GPA?
Typically, the average cumulative undergraduate GPA is approximately 3.50 (on a 4.0 scale).
When should I apply to the University of Utah Graduate School?
Only those who are first offered admission to the MAT should proceed to apply to the Graduate School. Admitted students will receive instructions when appropriate.
What stands out in an application?
- An essay that allows us to get to know you personally
- Consistent and proficient grades or an upward trend in academic performance that is below-average
- Addressing reasons why our specific program is a good fit for you and vice-versa
- Demonstrating a thorough understanding of what it means to be an AT and why you are a good fit for the profession
Will I get a WRGP spot if I'm from an eligible state?
A spot in the WRGP is not guaranteed. Our program has limited spots, and they are awarded to the top eligible applicants.
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Who is responsible for following up on letters of recommendation?
Applicants are responsible for following up with the individuals submitting their letters of recommendation in a timely manner.
What if my letters of recommendation aren't submitted by the deadline?
Your application will still be audited for minimum requirements. So long as the recommendations have been requested, this will not impact the efficacy of your application.
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What if I don't have my observation/shadowing hours completed by the deadline?
Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Please book an admissions inquiry or send an email to jessica.leighton@utah.edu with details regarding your situation and why you are unable to meet the 50-hour minimum requirement by the deadline. If you are granted an exception, we ask that you include an explanation of this in your application. For example, include a brief paragraph explaining why your hours are not complete and that you received an exception at the bottom of your partial hours log.
Should I get more than 50 hours of observation/shadowing?
50 hours is acceptable to apply to our program. If time and opportunity allows, applicants are welcome to gain additional experience through a variety of settings and environments while observing/shadowing. Applicants can pursue additional hours if you feel if will benefit you and your understanding of the AT profession.
How do I find ATCs to shadow/observe?
First and foremost, be polite, proactive, and professional in your outreach. Contact local resources, in particular the high school(s) you attended. If you have pre-existing connections, pursue those first and you may find they lead to additional opportunities. Research internship or shadowing programs in your area. This may include industrial, hospital, or clinical settings. Attend athletic training conferences, career fairs, or other events in order to pursue networking connections. For applicants in Utah, use the ATLAS Project to see where ATCs are located in the state.
What if my observation hours are with a PT? Do they count?
As a general rule, we expect observation/shadowing to take place with a certified athletic trainer (ATC). The reason for this is so students can gain an accurate understanding of the athletic training profession as they prepare to enter the MAT program. If you would like to discuss this further, please email jesisca.leighton@utah.edu or book an admissions inquiry.
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Do I need to have taken the prerequisites within a certain timeframe of applying?
No. At this time, we do not require that prerequisites be taken within a certain timeframe of applying. If they have been completed and passed with a C grade or higher at any point in time, they are acceptable.
Do I really need to take all the prerequisites?
Yes. Each of the required prerequisite courses fulfill program accreditation standards and are important for ensuring admitted students are academically prepared. They provide vital foundational information for understanding and applying the MAT curriculum.
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What types of clinical assignments are there?
In alignment with accreditation standards, clinical assignments are designed to provide a logical progression of increasingly complex and autonomous patientcare and client-care experiences. Students will learn the day-to-day and week-to-week roles of an athletic trainer. Assignments will include opportunities to work with varied populations through the lifespan, of different sexes, of different socioeconomic statuses, of varying levels of ability, and in non-sports settings. Some examples of clinical assignments available through our program include:
- High school sports
- Collegiate sports
- Professional sports
- Hospital and clinics
- Performing arts
- Industrial
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Can I work/have a job while in the program?
Yes, many of our students keep a part-time job while enrolled in the program. Students are expected to prioritize #1. their didactic coursework and #2. their clinical assignments. Jobs that do not interfere with these priorities are encouraged and supported. This is a full-time graduate program and requires a corresponding investment of time and dedication. It is also expected that students communicate effectively and appropriately with clinical preceptors regarding this topic.
How many people are in a cohort?
Our typical cohort size is 16 – 20 students.
What is the class schedule like?
The first year of the program is the most didactically demanding, and the majority of MAT courses are taken in person. The second year of the program is less didactically demanding, and classes are taken online/asynchronously so students can focus on their clinical immersion. As a general rule, in person classes begin at 8:00 am. Depending on the semester, classes will end in the early afternoon at the latest. Depending on the semester, classes will be held 3 - 5 days out of the week. You can see the curriculum map here. Schedules for clinical assignments vary greatly, and are subjective to the clinical site, student availability, and preceptor availability.
