One program. Two pathways.
CHOOSE YOUR LEARNING STYLE
The University of Utah Master of Athletic Training offers two pathways with distinct learning styles and the same, robust foundation:
- Accreditation: Both pathways hold the same accreditation through CAATE, meaning all students receive a degree of equal value and recognition.
- Faculty & Instructors: Both pathways are led by distinguished faculty and instructors who are experts in their field of study and practice.
- Connection: Whether in-person or online, students stay engaged with peers and instructors. Various modes of curriculum delivery allow for questions, collaboration, and meaningful interaction.
The MAT hybrid pathway combines engaging online learning with in-person lab immersion experiences in Salt Lake City, Utah. The curriculum allow students to engage from anywhere in the United States and utilizes an innovative layered approach to active student learning, including the following modes of learning:
Asynchronous (Online)
- Year 1: The majority of didactic content and lab skills are introduced through recorded lectures and assignments that students complete during their own time.
- Year 2: Classes are fully asynchronous. Content reinforces clinical skills and career readiness, allowing student to focus on their full-time immersion.
Synchronous (Online)
- Year 1: Most classes hold 1 - 2 live virtual learning sessions per week between students and faculty to support asynchronous learning.
- Year 2: There are no synchronous sessions.
Lab Immersions (In-Person)
- Year 1: Students are required to attend 6 in-person lab immersions on the University of Utah Salt Lake City campus, consisting of hands-on learning and assessments. Immersions take place once during summer semesters, and twice during fall and spring semester. They span 4 - 5 days, during the last week of each semester half/block.
- Year 2: There are no in-person lab immersions.
Regardless of your pathway, clinical education opportunities remain consistent. No two clinical experiences are exactly the same, but each are individualized to the student. For additional details regarding clinical education and schedules, refer to our Curriculum & Clinical Education webpage.
Participation:
- Year 1: Students participate in part-time clinical assignments. 3 out of 5 semester blocks of clinical offerings are required.
- Year 2: Students participate in full-time clinical immersion.
Identifying Sites: Our clinical education team works with students to identify clinical sites that meet both our accreditation requirements and the student's career goals. We may already have clinical site agreements in place close to where you live, or we will work to establish new agreements. You will not be required to relocate, unless you express a desire to do so.
All students admitted to the hybrid pathway are charged a flat tuition rate regardless of their location. For additional details and information on funding opportunities, refer to our Cost & Financial Resources webpage.
Tuition: The hybrid pathway requires 55.5 credits at a rate of $900 per credit, for a total program cost of $49,950.
Lab Immersions: Costs associated with traveling to and attending in-person lab immersions are the student's responsibility.
Students in the hybrid pathway have access to a variety of student resources and support, including but not limited to:
Faculty Advocates: Student are assigned a faculty advocate as they prepare to begin their program. Faculty advocates check in with students regularly and assist with all aspects of student success in the program.
Student Mentors: Interested students can be assigned a mentor from the second year cohort. They can offer friendship, logistical advice, professional advice, etc.
University Resources: A vast array of university resources are accessible to students in the hybrid pathway. Visit the Current UOnline Student Resources webpage for details. Because hybrid students are not assessed the same fees as students in the residential pathway, they do not have access to select resources: the Student Life Center, free student football game days, ASUU events, and free UTA transit.
Leadership Opportunities: Students can serve in various leadership roles such as positions in:
The MAT residential pathway provides consistent in-person connections with peers and faculty. For additional details on the curriculum and course schedule, visit our Curriculum & Clinical Education webpage.
The curriculum utilizes an innovative layered approach to active student learning, including the following modes of learning:
In-Person Classes:
- Year 1: Students attend classes in-person on the University of Utah Salt Lake City campus, following a set class schedule.
- Year 2: There are no in-person classes.
Asynchronous (Online):
- Year 1: In-person classes and learning are supported by online assignments and limited recorded lectures that students complete during their own time.
- Year 2: Classes are fully asynchronous. Content reinforces clinical skills and career readiness, allowing student to focus on their full-time immersion.
Regardless of your pathway, clinical education opportunities remain consistent. No two clinical experiences are exactly the same, but each are individualized to the student. For additional details regarding clinical education and schedules, refer to our Curriculum & Clinical Education webpage.
Participation:
- Year 1: Students participate in part-time clinical assignments. 3 out of 5 semester blocks of clinical offerings are required.
- Year 2: Students participate in full-time clinical immersion.
Identifying Sites: Our clinical education team works with students to identify clinical sites that meet both our accreditation requirements and the student's career goals.
- Year 1: While taking in-person classes, student will be placed at clinical sites on-campus and within the local community. Where students live and commute from will be taken into consideration when making placements.
- Year 2: Students can be placed on-campus, elsewhere in Utah, or nationwide. We may already have clinical site agreements in place where you want to go, or we will work to establish new agreements. You will not be required to relocate unless you express a desire to do so.
Costs associated with the residential pathway vary depending on residency status. Residents of eligible western states may be selected for the Western Regional Graduate Program to significantly reduce tuition costs.
For additional details and funding opportunities, visit our Cost & Financial Resources webpage
Students in the residential pathway have access to a variety of student resources and support, including but not limited to:
Faculty Advocates: Student are assigned a faculty advocate as they prepare to begin their program. Faculty advocates check in with students regularly and assist with all aspects of student success in the program.
Student Mentors: Interested students can be assigned a mentor from the second year cohort. They can offer friendship, logistical advice, professional advice, etc.
University Resources: A vast array of university resources are accessible to students in the residential pathway. Visit the Student Resources webpage for details.
Leadership Opportunities: Students can serve in various leadership roles such as positions in:
Which is the best fit?
Both pathways offer the same rigorous curriculum and preparation for clinical practice in athletic training. The best fit comes down to how you learn best and what your circumstances allow.
Residential: A strong fit for students who value a traditional in-person learning experience, regular face-to-face interaction with classmates and faculty, and set class schedule. It is well suited to students who want to live on or near campus and seek to fully immerse themselves in all aspects of the University of Utah community.
Hybrid pathway: A strong fit for self-directed, organized learners who need greater geographic and scheduling flexibility but want to maintain meaningful connection with faculty and peers. Successful hybrid students are able to manage weekly coursework independently, participate actively online, and travel to campus for required hands-on lab immersions.
Questions?
For more information, you can schedule an inquiry, join an info session, or email our Program Manager at jessica.leighton@utah.edu.