Clinical Education Plan

Master of Science in Athletic Training

Clinical Education Plan

The Master of Science in Athletic Training program offers exceptional patient care experiences, starting early in the curriculum and culminating in three immersive clinical rotations, including one 4-week and two 15-week full-time experiences, along with varied traditional and mini rotations. These hands-on opportunities prepare students to excel as skilled and confident athletic trainers. Individual clinical education plans are uniquely developed for each student to ensure they are optimally prepared to provide the highest level of care that aligns with their future professional and personal goals.

Clinical Rotations

Year 1 - Clinical rotations in the first year of study occur in the local Morgantown area and are completed concurrently with weekly coursework. All students are required to complete the following:

• Mini rotation– Included in AT 513 Foundations of Athletic Training and focuses on interacting with healthcare providers as part of the emergency medical system. Students will complete a mini rotation in the emergency department of the local hospital as well as participate in ride-along shifts with Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
• AT 524 Pediatric Sports Medicine Clinical Rotation (3 credits)
  This clinical education rotation focuses on the health care needs of pediatric/adolescent athletes. This rotation is completed concurrently with other weekly courses required in the first professional year of study. Students will engage in an inter-professional sports medicine team providing care to high school athletes in the state of West Virginia or surrounding local high schools in Pennsylvania.
• AT 534 Collegiate Sports Medicine Clinical Rotation (3 credits)
  This clinical education rotation focuses on the health care needs of collegiate athletes. This rotation is completed concurrently with other weekly courses required in the first professional year of study. Students will engage in an inter-professional sports medicine team providing care to competitive collegiate athletes in the state of West Virginia.

Professional Year 2 - Students have the option to complete all immersion rotations at any approved clinical sites across the country. All students are required to complete the following:

• AT 613 Sports Medicine Clinical Rotation I (July – 2 credits)
  The first of three full-time clinical education experiences. This 4-week, full-time clinical immersion rotation provides the athletic training student the opportunity to gain experience in a specific area of clinical practice. The course is designed to facilitate synthesis and the integration of knowledge, skills, and clinical decision-making into patient care.
• AT 623 Sports Medicine Clinical Rotation II (9 credits)
  The second of three full-time clinical education experiences. This 15-week, full-time clinical immersion rotation provides the athletic training student the opportunity to gain experience in a specific area of clinical practice. The course is designed to facilitate synthesis and the integration of knowledge, skills, and clinical decision-making into patient care.
• AT 633 Sports Medicine Clinical Rotation III (8 credits)
  The third of three full-time clinical education experiences. This 15-week, full-time clinical immersion rotation provides the athletic training student the opportunity to gain experience in a specific area of clinical practice. The course is designed to facilitate synthesis and the integration of knowledge, skills, and clinical decision-making into patient care.

At the WVU MSAT program, clinical education placements are carefully coordinated by the Director of Clinical Education (DCE) to provide a personalized and enriching experience. Students have the opportunity to share their preferences for clinical sites and work closely with the DCE each semester to tailor their clinical education plan. With varied clinical rotations—including off-campus opportunities—students gain real-world experience, supported by guidance and planning to ensure their success every step of the way. Prior to the start of each clinical rotation, each student will meet with the DCE to discuss transportation needs and ensure a successful placement. If dependable transportation is a challenge, we will work closely with the student to identify a clinical site that aligns with their circumstances while providing a valuable learning experience.