Athletic Training Direct Entry Master’s Program
100% of all athletic training students get hands-on experience through internships with hospitals, division 1 sports teams, and more.
With this fast-track program, you can earn a Master of Science in Athletic Training and get ready for the Board of Certification Exam in just five years.
Athletic Training Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
5 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
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The Athletic Training 3+2 Major
The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training says that all athletic training education has to be at the master’s level. Merrimack’s Direct Entry Master’s Program kicks off right from the start getting you ready to jump into the booming demand for athletic trainers in all kinds of job sites and roles.
Combine your love for healthcare with the rewarding experience of helping people prevent, diagnose, treat and recover from injuries. You’ll gain essential skills and hands-on clinical experience that align with your career goals, all backed by solid evidence-based practices and a strong foundation in health sciences. The curriculum is set up to deepen your understanding of the key concepts you need to succeed in athletic training.
What You'll Study
Evidence-based and built on a strong health sciences foundation, the curriculum is designed to deepen your understanding of the concepts that are essential for athletic training practice.
Anatomy & Physiology
Intro to Athletic Training
Clinical Experience
Nutrition, Diet, & Health
Exercise Physiology
Special Topics In Healthcare
Intro to Biological Sciences
Human Pathophysiology
Biomechanics
Functional Clinical Anatomy
Skills You'll Learn
This program offers hands-on clinical training in a health care setting of your choice. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible for national certification as an athletic trainer through the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) and ready to kickstart your career.
Injury Prevention
Nutrition & Wellness
Nutrition & Wellness
Emergency Care
Professional Ethics
Athletic Training Courses You'll Take
Anatomy and
Physiology I
HSC 1122
An introduction to the structure and function of the human body, this course will focus on the basic principles of cells and tissues, muscular, skeletal, central and peripheral nervous systems. This course combines lecture and lab material.
Exercise
Physiology
EXS 3311
Review concepts related to energy and force including metabolism and bioenergetics, pulmonary physiology, training responses to acute and chronic exercise and more. Students will increase their knowledge and understanding of human physiology.
BioMechanics
with lab
EXS 3308
The scientific factors affecting human movement are studied. In the lab, teams will be established to achieve common goals. Existing video analysis systems and techniques will be used to both study human motion and to create a database of human motion.
See All Courses & Options Available to Athletic Training Majors
Athletic Training Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Five-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Wondering when you’ll take certain courses? Use the Curriculum Guide—a sample five-year schedule—to get a sense of what your path to graduation looks like.
Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Direct Entry Master's Program - Tuition & Aid
Athletic Training Students In the Classroom & Beyond
When it comes to career readiness, we believe getting outside of the classroom is key. At Merrimack, you’ll complement your coursework with experiences like guaranteed internships, co-ops, service learning or faculty-led research projects.
Athletic Training 3+2 Program
Athletic Training 3+2 Major
Athletic Training 3+2 Program
Athletic Training Master's Degree
Career Outlook: Where Can an Athletic Training Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Nursing & Health Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
100% of the undergraduate athletic training class of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Graduate School
Northeastern University, Sacred Heart University, MCPHS and Merrimack are just some of the graduate programs Nursing and Health Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with an Athletic Training Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in athletic training and related disciplines. Positions may include placements in the following industries:
- Physician and orthopedic offices
- Hospitals, hospital emergency departments and urgent and ambulatory care centers
- Clinics with specialties in sports medicine
- Municipal departments, and military bases
- Colleges, universities and community-based youth sports leagues
- Performing arts, such as dancers, musicians and acrobats
Where Merrimack Athletic Training Graduates Work & Intern
Boston College
Assistant Director, Sports Medicine
Naval Academy Preparatory School
Assistant Athletic Trainer
Nobles Greenhough Academy
Athletic Trainer
Massachusetts General Hospital
Athletic Trainer
TB12, Inc
Body Coach
F45 Training
Personal Trainer
Harvard University
Athletic Training Intern
Curry College
Head Athletic Trainer
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to Athletic Training
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
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