A Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) opens doors to some of the most dynamic and rewarding roles in today’s healthcare landscape.
Athletic trainers are valued far beyond the sidelines, thanks to their skills in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and movement science. With the right degree, your future can take you into various sectors, including schools, clinics, industry, the military, and the arts.
At the University of Idaho, we observe this field evolving every year. The demand for athletic trainers is climbing, and so are the opportunities for graduates with the right training and credentials.
If you’re considering the athletic training program at the University of Idaho and wondering where it might lead, this guide is for you. We’ll go over the leading Master’s in athletic training career paths and how our program prepares you to step confidently into them.
The Value of a Master’s in Athletic Training (MSAT)
The MSAT program at UoI is designed to help students develop real-world competence from day one. You’ll receive a strong mix of hands-on clinical experience and academic coursework covering injury prevention, rehabilitation, emergency care, and clinical evaluation.
As you move through the program, you’ll also develop the decision-making and communication skills that transfer to sports medicine, allied health, and performance roles. Our curriculum puts a big focus on evidence-based practice, so you’ll learn how to read clinical research, apply data to patient care, and adjust your approach based on real-world outcomes.
Because we’re accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), our graduates meet the highest standards in the field. You’ll leave the program ready to take the Board of Certification (BOC) exam and start your career as a licensed healthcare professional.
Top Career Paths After Earning an MSAT
Career options after MSAT are more varied than ever. You can work in traditional settings or take your skills into areas like science, public service, or the performing arts. With a master’s in athletic training, you’ll have the flexibility to work anywhere people need to stay healthy and move well.
Here are some of the main directions your degree can take you:
1) Certified Athletic Trainer (Traditional Route)
Many MSAT graduates start out as certified athletic trainers. It’s a hands-on, high-impact role where you’ll work with athletes and other active individuals.
Athletic trainers are commonly found in:
- High schools
- Colleges and universities
- Pro sports teams
Your focus will be on preventing injuries, responding when they happen, and designing safe, effective recovery plans.
To work in this field, you’ll need to pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam and meet your state’s requirements for licensure. The athletic training MSAT program at UOI prepares you thoroughly for both.
2) Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Clinics
We also have graduates employed in sports medicine and orthopedic clinics. In these roles, you’ll assist with patient evaluations, guide post-surgical rehabilitation, and help patients learn how to recover safely.
If you like working in a structured medical environment as part of a larger care team, this could be a great fit. You’ll apply your rehab skills every day, supporting patients through each stage of recovery.
3) Industrial & Occupational Health Settings
Industrial athletic training careers are becoming more popular as companies look for ways to keep workers safe and healthy. Having an athletic trainer on-site helps reduce workplace injuries, limit time off, and lower costs for everyone involved.
You’ll care for employees in places like factories, warehouses, and construction sites. Your main focus is to prevent injuries, help with recovery, and improve safe movement during daily tasks. You may also lead safety programs or conduct job-specific evaluations to create a healthier workplace.
4) Military, Fire, & Law Enforcement Support
Musculoskeletal injuries are common among military members, firefighters, and law enforcement officers. Over half of active-duty service members get treated for a musculoskeletal injury each year, and nearly 60% of limited duty days are attributable to them.
Athletic trainers are increasingly joining these teams to help them return to duty quickly and safely. You’ll help personnel stay ready for the physical demands of their jobs. If you want a career that supports those who serve and protect, this is a rewarding direction to take.
5) Performing Arts & Entertainment
The performing arts have become another area where athletic trainers are making an impact. You might work backstage at theaters, travel with touring shows, or support students in arts schools.
Your responsibilities can include helping with warm-ups, managing overuse injuries, and giving quick care during rehearsals or live performances.
6) Academic Research & Education Roles
Some graduates from the MSAT program at UOI choose to go into teaching or research. You could help train future athletic trainers at a university or work as part of a research team that studies new treatment and recovery methods.
These positions typically include teaching classes, helping students with clinical placements, and supporting research in areas like rehabilitation, movement science, and sports medicine.
Advance Further with the Hybrid DAT Program for Working Professionals
If you are ready to move beyond traditional roles, the Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) at the University of Idaho is a natural next step. It allows certified athletic trainers to develop skills in leadership, research, and advanced clinical practice.
The DAT uses a flexible cohort model that lets you keep working while you earn your degree. You’ll take online classes during the fall and spring, then spend four weeks on campus each summer for hands-on learning.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Be BOC-certified
- Be currently working in a clinical setting (your site needs approval as part of the admissions process)
- Want to improve your clinical skills through advanced training, research, and residency work
Applications are open until April 15 each year. Early applications are encouraged because space is limited.
Real-World Success: Student & Alumni Pathways
Graduates from our athletic training programs in Moscow are thriving in their careers. For example, Stephen Panteleakos completed both his MSAT and DAT at the University of Idaho and has since established a strong footing in the field. Success stories like his show the value of a CAATE-accredited athletic training program.
Learn more about Stephen’s journey with the University of Idaho.
Research Opportunities That Shape Careers
One of the best parts of the athletic training program at the University of Idaho is the real-life research experience you gain at every stage. As an MSAT or DAT student, you’ll have the chance to join research projects from the start, whether through faculty-led studies, clinical research, or work in our sports science labs.
You’ll look at topics like injury prevention, rehab outcomes, and ways to improve patient care. These experiences help you sharpen your critical thinking skills and show you how to apply research to real-life scenarios.
Much of this research happens in our Integrated Sports Medicine and Rehabilitative Therapy (ISMaRT) Clinic, where we care for thousands of patients every year. Here, you’ll learn alongside faculty members who are also practicing clinicians.
Career Outlook & Job Market
The job market for athletic trainers is strong and growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% increase in athletic training jobs from 2023 to 2033, well above the national average for most careers.
The national average salary sits at around $60,250 (May 2024), though athletic trainers in high-demand areas like pro sports, industrial health, and tactical settings typically earn more.
Graduates from our programs are well prepared to fill a variety of roles across the country. Many students are hired directly at the clinical sites where they completed their training, thanks to our strong partnerships and network of affiliates.
How the University of Idaho Prepares You for These Careers
We believe the best way to learn is by doing. Our MSAT and DAT programs are based on hands-on training, clinical experience, and a strong foundation in evidence-based care. Rather than just studying theory, you’ll apply it in real-life situations from the very start.
Students complete clinical placements at more than 150 sites across the United States, including all the career settings described above. Wherever you want to take your career, we help you find the right opportunities to get started.
Throughout the program, you’ll work closely with faculty who are active clinicians and researchers. Many are published in leading journals and serve on national boards, but most importantly, they support you with one-on-one feedback and clinical guidance.
For DAT students, you can keep your current job while you earn your degree. You’ll be able to use new skills in your workplace and move your career forward without taking time away.
Why Athletic Training is a Career Worth Pursuing
An MSAT degree puts you right at the center of a dynamic, rewarding field. The outlook for athletic training jobs in the U.S. is positive, with more opportunities opening each year across new and unexpected settings.
As more organizations recognize the value of athletic trainers, your skills and certifications will make you a strong candidate in both established and emerging environments.
At the University of Idaho, we’re committed to helping you explore all the directions this field can take. If you’re ready to begin your career in athletic training, get in touch with our team. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you as you get started.
Contact our team with your queries today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the most common jobs with a Master’s in Athletic Training?
Most graduates become certified athletic trainers, working in high schools, colleges, professional sports, or clinics. Others find roles in industrial health, performing arts, or tactical settings like the military and fire departments. The MSAT prepares you for a wide range of healthcare environments.
Q2: Is the University of Idaho’s program accredited?
Yes, the MSAT program at the University of Idaho is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Our program meets national standards and qualifies graduates to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam.
Q3: What industries besides sports hire athletic trainers?
Athletic trainers are also hired in industrial workplaces, military and tactical roles, performing arts, and corporate wellness programs. Essentially, they have a role to play anywhere people need help staying healthy and injury-free.
Q4: Can I work while pursuing the DAT at the University of Idaho?
Yes. The DAT is designed for working professionals. You can keep your job while taking online classes during the year and attending in-person sessions each summer.
Q5: What support does the University of Idaho offer for job placement?
We offer support through career advising, resume help, and strong clinical partnerships across the country. Many athletic training masters get hired at the same sites where they trained during the program.