There’s no better time to pursue a career in athletic training.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in athletic training are expected to grow 13% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the national average.
If you’re looking to enter this field or advance within it, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to earn your athletic training degree. The program you choose will shape your clinical skills, your professional network, and your long-term career path.
At the University of Idaho, we take this responsibility seriously.
In 2011, we established the country’s first Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) program. Since then, we’ve continued to lead nationally through our hybrid learning model, immersive clinical experience, and strong mentorship.
More and more students across the U.S. are choosing Idaho for their athletic training degree. Let’s explore why.
An Overview of the University of Idaho’s Athletic Training Program
The University of Idaho is a public research university in Moscow, Idaho. Founded in 1889, it’s the state’s land-grant school and has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and innovation, especially in the health sciences.
Our athletic training program in Moscow is a proud part of that tradition.
Through the Advanced Technology Program (ATP), we offer two graduate degrees: the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) and the Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT).
- The MSAT is a professional program for students who want to become certified athletic trainers.
- The DAT is designed for certified professionals looking to grow their clinical skills, take on leadership roles, or advance their careers in new ways.
Both degrees are part of a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited graduate program and meet the highest standards set by the board.
With a flexible hybrid format, real-world clinical experience, and strong faculty support, the University of Idaho athletic training program is helping students across the country succeed in a fast-changing healthcare field.
Why the University of Idaho Stands Out
Choosing a graduate program is an investment in your future. You deserve a school that offers not only a solid academic foundation but also the support, experience, and flexibility you need.
Here’s what makes the athletic training program at the University of Idaho stand out.
1) Accredited, Respected, and Focused on Results
Our MSAT and DAT degrees are both CAATE-accredited athletic training programs, meaning they meet or exceed the highest standards in the profession.
We’re proud to report a 97% first-time BOC (Board of Certification) pass rate for MSAT students, well above the national average. This reflects the strength of our faculty, curriculum, and individualized student support.
2) Hands-On Clinical Experience
One of the biggest strengths of our program is the hands-on clinical experience students get from day one. In your first term, you’ll begin working in real-world settings under the guidance of experienced preceptors.
We partner with more than 150 clinical sites across the country, including high schools, colleges, orthopedic clinics, dance companies, and professional sports teams. These rotations expose you to a wide range of patients, injuries, and care approaches; while also helping you build meaningful professional connections that can support your career later.
3) Top-Tier Faculty and Mentorship
Our faculty are experienced clinicians, active researchers, and leaders in the field of athletic training. Many publish regularly in peer-reviewed journals and serve on national boards.
At Idaho, your professors will know your name, understand your goals, and treat you as a future colleague. You’ll receive one-on-one feedback, clinical guidance, and the opportunity to collaborate on meaningful projects.
4) Innovative Curriculum & Evidence-Based Learning
Athletic training is changing, and we believe your education should lead the way.
Our programs focus on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and real-world application. Instead of just memorizing protocols, you’ll learn how to evaluate them, improve them, and make decisions based on both research and patient care.
In the DAT program at UOI, you’ll take a deeper dive into advanced topics like outcomes-based care, data-informed treatment, and emerging technologies in clinical settings. During our summer intensives, you’ll work through real cases, join hands-on workshops, and team up with your peers to solve problems in live simulations.
5) Flexible Options for Working Professionals
Our hybrid model is ideal for working professionals and students across the U.S. The hybrid program for athletic trainers allows you to balance school with your job and personal life.
With online coursework during the year and on-campus summer intensives in Moscow, Idaho, you won’t need to pause your career. You can continue working full-time while earning your doctorate and apply what you’re learning immediately in your clinical setting.
6) Diverse Career Preparation
If you’re wondering, “Is the University of Idaho good for athletic training?”, the career results speak for themselves.
Our graduates go on to succeed in diverse roles, including:
- Professional sports organizations
- Military and tactical healthcare units
- Division I universities
- Corporate wellness and industrial health
- Performing arts and dance medicine
- Sports medicine clinics
Many of our students are hired at the same clinical sites where they trained, thanks to our collaborative partnerships and nationwide network.
Student and Alumni Testimonials
The best way to understand the impact of our program is to hear directly from those who’ve completed it.
Trezlyn Bartschi, an MSAT graduate from the class of 2021
“When you want to be part of the elite, it’s best to learn from the elite. The quality of education and experience that the professors possess and patiently teach is unparalleled!”
Bethany Hansberger, DAT Graduate
“This program has changed my approach to athletic training, morphing me into a practitioner who balances clinical patient care with action research. My patients recognize that they are receiving an improved standard of care.”
If you want to learn more, check out this in-depth testimonial from one of our recent athletic training graduates.
Research and Development Opportunities
We build research into the foundation of how we prepare students to lead, grow, and improve the standard of care in their field.
Students in both the MSAT and DAT programs are invited to take an active role in advancing the profession.
You’ll have access to faculty-led projects and clinical research in areas such as:
- Injury prevention
- Rehab outcomes and patient feedback
- Long-term recovery metrics
DAT students also conduct action research in their current work environments. Many present at national conferences or publish peer-reviewed work before graduation.
Life at the University of Idaho
Being part of the University of Idaho means joining a close-knit community in one of the Northwest’s most welcoming college towns.
Our main campus is in Moscow, Idaho, a small town known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community. Whether you’re here for a summer intensive or spending more time on campus, you’ll find a supportive environment where it’s easy to connect with faculty, classmates, and the town itself.
Students have access to a wide range of resources, including academic support, wellness services, and plenty of inviting spaces to study, recharge, and collaborate. You’ll never feel like just another face in the crowd.
Outside of class, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your time in Moscow. The area is surrounded by trails, rivers, and mountains: perfect for hiking, biking, skiing, or just getting outside to reset. The downtown scene is lively but laid-back, with local coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries, and weekly events that make it easy to feel at home.
How to Apply to Our Athletic Training Programs
Ready to take the next step in your athletic training career? Here’s how you can apply to our MSAT and DAT programs.
Apply for Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)
To apply to the MSAT program at UOI, you’ll need to complete certain prerequisite coursework and submit your application materials by the annual deadline.
- Human Anatomy (4 credits)
- Human Physiology (4 credits)
- Biology (1 credit minimum)
- Chemistry (1 credit minimum)
- Physics (1 credit minimum)
- Psychology (1 credit minimum)
- Current First Aid and CPR certification (AHA or ARC)
Some requirements may be met through related coursework. For example, a kinesiology class that includes biomechanics content may fulfill the biomechanics requirement. Course syllabi may be reviewed for confirmation.
Current or incoming University of Idaho students can explore our 3+2 option, which lets you earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.
- Start with a major in Exercise, Sport, and Health Sciences (Pre-Athletic Training track)
- Begin MSAT coursework in your fourth-year
- Finish both degrees by the end of year five
This option is also available through select partner institutions. Talk to an academic advisor early on if you’re interested.
Here’s an overview of the MSAT program:
- 24-month hybrid format with online courses and hands-on labs
- Clinical rotations at over 150 partner sites nationwide
- Focused coursework in musculoskeletal injury, illness, and rehabilitation
The University of Idaho athletic training programs follow a tiered admissions timeline. Due to limited cohort sizes, we strongly encourage early application.
- Priority Deadline: October 15. Phone interviews take place through mid-November
- Secondary Deadline: November 25. Phone interviews continue through mid-December
- Tertiary Deadline: February 15. Phone interviews are conducted in late February
- International Applicants: February 15 (all materials must be submitted by this date)
Applying early gives you the best chance at securing your spot and allows more time for clinical site approvals (where applicable).
Learn more or apply to the MSAT program.
Apply for Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT)
Applicants to the DAT program at UOI must:
- Be a BOC-certified athletic trainer
- Be actively working in a clinical setting (your site must be approved during the admissions process)
- Want to improve your clinical diagnosis skills through research, residency, and advanced training
The program is well-suited for athletic trainers working in clinical, academic, or traditional settings.
Classes start each June and follow a 24-month cohort format. It’s designed to let you keep working while earning your doctorate.
- Fall & Spring: Online coursework while you continue in your clinical role
- Summer: Four weeks of on-campus learning each year
- Residency: Often completed where you currently work, with faculty support
- Final Project: A hands-on clinical research project that focuses on improving patient care
Applications are accepted through April 15 each year. We recommend applying early, as space is limited and residency site approvals are part of the admissions process.
Learn more or apply to the DAT program.
Final Thoughts: Why UOI?
With a hybrid learning model, a nationwide network of clinical partnerships, expert faculty, and a strong focus on real-world application, an increasing number of students are choosing Idaho as the place to launch or elevate their careers.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey, whether that’s beginning your MSAT or advancing your career with a DAT, we invite you to explore what the University of Idaho has to offer. Let’s move the profession forward. Together.
Contact our team with your queries today.
FAQs Regarding UOI
1) Is the University of Idaho’s athletic training program accredited?
Yes. Both the MSAT and DAT programs are part of a CAATE-accredited graduate program. You can rest assured that they meet the highest standards for athletic training education and professional certification preparation.
2) What kind of clinical experience do students receive?
Students gain hands-on experience starting in their first term through rotations at over 150 clinical sites nationwide, including schools, clinics, and sports organizations, under the guidance of experienced preceptors and healthcare professionals.
3) How long does the MSAT or DAT program take?
Both the MSAT and DAT programs follow a 24-month format. The MSAT includes hybrid coursework and clinical rotations, while the DAT combines online learning, summer intensives, and clinical residency.
4) Can I work while enrolled in the DAT program?
Yes. The DAT is specifically designed for working professionals. Students can continue full-time employment while completing online coursework, summer on-campus intensives, and a clinical residency, often at their current work site.
5) What are the career outcomes after graduation?
Graduates go on to work in professional sports, performing arts, military and tactical settings, corporate wellness, and higher education. Many secure roles at the same clinical sites where they trained, thanks to our strong program partnerships.