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The Master of Science in Athletic Training program recently received exciting news – the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) granted it 10 years of continuing accreditation, the most that can be approved for a program! The next required comprehensive review will be set for the 2032-2033 academic year.
The CAATE serves the public and the profession by ensuring all athletic training (AT) education programs comply with accreditation standards that facilitate quality outcomes, continuous improvement, innovation and diversity to enhance athletic training education.
The CAATE’s 10-year reaccreditation of Pitt’s Athletic Training program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is a testament to the program’s success and the influence of its structure and offerings.
“Simultaneously transitioning the Athletic Training program to the master’s degree while securing 10 years of continued accreditation marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of athletic training education at the University of Pittsburgh,” said Athletic Training Program Director Amy Aggelou. “Obtaining 10 years of continued accreditation truly reflects the dedication and commitment of our faculty and preceptors to providing advanced educational opportunities. These outstanding achievements affirm our program’s position as a leader in athletic training education and underscore our ongoing pursuit of academic excellence.”
The Athletic Training program has two potential pathways for students–a five-year accelerated Master of Science and a two-year Master of Science, each with small class sizes and direct engagement with instructors for hands-on learning. After concluding the program, students are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. The inaugural class of MS in AT students boasted a 94% first time pass rate on the BOC exam, surpassing the national average of 68.7% across all AT programs in the country.
The inaugural class of Master of Science in Athletic Training students achieved an outstanding 100% placement rate after graduation. The majority of recent graduates secured positions as athletic trainers in high schools and colleges, demonstrating the strong demand for their expertise. Additionally, two graduates obtained seasonal internships with professional football teams, while three others were accepted into Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs to further their education.
“Pitt’s Athletic Training program goes above and beyond when presenting the required standards for accreditation to ensure our students are exceptionally prepared for the field,” Aggelou said.
“Throughout this process, our faculty aims to meet and exceed all curricular standards. Some examples of this commitment include our interprofessional collaborative efforts with faculty and students from other disciplines within our school: students in the AT program explore and practice airway management with the Emergency Medicine program; understand and perform suturing techniques with the Physician Assistant Studies program; and practice joint reductions, explore imaging techniques and appreciate the nuances of dermatological considerations with our medical director, Jeanne Doperak, and her fellows. These high-level experiences are new additions to our elevated master’s-level curriculum, reflecting our dedication to providing an outstanding educational experience.”
