Main Content:
  1. Overview
  2. atbs Admissions

Admissions

Clinical Participation Requirements

There are two ways to enter the Athletic Training Program. Please see the options below for details: 

Entry Point 1: Accelerated MS in Athletic Training

The Fall 2025 application is open.

Apply now!

Admission Requirements

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (based on 4.0). Students with a 2.8-3.0 GPA will be considered on a case by case basis and please reach out to admissions@shrs.pitt.edu.
  • 60 credits are required to begin the program.
  • EMT certification through course for credit or other qualified course leading to EMT credential. Verification of completion of EMT certification must be provided to the program director.

Prerequisites

Grade of C- (C for transfer), 3 credits minimum unless otherwise noted

  • Basic Athletic Training, ATHLTR 1811 - minimum grade of B required
  • Basic Athletic Training Lab, ATHLTR 1812 - minimum grade of B required
  • Foundations of Biology 1, BIOSC 0150 
  • Foundations of Biology 1 Lab, BIOSC 0050, 0057 or BIOSC 0058
  • General Chemistry 1 and Lab, CHEM 0110
  • Introduction to Physics, PHYS 0110 
  • Seminar in Composition*, 1 course
  • Writing Intensive Course, 1 "W" course. ENGCMP 0400 recommended. 
  • Oral Communication, 1 course. COMMRC 0520 preferred; 0310, 0500, 0510, 0530 acceptable.
  • Introduction to Psychology, PSY 0010
  • Developmental Psychology or other upper level Psychology, PSY 0205; PSY 0310; PSY 0407; PSY 0422; PSY 0505; or PSY 0510
  • College Algebra, 1 course. MATH 0031 or higher math required. Exemption accepted.
  • Statistics, 1 course. STAT 0200, 1000 or 1100 required.
  • Diversity*, 1 course.
  • Social Sciences*, 1 course
  • Cross-Cultural Awareness*, Global Issues*, or Specific Geographic Region*, 1 course

*See the DSAS Catalog.

Prerequisite Worksheet

Application Requirements

  • Complete the application by the March 1, 2025 deadline. Applications may be submitted while prerequisite coursework is in progress. 
  • Please provide an essay that discusses when and how you became interested in Athletic Training. Within this essay also include any work or volunteer experience you have that will demonstrate your awareness of the field and your long term goals. Optional - You may include sharing how these experiences contribute to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion. (maximum word count: 500 words)
  • A current resume.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  • The technical standards for admission document.
  • A personal interview with Athletic Training faculty may be required.

Entry Point 2: MS in Athletic Training

Admission Requirements

  • Successful completion of a Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Undergraduate coursework must have been completed no longer than 10 years prior to application. Applications may be submitted while baccalaureate degree is in progress. 
  • Minimum cumulative overall and prerequisite grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (based on 4.0). 
  • EMT certification is required either through a course for credit or another qualified course leading to NR-EMT credential.
  • At this time observation hours under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer are recommended but not required.
  • Completion of Technical Standards for admissions document.
  • Verification of English Language Proficiency is required unless the following apply:
    • the applicant is a citizen of a country whose official language is English
    • the applicant has completed a degree program at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., or
    • the applicant is not a citizen of a country whose official language is English but has completed a degree program at an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction is English and where the official national language of the country in which the institution is located is English.         
  • Successful completion of interview (virtual, phone or in-person).

Prerequisites

  • Prerequisites must be completed for a letter grade, minimum grade of C. Applications may be submitted while prerequisite coursework is in progress.
    • Human Anatomy* (4 credits minimum)
    • Human Physiology* (4 credits minimum)
    • Exercise Physiology (3 credits minimum)
    • Introduction to Biology* (4 credits minimum)
    • Introduction to Physics (3 credits minimum)
    • Introduction to Chemistry* (4 credits minimum)
    • Kinesiology or Biomechanics (3 credits minimum)
    • Statistics (3 credits minimum)
    • English Composition (6 credits minimum)
    • Psychology (6 credits minimum, must include Introduction to Psychology)
    • Public Speaking (3 credits)
    • Nutrition (3 credits minimum)
    • Recommended Electives:
      • Research Methods
      • Medical Terminology
      • Medical Ethics
      • Strength and Conditioning 

*Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biology and Chemistry must include a laboratory

Prerequisite Worksheet

Application Requirements

Complete the ATCAS application which includes:

  • Application fee
  • An essay discussing when and how you became interested in the field and program to which you are applying, any work or volunteer experience you have that will demonstrate your awareness of the field and your long-term professional goals
  • A current copy of your Curriculum Vitae or Resume;
  • A letter of recommendation from a college instructor/professor, academic advisor, supervisor or employer, etc
  • Official transcripts from all U.S. colleges/universities attended
  • A course by course evaluation with GPA conversion for all higher level institutions attended outside the US. The evaluation may be from World Education Services, Inc. (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE).
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) not required

If applicable:

  • Request official English Language Proficiency test scores be sent to the University of Pittsburgh from one of the following options. Minimum scores accepted and instructions for sending official test scores follow:

Application Deadline

Rolling

Transfer Students

Transfer students may apply for admission to the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences by completing the transfer application and SHRS supplemental application available through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. All other admissions criteria apply for transfer students in the same way as students enrolled at the Pittsburgh campus.

Students with prior athletic training experience seeking to transfer to the University of Pittsburgh for admission to the Athletic Training Program must complete the same pre-requisite requirements as all other candidates. If admitted to the program, all students must complete University of Pittsburgh core athletic training courses. In some instances, credit may be given for other coursework taken at another institution and will be evaluated on an individual case basis.

Additional Information 

Please note that this program requires students to complete clinical education experiences at facilities both on and off the University campus and will require criminal background checks, Act 33/34 clearances and perhaps a drug screen prior to participation in clinical education. The results of these requirements may limit and potentially eliminate placement options for the student which can, in turn, result in an inability to meet graduation requirements. Additionally, conviction of a misdemeanor, felony, or felonious or illegal act may prevent the student from becoming credentialed and/or licensed to practice in the field. 

Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from the off-campus clinical education sites. All costs incurred as a part of the clinical education experience are the responsibility of the student. Please be advised that some clinical sites are not accessible by public transportation. 

More clinical information can be found here. 

View previous admissions information for all students admitted prior to 2023.