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About the Master of Athletic Training (MAT)

The University of Utah approved the new entry-level professional Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree in August 2019. 
The MAT provides graduate-level didactic knowledge and clinical skills in preparation for a future career in athletic training.
 


Department Chair: Dr. Lee Dibble, PT, PhD, ATC, FAPTA

Program Director: Dr. Justin Rigby, PhD, LAT, ATC


Reasons for attending the University of Utah for the Master of Athletic Training:

  • Advanced curriculum using resources at University of Utah Health's academic medical center.
  • Interprofessional education with programs across all of University of Utah Health (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, PA, PT, OT, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology).
  • Various clinical rotations from PAC-12 Division I sports, high schools, healthcare clinics, professional sports, and many others.
  • Interaction within University of Utah Health, which is a medical partner with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Utah Jazz, community high schools, and many others.
  • Approximately 25 weeks of full-time clinical immersion experiences.
  • Successful faculty recognized nationally for their clinical, research, and professional backgrounds.
  • See the MAT Admissions page for more information.

 

 

Master of Athletic Training Mission

  • Compassion
  • Respecting the rights of others
  • Seeking evidence based practice patterns
  • Advocating
  • Welfare and dignity of others
  • Promoting the highest quality health care
  • Integrity
  • Providing best possible care at all times

Our mission is to admit individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences to create a vibrant learning experience that highlights each individuals' contributions. This dynamic learning environment is aimed to create better athletic training clinicians that care for and understand their patients better. The following values, attributes, and characteristics are values in our admissions process.

Values, attributes, and characteristics were adapted from the National Athletic Trainers' Association Code of Ethics and Manifesto. 


We recommend applicants share how they hold these values, attributes, and characteristics through the following means in their application:

Life Experience Background

Compassion, respect, welfare, dignity, and advocate for others.

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Volunteer and community service, experience with diverse populations, and employment history. 

Educational Background

Promote evidence-based practice patterns and highest quality of health care.

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Research activities, healthcare employment/volunteering, undergraduate major, science /non-science academic merit. 

Cultural Background

Advocate and bets possible patient care at all times.

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Multicultural and international experiences. Bilingual/ multilingual.

Socioeconomic Background

First-generation college graduate, self-supporting.

College of Health Commitment to Diversity Excellence in Admissions

The University of Utah College of Health strives to promote diversity and inclusion among its students, faculty, and staff with the realization that diverse perspectives and life experiences strengthen our academic community in multiple ways. By creating a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages academic excellence and diverse perspectives, we work toward the creation of opportunities for all to learn from one another by sharing our wealth of talents and histories. Each of our departments offers degrees in professions focused on health, wellness, and research. With the increasingly rich complexity of our population, we recognize the need for our graduates to reflect on the diversity of our community. Furthermore, we also recognize the strong and positive impact a diverse collection of faculty, staff, students, and alumni can have on issues of health equity and the valuable role our College can play in reducing health disparities for all populations.

Accreditation & Outcomes

The University of Utah Athletic Training program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). See Program Information and Outcomes as published by CAATE.

 

Justin Rigby

Program Director, PhD, LAT, ATC

Jess Leighton

Academic Program Manager

Donate to Athletic Training

Athletic Training Education Program Scholarship Fund

Athletic Training Education Program Development Fund