Pre-Athletic Training & Master of Athletic Training

Dual Degree Plan

Athletic trainers, who are often confused with personal trainers, are actually certified and licensed health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions in physically active populations. Rapid growth of athletic trainers in the secondary school setting means students are much more familiar with the profession, creating a strong area of interest for students seeking careers in sport and medicine.

Iowa Wesleyan has partnered with Culver-Stockton College and their CAATE-Accredited program to offer IW students an opportunity to pursue a Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree. IW students fulfilling and meeting competitive entrance standards may pursue the accelerated degree, earning their Bachelors of Science from IW (3 years) and their MAT from C-SC (2 years) in as little as 5 years in the 3 + 2 program. Students can also pursue a traditional path with their 4-year BS degree at IW and 2-year MAT at C-SC. The partner programs will provide students with an innovative curricula in the sciences and professional health care education that includes blended coursework, hands-on training, a variety of clinical experiences in both athletic and hospital/clinical settings that will hone their knowledge and skills.

The program will provide excellent career prospects for students in a booming athletic training job market. The Bureau of Labor & Statistics announced that there is a projected 23% increase in athletic training jobs over the next 10 years.

How do I apply for the program?

Application Information

Studying for a career in Exercise Science and Wellness or Physical Therapy just got easier at Iowa Wesleyan University. IW has partnered with Culver Stockton College to provide a 3 + 2 or a 4 + 2 program when you apply to IW as a high school junior or senior.

Upon acceptance to IW, students should declare a major in one of the two Bachelor programs below. You will then work side by side a knowledgeable IW faculty advisor and C-SC program administrators to ensure program pre-requisites are met.

Accelerated 3 + 2 Path

For the 3 + 2 Program, you’ll experience the following:

First select your IW Bachelor degree path.

Complete 3 years of courses and 100 hours of academic credit at IW

During the 3^rd or Junior year at IW, students apply to the MAT (Masters of Athletic Training) program at Culver Stockton. Application must include:

Two letters of recommendation/endorsement – one must be from supervising athletic trainer.
Statement of professional interest.
3.0 and a ‘C’ or higher in prerequisite classes.
50 hours of observation under the supervision of an athletic trainer.

Qualifying IW students are guaranteed a professional interview and are given a priority application status, along with a waived application fee.

The 4^th year of dual credit (BS/MAT) courses will be completed at C-SC, and include a required 240 hours of internship, that will complete the degree requirements for graduation at Iowa Wesleyan. Students will then have the option to participate in IW’s commencement ceremonies at the conclusion of this year, receiving their BS degree.

Traditional 4 + 2 Path

For the 4 + 2 Program, you’ll experience the following:

First select your path.

Complete 4 years of courses at IW.

During senior year at IW, students apply to the MAT (Masters of Athletic Training) program at Culver Stockton. Application must include:

Two letters of recommendation/endorsement – one must be from supervising athletic trainer
Statement of professional interest
3.0 and a ‘C’ or higher in prerequisite classes
Including 50 hours of documented observation with an athletic trainer.

Qualifying IW students are guaranteed a professional interview and are given a priority application status, along with a waived application fee.

Students will then complete two years at C-SC to fulfill MAT requirements. A detailed description of the CAATE-Accredited MAT program and requirements at C-SC can be found at www.culver.edu/mat

Entrance into the MAT at C-SC is competitive. IW students will have priority consideration for acceptance, but are not guaranteed admission. Students are encouraged to work proactively and collaboratively with their advisor to ensure the best application candidacy.

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