MAT Admissions – Davis 221, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341- 4115
Phone: (678) 547-6391 • https://chp.mercer.edu/academics-departments/athletic-training/ • mat@mercer.edu
Master of Athletic Training (MAT) Program Frequently Asked Questions
March 15, 2023 is the priority deadline and May 15, 2023 is the final deadline
for application submission for the Summer 2023 entering
cla
ss
.
Program Description and Accreditation Information
The Master of Athletic Training Program provides preparation for a professional career as an athletic trainer.
The graduate program of study is full-time and spans six (6) consecutive semesters. Upon successful
completion of the program, the student will be awarded the Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree.
The Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education with an
accreditation status of "Active - in good standing" through the 2024-2025 academic year by the Commission
on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE, 6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX
78731-3184; phone 512-733-9700; email: support@caate.net
).
Mercer University is accredited by the
Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate,
master's, and doctoral degrees.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants are required to submit a primary application via ATCAS (http://www.atcas.org/). All official
college/university transcripts must be submitted directly to ATCAS.
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree (2.85 cumulative GPA recommended) from a regionally-accredited
American college or university.
Documentation of at least 50 hours of clinical observation under the supervision of an athletic trainer.
Completion of all seven prerequisites prior to matriculation with required GPA of 2.85. If a prerequisite
has been taken more than once, the best attempt will be used in calculating the prerequisite GPA.
Two letters of recommendation. (One letter must be from a College or University professor and one
letter must be from an athletic trainer.)
Applicants must also meet the MAT Program’s Technical Standards in order to be considered for
admission into the program.
Qualified applicants will be invited to visit the Athletic Training Program for an interview.
I do not have a 2.85 on a 4.0 scale, can I still be considered for admission?
The Mercer University MAT Program has a conditional admissions policy for applicants with a GPA between
2.5 and 2.85. Occasionally students may be admitted conditionally with a GPA of less than 2.85. Students
admitted under conditional status must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the first 8 credit hours of the
curriculum. Students with GPAs below 2.5 will not be considered for admission.
What are the materials required to apply to the Master of Athletic Training Program?
Please visit our website (http://chp.mercer.edu/admissions/admissions-requirements/athletic-training/) to
learn more information about the application process before you apply.
MAT Admissions – Davis 221, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341- 4115
Phone: (678) 547-6391 • https://chp.mercer.edu/academics-departments/athletic-training/ • mat@mercer.edu
International applicants must also meet additional requirements regarding foreign course evaluations and
English proficiency (TOEFL).
What are the required courses needed for applying to the Master of Athletic Training Program?
The 7 prerequisites for Mercer's MAT Program are:
- Chemistry I (for science majors) with lab,
- Physics I (for science majors) with lab,
- Two course series of human anatomy and physiology with lab,
- Biology course,
- Psychology course with an emphasis on individual behavior (general, abnormal or developmental), and
- Statistics or biostatistics course.
Additionally, we recommend you complete four (4) of these seven (7) courses prior to application and include a plan
for completing the outstanding prerequisite courses in your application. Applicants are encouraged to complete
coursework / experience in professional writing and oral communication prior to enrollment in Mercer’s MAT
Program. Examples of courses / experiences related to these areas are: writing intensive courses, grant writing,
professional publication(s), public speaking, Toastmasters.
What kind of undergraduate degree do I need for admission?
We accept a Bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited college or university as long as the
prerequisites are completed. Students may apply while still completing a bachelor’s degree, but the degree
must be awarded and conferred prior to enrollment into the MAT Program.
Why should I consider Mercer for this program?
Mercer’s Athletic Training Program is compliant with the 2020 CAATE accreditation standards for professional
masters programs, is housed in the College of Health Professions, which is part of Mercer’s Health Sciences
Center. As such, Mercer’s MAT Program is uniquely positioned to provide interprofessional education
experiences that will prepare graduates to be an integral part of the healthcare team. Mercer University
competes in 18 Division I sports, which provides a tremendous variety of clinical education opportunities.
Further demonstrating the quality of the program, the first graduating cohort had a 100% first attempt pass
rate on the BOC (Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer – www.bocatc.org/) and each graduate secured
employment as an athletic trainer.
Why should I enroll in a Master of Athletic Training Program?
Athletic training is a very rewarding profession where you will have the opportunity to provide healthcare in a
variety of settings that include universities, high schools, professional sports, clinics, hospitals, and performing
arts, the military and industrial settings. The job outlook is excellent with much faster growth than average.
The latest employment numbers indicate a 23% year to year increase in available jobs.
What courses do you take in the Master of Athletic Training Program?
Please see the attached curriculum outline. Course descriptions are available on the University
Registrar’s website at http://www2.mercer.edu/Registrar/Catalogs/default.htm.
Can I transfer into the Mercer MAT Program and receive credit for courses completed at
another Athletic Training program?
The Mercer MAT Program does not grant advanced standing nor accept transfer credit from other
athletic training programs.
MAT Admissions – Davis 221, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341- 4115
Phone: (678) 547-6391 • https://chp.mercer.edu/academics-departments/athletic-training/ • mat@mercer.edu
Where is the MAT Program located?
The MAT Program is located on the Macon campus utilizing on-campus clinical opportunities with Mercer’s
athletic teams. The MAT Program has a dedicated classroom, learning lab, and research lab.
Can I work while I am in the MAT Program?
The intensity and continuity of the MAT Program requires the full-time attendance and attention of students.
The curriculum is demanding and does not allow extra time for employment. The administration, therefore,
views outside employment with disfavor as such employment may interfere with the quality of a student’s
academic performance.
How much will the MAT Program cost?
Tuition (per semester) $ 8,250
Facilities and Technology Fee (per semester) $ 150
First semester lab fee $ 300
Second semester lab fee $ 80
Fifth semester lab fee $ 80
Other fees* $ 2,900
Total tuition and fees $53,760
Please note that these fees are subject to change each year after the Board of Trustees meeting in April.
There also is an increase in tuition each year (2-3% in recent years). Students in the MAT Program will
incur expenses that are in addition to tuitions and university fees. These may include immunizations, a
physical exam, and background check as part of the admissions requirements. Students will be required to
access internet sites during classes and clinical experiences so a laptop computer will be required. Students
will be required to join the NATA, purchase textbooks, uniforms, and will be responsible for transportation
to their clinical sites. Students are encouraged to refer to the CHP Admissions website for a current
estimate of additional expenses related to the MAT Program http://chp.mercer.edu/admissions/tuition-
financial-planning/.
Who can I contact for financial aid information?
Student Financial Planning Office: 478-301-2760
Student Financial Planning Website: http://financialaid.mercer.edu/
FAFSA on the Web: https://fafsa.ed.gov/
Where can I find information about housing for students?
For information about on and off-campus housing options for Athletic Training students please visit the
homepage for campus life (http://studentaffairs.mercer.edu/housing/)
Where can I find more information about the Athletic Training profession?
Please visit the National Athletic Trainers’ Association website (https://www.nata.org), the Southeastern
Athletic Trainers’ Association website (https://www.seata.org), and the Commission on Accreditation of
Athletic Training Education website (https://caate.net).
MAT Admissions – Davis 221, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341- 4115
Phone: (678) 547-6391 • https://chp.mercer.edu/academics-departments/athletic-training/ • mat@mercer.edu
Mercer Master of Athletic Training Program
MAT Year 1 Summer
Cr
Hrs.
Cr
Hrs.
MAT Year 1 Spring
Cr
Hrs.
AT 510 Introduction to Athletic Injuries
AT 520 Basic Taping, Bracing, and Protective
Equipment
AT 530- Athletic Training Emergency Care
3
1
4
8
2
4
4
3
13
AT 512 Professionalism and Leadership in
Athletic Training
AT 522 Therapeutic Intervention II
AT 532 Clinical Examination &
Diagnosis II
AT 552 Athletic Training Clinical II
3
4
4
3
14
MAT Year 2 Summer
MAT Year 2 Spring
AT 610 Sports Nutrition
AT 620 Research Design and Statistics
AT 650 Immersive Clinical
3
3
4
10
3
3
3
1
1
3
14
AT 612 Athletic Training Healthcare
Administration
AT 622 Sports Biomechanics and
Pathomechanics
AT 642 Healthcare Delivery Systems
AT 652 Advanced Athletic Training
Clinical II
AT 662 Athletic Training Curricular
Content Standards Review
3
1
1
3
3
11
Total: 70 Credit Hours