ATSU-ASHS’ MSAT program providing student flexible path to career growth
Posted: March 18, 2025
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) student Sophia Testani, MSAT, ’25, ATC, is enhancing her practice and broadening her career opportunities through ATSU-ASHS’ Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program, a fully online graduate program designed for athletic training professionals.
“This program has reminded me of the importance of taking a patient-centered approach to the care I provide, allowing me to consider the patient’s best interest with an evidence-based approach,” she said.
The MSAT program educates students through core foundations, such as clinical decision-making, that empower them to drive innovation and address real-world challenges. Completed fully online, the program also offers maximum flexibility, allowing students to complete the program in one or two years.
For Testani, who anticipates completing her MSAT in December 2025, the program’s flexibility was a key factor in her decision to enroll.
“I didn’t have to put the start of my career on pause to pursue a higher education,” she said. “Being able to work while continuing my education has been a major benefit. An online major has allowed for a lot of flexibility in when I complete my coursework, allowing me to better balance my education, work, and family.”
For athletic trainers considering the next steps in their education, the MSAT program ensures graduates are equipped to address the dynamic challenges of the practice. The program’s curriculum emphasizes the integration of advanced clinical knowledge with practical application.
“Through research assignments I have been able to stay up to date on the current evidence. Through courses such as Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, I have been able to identify areas in my own practice that I can change and refine to provide the best possible care,” Testani said.
“In many of the courses, all of the weekly modules are available ahead of time, so I am able to plan around when I will have a busy work week (such as when I may be traveling with a team) and get ahead on an assignment.”
Additionally, the program’s strong emphasis on professional development enables students to apply lessons immediately in their clinical practice and network with the broader athletic training community.
Looking ahead, Testani said, “With a masters degree, I will have broader career opportunities and this program has helped provide me with networking opportunities. I will be able to continue my professional growth after completing this program as having a masters degree will open up more opportunities for me, with the possibility of pursuing a Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) if I wish to.”