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About the Master of Athletic Training (MAT) Degree

Why Study Athletic Training at Cedarville?

Are you looking to become a certified athletic trainer? At Cedarville University, our Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program equips you to serve in competitive sports, clinical practices, and educational environments — all while being grounded in a biblical worldview.

Cedarville’s MAT prepares you for this fast-paced, high-impact field through a distinctive combination of:

  • Comprehensive academic coursework delivered by experienced and credentialed faculty
  • Hands-on clinical experiences in diverse athletic and healthcare settings
  • A mission that integrates faith, service, and professional excellence

At Cedarville, you don’t have to choose between clinical competence and Christian mentorship — you receive both.

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What Sets Cedarville Apart?

  • Biblical Worldview
    All courses are built on the solid foundation of Scripture.

  • Real-World Experiences
    You will complete immersion experiences where you will fulfill the role of a full-time athletic trainer. 

  • Collaborative
    You will benefit from interprofessional interaction with students and faculty in other healthcare programs.

Program Overview

Highlights of the MAT Program

Biblically Integrated Curriculum – Every course in the MAT program is designed to reflect a Christ-centered approach to patient care. You’ll learn how to serve with excellence and compassion, guided by a biblical worldview.

State-of-the-Art Training Facilities – Train in Cedarville University’s 3,000-square-foot athletic training facility, featuring a fully equipped educational laboratory dedicated to advanced clinical learning and hands-on practice.

Mentorship From Christian Faculty – Learn from highly credentialed, practicing clinicians who are also committed Christian mentors. Cedarville's faculty members actively invest in your academic, professional, and spiritual growth.

National Accreditation by CAATE – The Master of Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), ensuring eligibility for the Board of Certification (BOC) national exam and meeting the highest standards of academic and clinical preparation.

CAATE Accredited Program Banner

Athletic Training Program

Athletic trainers are the unsung heroes working behind the scenes to keep athletes safe, healthy, and performing at their best. They specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries — serving as vital members of healthcare teams in sports, clinical, and educational settings.

If you’re passionate about sports, healthcare, and helping others thrive, athletic training offers a dynamic and rewarding career path. And if you're seeking a program that combines clinical excellence with biblical purpose, Cedarville University’s Master of Athletic Training (MAT) is the ideal place to begin.

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

Cedarville University’s Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program offers dynamic, hands-on learning opportunities designed to prepare you for clinical practice in sports medicine and healthcare. You won’t just learn in a classroom — you’ll develop real skills in real settings.

Interprofessional Collaboration

You’ll train alongside students and faculty from Cedarville’s nursing, pharmacy, and physician assistant programs. This integrated approach equips you with valuable healthcare skills such as:

  • Wound care
  • Suturing
  • Pharmacology
  • General medical procedures

Traditional Clinical Experiences

up to 20 hours/week

During your MAT coursework, you’ll rotate through supervised clinical placements, gaining direct patient care experience with:

  • Cedarville NCAA Division II athletic teams
  • Local high schools and sports medicine clinics
  • Regional hospitals and healthcare providers

Immersive Clinical Experiences

full-time, 4–12 weeks

In your final semesters, you’ll step into the role of a full-time athletic trainer during immersive clinical rotations. These placements offer deep, hands-on involvement with:

  • Professional sports teams such as the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati
  • Nationally recognized hospitals like Nationwide Children's and Dayton Children's
  • Division I and II university athletic programs across the country

What Can You Do With an MAT?

With a Master of Athletic Training (MAT) from Cedarville, you’ll be equipped to make a difference wherever athletes live, train, and recover. Our graduates are serving in high schools, supporting college and professional teams, and working in rehabilitation clinics and hospitals — using their skills to care for the whole person.

Whether you're taping ankles on the sidelines, developing rehab plans for injured athletes, or helping elite performers stay game-ready, you'll be prepared to serve with excellence and compassion.

EXPLORE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Cedarville MAT Grads 100% Three-Year BOC Pass Rate

View the on the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education website.

Admission, Costs and Aid, Start Dates

Admission Requirements

Admission to Cedarville’s Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program is a three-step process:

  1. Submit your application through the
  2. Complete the free
  3. Interview with MAT faculty
Master of Athletic Training Admission Requirements

Costs and Financial Aid

Choosing a Christian graduate program is a smart investment in your future. At Cedarville University, we work to make that investment affordable.

Cedarville’s MAT program is competitively priced at roughly 25% less than similar programs. Students may use federal loans, and occasional scholarships are available. Our team supports you throughout the aid process.

Master of Athletic Training Costs

Application Timeline

The application cycle opens on July 1 prior to the next start term and closes on May 1.

Ï㽶ֱ²¥ early to secure your spot!

Program Start Date

The program begins on the first Monday in June.

Application Process

Program Curriculum

Cedarville University's rigorous MAT curriculum is intentionally designed to prepare you for success on the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification (NATA-BOC) exam — the credential required to become a certified athletic trainer. Through a combination of academic excellence, hands-on clinical training, and a biblical foundation, you’ll build the skills and knowledge needed to serve with both competence and compassion.

You'll gain expertise in areas such as injury evaluation, therapeutic interventions, healthcare administration, and professional practice — all taught from a distinctly Christian worldview.  

Every course is designed to equip you with technical competence and Christ-centered care, integrating a biblical worldview, clinical excellence, and real-world preparation and are taught by experienced Christian faculty to prepare you for service in athletic and clinical settings.

Program Format and Related Programs

Cedarville offers graduate and undergraduate programs with flexible completion options. You may also want to consider these related programs as you choose the degree or program that is the best fit for you.

Program Level and Format

  • Graduate
  • Residential

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that you probably have more questions, so we’ve put together a list of some of the most frequently asked ones to help you gather all the information you need to make an informed decision about applying to our program.

SEE FAQS

Female athletic trainer wrapping an athlete's ankle in the training room.

From Our Students:

  • What makes the MAT program stand out to me is how it shapes not just what we do but who we become. It goes beyond our athletic training skills and learning to truly encourage our growth into compassionate, Christ-centered leaders who approach our field of work with purpose and care.
    Malea Voran, Master of Athletic Training (MAT), Class of 2026
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Program Contacts

Photo of Ken Blood

Ken Blood, EdD, ATC

Master of Athletic Training Program Director, Associate Professor of Athletic Training

Contact

Photo of Gayle Wilken

Gayle Wilken

Director of Graduate Recruitment - Residential Healthcare Programs

Contact

School of Allied Health and Psychology

Program News