If you are passionate about sports medicine, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and helping athletes perform at their best, a career in athletic training can provide an exciting and meaningful path in healthcare. At Lindenwood University, students can pursue a Master’s in Athletic Training through two different entry options designed to meet students where they are in their academic journey. 

Whether you are already completing a bachelor’s degree or know early on that athletic training is the right fit for you, Lindenwood offers flexible pathways to help students move confidently toward their career goals. 

What Does an Athletic Trainer Do? 

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. They work closely with athletes, active individuals, physicians, and healthcare teams in a variety of settings, including: 

  • Colleges and universities  
  • High schools  
  • Sports medicine clinics  
  • Hospitals  
  • Professional sports organizations  
  • Rehabilitation centers  

Because athletic trainers play such an important role in patient care and injury recovery, hands-on education and clinical experience are essential parts of athletic training programs. 

Understanding Lindenwood’s Two Athletic Training Pathways 

One of the unique aspects of Lindenwood’s Athletic Training, MS program is that students can choose between two different pathways depending on their educational background and career timeline. 

Post-Baccalaureate Pathway 

The post-baccalaureate pathway is designed for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and are ready to continue into graduate-level athletic training education. 

This pathway is ideal for: 

  • Recent graduates in exercise science, kinesiology, biology, health sciences, or related fields  
  • Students who have completed prerequisite coursework  
  • Career changers interested in sports medicine and healthcare careers  

Students in this pathway complete the Athletic Training, MS program over two years of full-time study. Throughout the program, students gain experience through classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations that help prepare them for professional practice. 

The 3+2 Athletic Training Option 

Lindenwood also offers an accelerated 3+2 pathway for students who know they want to pursue athletic training early in their college experience. 

In this option, students complete three years of undergraduate coursework within the Bachelor’s in Exercise Science with a Pre-Athletic Training Emphasis program before transitioning directly into the graduate athletic training curriculum during years four and five. This streamlined approach allows students to earn both their bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in athletic training in less time. 

The 3+2 option can benefit students who want to: 

  • Start their athletic training career sooner  
  • Transition smoothly into graduate study  
  • Follow a more direct academic pathway  
  • Gain clinical experience earlier in their education  

For motivated students with clear career goals, the 3+2 pathway can provide an efficient route into the profession. 

Hands-On Learning Matters 

No matter which pathway students choose, hands-on learning remains a major focus of Lindenwood’s Athletic Training, MS program. Students participate in clinical experiences that allow them to apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare and athletic environments. 

Through these experiences, students can build skills in: 

  • Injury assessment and evaluation  
  • Rehabilitation planning  
  • Emergency response and patient care  
  • Communication with healthcare teams  
  • Evidence-based decision making  

This combination of academic and clinical learning helps prepare students for certification and future careers in athletic training. 

Why Choose Lindenwood for Athletic Training? 

Lindenwood’s Athletic Training, MS program combines individualized support, practical experience, and professional preparation in a collaborative learning environment. Students work closely with faculty while developing the clinical and critical thinking skills needed for success in the field. 

With both a traditional post-baccalaureate pathway and an accelerated 3+2 option, students can choose the educational route that best fits their goals and timeline. 

Start Your Journey in Athletic Training 

Whether you are completing your undergraduate degree or planning your future career path from the start, Lindenwood’s Athletic Training, MS program offers flexible options to help you succeed. 

Explore the pathway that fits your goals and discover how Lindenwood can help prepare you for a future in athletic training.