Athletic Training program earns national accreditation

Athletic Training program earns national accreditation

Minnesota State Moorhead is proud to announce that the Master of Science (MS) in Athletic Training has earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), the nationally recognized accrediting body for athletic training programs.

The CAATE accreditation affirms that Moorhead's program meets rigorous national standards for curriculum quality, clinical education, and student outcomes, preparing graduates to excel in the evolving healthcare field. The Commission is responsible for establishing and enforcing accreditation standards that advance clinical practice and improve healthcare outcomes through excellence in athletic training education.

"Accreditation achievement sends a message to students and families that MSUM's athletic training program provides quality education," says Dawn Hammerschmidt, MS in athletic training program coordinator.

Launched in 2023, Moorhead's MS in Athletic Training prepares graduates for careers in a wide variety of settings, including higher education, secondary schools, hospitals, clinics, professional sports organizations, and emerging areas such as public safety and occupational health. Students benefit from coursework spanning athletic training, healthcare administration, and nursing, gaining a well-rounded perspective on modern healthcare delivery.

Graduating from a CAATE-accredited program is required for eligibility to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam, a key step toward becoming a certified athletic trainer. The timing of this accreditation is especially meaningful, as it coincides with the graduation of the program's first cohort in May 2026.

Minnesota State Moorhead also offers an accelerated pathway through its 3+2 option, allowing students to earn both a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and a master's degree in Athletic Training in as few as five years

For more information about the MS in Athletic Training at Minnesota State Moorhead, visit mnstate.edu/athletic-training.