Physical Therapist Assistant to B.S in Health Science to M.S. in Athletic Training

Description of the Dual Degree Program 

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Bachelors of Science in Health Science (BSHS) / Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) dual degree program is a unique program for select students. Normally, obtaining these degrees would take a total of 6 years, but with the dual degree, the program can be completed in 5 years, graduating with a PTA, BSHS, and MSAT degree. Both the PTA and MSAT programs are accredited by their respective governing bodies. 

Admission Requirements 

Applicants must be admitted to the PTA program and be dually enrolled in the BSHS degree. The applicant will use the normal program application for the PTA program. Students must complete the PTA program and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination to be considered for admission to the MSAT program. In addition, declaring interest in the dual degree program needs to be made during the fall semester of year two in the PTA program. 

Awarding of Degrees 

The PTA degree will be awarded at the end of spring semester two (see table below). The BSHS degree will be awarded at the end of spring semester 4. The candidate will be eligible to sit for the Athletic Training Board Certification examination during the last academic semester of the dual degree program in the spring semester of year 5. 

Course Sequence

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ENGL 11013PSYC 11013PTA 22137
BIOL 11003COMM 11013PSYC 33691
BIOL 1101L0HO 11073GE Objective 4, 6, 7, 8, 93
BIOL 33013PTA 11063 
BIOL 3301L1PTA 11075 
HO 11062  
PTA 11043  
PTA 11051  
 16 17 11
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
PTA 11075PTA 22042CHEM 11023
HO 2208 or BIOL 33063PTA 22053CHEM 11031
PTA 22024PTA 22147ENGL 11023
MATH 11533CHEM 11013 
Health Care (choice)3  
 18 15 7
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BIOL 33023Communication (choice)3AT 66003
BIOL 3302L1Diversity (choice)2-3AT 66614
DHS 44263Exercise Physiology4GE Objective 4, 6, 7, 8, 93
CPH 22003BIOL 3306, or CPH 4406, or RESP 2214 (choose one)3-4GE Objective 4, 6, 7, 8, 93
PHYS 11004NTD 33403 
 14 15-17 13
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
AT 66043AT 66085 
AT 66403AT 66511-3 
AT 66623AT 66634 
GE Objective 4, 6, 7, 8, 93GE Objective 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 3 
 12 13-15
Fifth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
AT 66022AT 66143 
AT 66511-3AT 66511-3 
AT 66643AT 66653 
AT 66065AT 66453 
 11-13 10-12
Total Credits: 172-180