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Master of Science in Athletic Training online

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Master of Science in Athletic Training online

The Master of Science in Athletic Training program is a post-professional online program culminating in a master of athletic training degree. Didactic coursework in advanced areas of study can be planned to allow students to complete the program in one or two years. This online master's program is designed for state licensed and/or athletic trainers certified by the Board of Certification (BOC), or individuals who have met eligibility requirements to sit for the BOC certification examination prior to matriculation. Online courses are designed with an emphasis on clinical decision-making and advancement of clinical practice. Faculty and staff work closely with students to develop the professional attitudes and clinical problem-solving skills necessary for optimal patient care.

online flexibility

100% Online
Flexibility

elective tracks

Customizable:
3 elective track
options

graduate

Graduate in
1 or 2 years

advanced standing

gain dat advanced
standing

faculty

industry-renowned
faculty

start dates

4 start dates
per year

Length of program

The Master of Science in Athletic Training online program is a 12-24 month program comprised of 30 credits.

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Athletic training master's students and alumni

Discover insights from our athletic training master's and doctoral program alumni:

Greg Janik, DAT, MS, ATC
MSAT and DAT Alumnus
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Preparing culturally proficient providers

The Athletic Training Programs at ATSU celebrate diversity as a fundamental component of the academic experience and are committed to preparing our graduates to be culturally proficient providers who serve the needs of a diverse community. We welcome the distinctive contributions of every student, faculty, and staff member. We listen, engage, and embrace our diverse cultural perspectives to foster belonging and empowerment in the classroom and in the community. We promote and value collaboration with diverse clinicians, educators, researchers, and administrators to provide athletic trainers with knowledge that guides clinical decision-making, enhances care, and optimizes patient outcomes. The Athletic Training Programs continuously strive to cultivate and nurture inclusiveness that is authentic, reflexive, and beneficial to the ATSU Community.

Program essentials

Overview
Course list
Tuition
Faculty/Staff
ATSU
Outcomes
Admission requirements
Clinical Decision-Making Foundation
Research Foundation
Elective Tracks
Cost
Financial Aid
Administration
Faculty
Staff
University Catalog
Accreditation

Online Master of Science in Athletic Training program outcomes

Upon completion of the online Master of Science in Athletic Training program, students’ will be able to achieve the following outcomes:

     
  1. Implement quality improvement strategies to identify and address quality gaps for the purpose of improving patient outcomes, system performance, and professional development.
  2.  
  3. Demonstrate advanced clinical decision-making in athletic training practice in a manner that integrates clinical experience, patient values, and the best available evidence.
  4.  
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of clinical outcomes assessments and the value of these outcomes to informing patient care and advancing the athletic training profession.
  6.  
  7. Utilize information and technology to improve the quality of patient care, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support clinical decision-making in athletic training practice.
  8.  
  9. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen area of advanced clinical practice (i.e., orthopaedics, rehabilitation, or sport neurology and concussion).

Program Overview Course List

Application deadline

Applications for the MSAT program may be submitted at any time during the academic year to Online Admissions. The program has four intakes per year, July, September, January, and March. All application materials must be submitted no later than two months prior to the start of a course block.

The MSAT program will admit athletic training professionals with diverse professional and personal experiences who have demonstrated capacity to pursue a rigorous course of graduate study. Prospective students will be selected by considering the overall qualities of the applicant through application content, academic record, and prior experience.

Admission requirements:

     
  1. Candidates accepted for admission to the MSAT program will have earned a bachelor degree prior to enrollment from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must provide official transcripts from all educational institutions attended where a degree was conferred.
  2.  
  3. Applicants to the Athletic Training Program must demonstrate Board of Certification (BOC) certification as an athletic trainer or substantial equivalence, such as credentialing from the Canadian Athletic Therapist Association, Athletic Rehabilitation Therapists of Ireland, Society of Sports Therapists, British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers.
  4.  
  5. Students must demonstrate proof of state licensure (if required in your current state or country of residence). A copy of a current state license is required.
  6.  
  7. Candidates must have achieved a minimum overall graduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale).
  8.  
  9. One official recommendation form must be completed by an academic advisor, professor, employer, or other individual who can attest to the applicants potential for success in the masters program.  Letters from an educational consulting service will not qualify. Recommendations must be submitted for each application year.
  10.  
  11. Candidates are expected to be computer literate and experienced in word processing. All curricula require extensive computer usage. Accepted applicants are required to have a personal computer prior to matriculation and have access to a high-speed Internet connection.
  12.  
  13. Candidates must submit an application form.
  14.  
  15. All students are required to demonstrate proficiency in English when applying to the Arizona School of Health Sciences, A.T Still University. See the ASHS English Proficiency section for more details.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Master of Science in Athletic Training degree, all students must:

     
  1. Complete all prescribed and elected courses within seven years of commencing the program
  2.  
  3. Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
  4.  
  5. Complete with a passing grade (“C” or better) all prescribed courses
  6.  
  7. Discharge all financial obligations to ATSU-ASHS
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ATRN 7110: Quality Improvement and Patient Safety* (C)(M)

Quality improvement is the consistent, combined effort of many to make changes in healthcare that will improve patient outcomes, system performance, and professional development. This course is designed to enhance the athletic trainer’s understanding of quality improvement, especially as it relates to patient outcomes (health), system performance (care), and professional development (learning). An overview of the history of quality improvement in healthcare will be provided to provide a global understanding of the value of quality improvement to the advancement of patient care. Additionally, the Model of Improvement will serves as the theoretical foundation for the course. Topics will include creating and managing interprofessional teams, identifying quality improvement issues, process literacy, data collection for continuous improvement, and implementing system changes. During the course, students will also be introduced to common tools used in quality improvement projects, such as process diagrams, cause-and-effect diagrams, run charts, and plan-do-study-act cycles. Achievement of course learning objectives will occur through readings, multi-media presentations, discussions, presentations, and individual and/or group assignments.

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ATRN 7120: Evidence-Based Practice* (C) (M)

This course is designed to enable the athletic trainer’s clinical decision-making process in a manner that integrates clinical experience, patient values, and the best available evidence. It is also intended to build on entry-level evidence-based practice courses with the use of informatics and technology to access the medical literature. The course will cover advanced topics related to the EBP process, framing clinical questions to enhance clinical decision-making, searching the literature, critical appraisal, integration and evaluation of the evidence, grading levels of evidence and strength of recommendations, patient values, and statistical terminology related to EBP.

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ATRN 7130: Patient-Oriented Outcomes* (C) (M)

Advanced Patient-Oriented Outcomes is designed to enhance the athletic trainer’s ability to employ clinician-based and patient-based clinical outcome measures for the determination of effective clinical decision-making through the practice of providing patient-centered whole person healthcare. Discussion of disablement models and outcomes research as the foundations to evidence-based practice will be provided. The use of disablement models as a framework for whole person healthcare and the evaluation of health-related quality of life will be presented. This course builds upon the basic components of clinical outcomes assessment by providing advanced content related to clinician- and patient-oriented outcomes. Instruction on the selection, implementation, and use of single- and multi-item, general and specific patient-rated outcomes instruments will be given. Details regarding the concepts of measurement properties, including assessment of measurement change, will be provided. Opportunity to develop an outcomes study through creation of a clinical question in PICO format will be provided and discussion of using practice-based research networks as means to conducting outcomes investigations will occur.

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ATRN 7140: Health Information Technology* (C)

The purpose of this course is to provide the athletic trainer with a survey of relevant concepts, tools, and systems of healthcare informatics and technology that may be useful throughout the clinical decision-making process. An understanding of informatics concepts and skills related to the use of technology has been identified as critical for all modern healthcare professionals. Moreover, informatics and technology provide several distinct advantages to the modern healthcare system, including, but limited to: cost savings; error detection; quality improvement, and; improved patient outcomes.

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ATRN 8010: Research Methods & Design * (M)

This course will focus on the development and application of graduate level knowledge and skills related to research methods in health sciences. Skills regarding the development of a research proposal, including the identification of a problem, conducting a literature review, developing a hypothesis, designing a study and submitting an Institutional Review Board application are integral components of this course.

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ATRN 8020: Methods of Data Analysis* (M)

This course will focus on development and application of graduate level knowledge and skills related to the use of statistical methodology in health sciences research.

Students complete 12 elective credits. Students choose one of three predefined tracks in orthopaedics, rehabilitation, or sport neurology and concussion.

Rehabilitation Track

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ATRN 7210: Foundations of Tissue Healing

This course is designed to enhance the athletic trainers’ ability to plan and implement a comprehensive sports injury rehabilitation program based on the sequential biological events of connective tissue healing. Orthopaedic basic science concepts involved in clinical assessment, establishment of therapeutic objectives, and selection of therapeutic agents will be addressed. The histology, morphology, and biomechanics of soft connective tissues, muscle, articular cartilage, and peripheral nerves will be presented. Subsequently, the basic science of tissue healing following injury will be covered. Special focus is placed on the relationships between tissue healing physiology and selection of appropriate therapeutic interventions. Current topics in soft tissue healing and rehabilitation, including viscosupplementation, graft ligamentization, and biologic treatment techniques will be discussed. This course provides the orthopaedic basic science foundation for discussion of therapeutic techniques in future rehabilitation courses.

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ATRN 7230: Assessment of Movement Dysfunction

This course introduces and explores the foundational concepts of structure and function as they relate to fundamental patterns of human movement. Neuro-developmental progression, motor development, motor learning, and motor control concepts will be presented. Utilizing dynamic systems theory and tensegrity models, factors contributing to movement dysfunction will be identified and techniques for movement assessment will be outlined and discussed. Following the completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in the assessment and diagnosis of movement dysfunction

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ATRN 7240: Corrective Techniques for Movement Dysfunction

This course provides the athletic trainer with advanced knowledge in the rehabilitation of orthopaedic injuries, by utilizing corrective techniques to restore movement patterns and function. Emphasis is placed on integration of tensegrity and dynamic systems models to develop a sequential and progressive rehabilitation program, centered on restoration of movement patterns in fundamental, transitional, and functional postures. Concepts of mobility, sensorimotor control, movement patterning, and neurodevelopmental progression will be studied. Assisted, active, and reactive techniques for improving mobility, stability, and movement will be taught.

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ATRN 7250: Rehabilitation Considerations for Sport Performance

This course provides the athletic trainer with the advanced knowledge on how to bridge the gap from rehabilitation to sport performance. Neuromuscular considerations such as psychomotor and somatosensory control will be explored. Considerations for strength training, time under tension, power development and athletic movement prescription will be examined. Following this course, the athletic trainer will be able to develop a comprehensive program for the athlete who is returning to sport post-injury.

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Orthopaedics Track

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ATRN 7410: Orthopaedic Diagnostic Evaluation

This course is designed to provide the athletic trainer with advanced knowledge and clinical skills in the pathology, examination, and diagnosis of orthopaedic and sport-related injuries to the upper and lower extremities, the back, and spine. Content is presented with an emphasis on integrating evidence-based practice principles to enhance the student’s clinical decision-making skills in injury evaluation and diagnosis. Focus will be placed on developing clinical reasoning skills to enhance the student’s ability to accurately and efficiently utilize the physical examination and diagnostic tests to evaluate complex orthopaedic conditions, recognize atypical presentations, identify non-orthopaedic conditions that present as orthopaedic conditions, and recommend and interpret appropriate imaging and laboratory tests. Students will engage in weekly collaborative learning activities and independent assignments to enhance their clinical skills in Orthopaedic Diagnostic Evaluation.

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ATRN 7430: Orthopaedic Imaging and Labs

This course is designed to enhance the athletic trainer’s knowledge regarding common imaging and laboratory techniques used in the management of orthopaedic patients. Students will be exposed to various imaging modalities including radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, CT scans, and musculoskeletal ultrasound. The use of laboratory tests for injury and illness will also be examined. Students will engage in weekly collaborative learning activities and independent assignments to evaluate the sensitivity and utility of imaging and laboratory tests used in athletic health care.

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ATRN 7440: Orthopaedic Surgical Considerations

This course is designed to enhance the athletic trainer’s knowledge and awareness of special considerations for rehabilitation following common orthopaedic surgeries. The course focuses on improving the athletic trainer’s ability to provide quality education and counseling to their orthopaedic patients through the development of advanced knowledge and skills in post-surgical rehabilitation. Surgical techniques for common orthopaedic conditions of the upper and lower extremities will be presented. Tissue response to surgery, post-surgical rehabilitation guidelines and timelines, and surgical outcomes will be discussed. Students will engage in weekly collaborative learning activities to critically appraise the current evidence for post-surgical rehabilitation approaches. The course culminates with the development of a comprehensive, evidence-based post-surgical rehabilitation protocol for an orthopaedic surgery of the student’s choice.

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ATRN 7420: Orthopaedic Management

This course is designed to enhance the athletic trainers’ ability to effectively manage patients with increasingly complex orthopaedic conditions. Content focuses on management of complex orthopaedic conditions with and without co-morbidities and includes the development prioritized care plans, strategies to maximize long-term health related quality of life, identifying criteria and plans for safe return to participation and to maximize sports performance, engaging in patient education. Students will engage in weekly collaborative learning activities and independent assignments to enhance their clinical skills in Orthopaedic Management.

Sport Neurology and Concussion Track

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ATRN 7310: Foundations of Sport Neurology

This course is designed to enhance the athletic trainers’ ability to manage neurological injuries resulting from participation in sports and physical activity. Basic science concepts regarding neurological mechanisms of pain, pathophysiology of neurologic injuries, neurodynamics, and the psychological contributions of pain will be discussed. This course will serve as a foundation to the other courses in the Sports Neurology and Concussion track or graduate certificate program.

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ATRN 7320: Diagnosis and Management of Neurologic Conditions in Sport

This course is designed to enhance the students’ knowledge and skills regarding the recognition, assessment, management, and referral of patients who present with neurologic conditions. Specific attention will be placed on understanding red flags for various conditions, diagnostic testing, and appropriate care for various conditions. The course will use a mix of online readings, videos, and discussion forums to foster collaboration among students.

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ATRN 7330: Classification and Management of Traumatic Head Injury

This course is designed to expand the student’s understanding of traumatic head injury. The course will span the spectrum of head injury from catastrophic head injury with internal hemorrhage to mild traumatic brain injury or concussion. Specifics regarding assessment, treatment, and management will be presented. The course will use a mix of online readings, videos, and discussion forums to foster collaboration among students.

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ATRN 7340: Assessment and Management of Complex Patients with Concussion

This course will provide a thorough examination of the treatment of patients with complex medical concerns who suffer a concussion. Specific attention will be focused on the patient’s past medical history and co-morbid factors and how these may influence the assessment, treatment, and management of head injuries. The course will use a mix of online readings, videos, and discussion forums to foster collaboration among students.

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Tuition

Tuition and fees are located on ATSU’s Tuition & Fees website. Please note tuition and fees are subject to change.

Financial Aid

Federal financial aid is available for qualifying students. For more information visit Enrollment Services or contact them at 660.626.2019 or by email at enrollmentservices@atsu.edu.

Tamara C. Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, FNATA
Tamara C. Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, FNATA
Chair and Director
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Tamara C. Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, FNATA, is the Athletic Training program director, professor of Athletic Training, research professor in the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, and the John P. Wood, DO, endowed chair for Sports Medicine at A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona.

Dr. McLeod completed her doctor of philosophy degree in education with an emphasis in sports medicine from the University of Virginia. She is the founding director of the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network. Her research has focused on the pediatric athlete with respect to sport-related concussion. Her current work is investigating the short- and long-term effects of pediatric sports concussion as well as recovery following concussion on traditional concussion assessments, academics, and health-related quality of life.

Dr. McLeod is also involved with pediatric sports injury education and prevention through the Positive Play Project in conjunction with Mesa Parks and Recreation.

 

Dr. McLeod was a contributing author for the NATA Position Statement on the Management of Sport-Related Concussion, the lead author on the NATA Position Statement on the Prevention of Pediatric Overuse Injuries, and a consultant and contributing author on the Appropriate Medical Coverage for Secondary School-Aged Athletes. Dr. McLeod serves on numerous editorial boards, and publishes frequently in the athletic training and sports medicine journals and is a NATA Fellow.​

Alison Snyder Valier, PhD, ATC, FNATA
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Alison Snyder Valier, PhD, ATC, FNATA
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Alison Snyder Valier, PhD, ATC, FNATA, holds the positions of Professor within the Department of Athletic Training and Assistant Director of Research Support at A.T. Still University (ATSU). She received her bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Whitman College in Washington and a master of science degree in exercise physiology at the University of Toledo in Ohio. In addition, she received her doctorate in exercise science from the University of Toledo, where she majored in applied physiology and completed a minor in human anatomy. Dr. Valier completed a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in Clinical Outcomes Research, awarded to her by the NATA Research and Education Foundation. She is actively involved in the instruction of students enrolled in the Post-Professional Masters in Athletic Training and the Doctor of Athletic Training programs at ATSU. Alison's extensive research proficiency encompasses Clinical Outcomes Assessment, with a distinct emphasis on leveraging Patient Reported Outcomes Instruments to facilitate informed clinical decision-making. Her scholarly pursuits also span social determinants of health and their impact on individuals leading physically active lives, epidemiology of athletic injuries, and enhancing healthcare quality. Throughout her career, Alison has demonstrated a dedicated commitment to the advancement of the Athletic Training field. Her contributions include holding pivotal roles such as Chair of the NATA Foundation Pronouncements Committee and membership in the NATA Foundation Research Committee. She has also served as a reviewer for the Journal of Athletic Training, Athletic Training and Sports Health Care, and the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. Dr. Valier has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of Athletic Training, earning her the distinction of being named a Fellow of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association in 2022.

Barton E. Anderson, DHSc, AT, ATC
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Barton E. Anderson, DHSc, AT, ATC
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Dr. Anderson is a Tenured Professor in the ATSU Athletic Training programs. He teaches a variety of courses in both the online DAT and MSAT programs, with a focus on developing clinical skills and athletic training clinical education Dr. Anderson also advises doctoral applied research projects in the DAT program. Dr Anderson holds a Level 1 Functional Movement Screen™ certification, and is an accredited Graston Technique™ clinician. He has extensive experience and training in therapeutic exercise prescription, fundamental movement patterns, and manual therapy techniques.

Prior to coming to ATSU, Dr. Anderson worked full-time clinically for 10 years as an athletic trainer in the collegiate, high school, and clinical settings. Dr. Anderson's research interests include the assessment and correction of fundamental movement patterns, the development of clinical reasoning skills and advanced clinical practice, and athletic training clinical education. Dr. Anderson is the Chair of the CAATE Standards Committee, and a member of the CAATE Professional Accreditation Council. He is also a member of the Association for Athletic Training Education (AATE) Research Network, and serves as a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. Dr. Anderson earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training from Missouri State University, his Masters of Science in Sports Health Care from A.T. Still University, and his Doctor of Health Science degree from Nova Southeastern University. He has been recognized as the Arizona School of Health Sciences Educator of the Year (2016), Distinguished Service of the Year (2019), and Scholar of the Year (2021); named a Distinguished Educator by the RMATA in 2019, and received the NATA Service Award in 2018.

Cailee E. Welch Bacon, PhD, ATC, FNATA
Cailee E. Welch Bacon, PhD, ATC, FNATA
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Cailee E. Welch Bacon, PhD, ATC, FNATA is professor in the Department of Athletic Training Programs and a research professor in the Department of Basic Science in the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona at A.T. Still University. Dr. Bacon earned her bachelor of science degree in athletic training from Boston University, followed by a master of science in education degree in athletic training from Old Dominion University. She also earned her doctor of philosophy degree in human movement science with a focus in athletic training curriculum and instruction from Old Dominion University, where she investigated the effectiveness of educational techniques to aid athletic trainers in learning the fundamentals of evidence-based practice. Dr. Bacon completed a post-doctoral research fellowship within the Center for Clinical Outcome Studies at A.T. Still University, which focused on patient-oriented outcomes. Dr. Bacon serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Athletic Training Editorial Board and the Athletic Training Education Journal, and is a contributing scholar for the Association for Athletic Training Education Research Network. Dr. Bacon also serves as the Associate Director for the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network (AT-PBRN), where she primarily oversees the continuing education platform and the cost-free academic electronic medical record (AEMR). Dr. Bacon’s research agenda seeks to understand how the educational outcomes of health professions education programs shape and guide the practice patterns of healthcare professionals. The long term goal of her research is to determine key elements that drive the successful educational outcomes of professional and post-professional athletic training programs to ensure future generations of athletic trainers are able to effectively provide athletic training services to enhance patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. In 2023, Dr. Bacon was named a Fellow of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.

Sue Falsone, PT, MS, SCS, ATC, L-AT, CSCS, COMT, RYT
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Sue Falsone, PT, MS, SCS, ATC, L-AT, CSCS, COMT, RYT
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Sue Falsone, PT, DPT, MS, SCS, ATC, L-AT, CSCS, COMT, RYT, is an associate professor in ATSU-ASHS Athletic Training program. She teaches courses within the athletic training Master of Science degree program and online courses in orthopaedic rehabilitation foundation within the online Doctor of Athletic Training program. She also serves as a clinician scientist within the school’s Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network. Dr. Falsone’s many accomplishments include being the first female head athletic trainer in any of the four major American professional sports leagues, when she was named the head athletic trainer for the LA Dodgers in 2012. She also served as the head of athletic training and sport performance for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team. She is currently serving as the Director of Movement and Return to Performance for the Houston Texans. She is known internationally for her expertise in sport rehabilitation and performance enhancement and bridging between physical therapy and return to sport. An alumna of Daemen College, Dr. Falsone graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a master’s degree in human movement science; is owner and founder of Structure and Function Education, an educational company working to bring the concepts, philosophies and techniques of dry needling to the allied healthcare professional.

Kellie C. Huxel Bliven, PhD, ATC
Kellie C. Huxel Bliven, PhD, ATC
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Kellie C. Huxel Bliven, PhD, ATC is a professor and director of clinical anatomy in the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. She also is a core faculty in the Physical Therapy Department and has an appointment in ATSU’s Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health where she co-teaches musculoskeletal and head & neck anatomy courses. Previously, Dr. Bliven has been a faculty member in ATSU’s Kinesiology (formerly human movement) and Athletic Training programs, as well as the Athletic Training Department at Indiana State University. Dr. Bliven’s current line of research on understanding and improving shoulder function and health addresses four areas: mechanisms of shoulder stability, muscle activation during rehabilitation, adaptations in the throwing shoulder, and health-related quality of life in throwing athletes. In addition to her faculty responsibilities, Dr. Bliven serves as the director of the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory and as the vice chair of the Institutional Review Board at ATSU-Mesa campus. She is the editor of the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation and serves on professional committees such as the BOC Exam Development Committee. Dr. Bliven received her bachelor’s degree in biology and physical education from Denison University in Granville, Ohio; master’s degree in kinesiology from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.; and doctoral degree in kinesiology with an athletic training emphasis from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa.

Dr. Nikki Harris
Dr. Nikki Harris
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Nicolette “Nikki” Harris serves as an Assistant Professor and the Director of Student Recruitment for the Athletic Training Programs at A.T. Still University. An alumnus of the ATSU Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) program, Dr. Harris brings a wealth of clinical experience to this role. Prior to arriving to ATSU, she spent 6 years as the Coordinator for Athletic Training Services for Florida International University (FIU) where she worked to enhance the health care services provided to both FIU students and campus recreation participants. In addition, she served 3 years as the Head Athletic Trainer at Miami Booker T. Washington Senior High school providing care to secondary school athletes during their pursuit of 4 State Championship Titles. 

In addition to her clinical practice, she has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Clinical Preceptor to athletic training students. Nikki actively engages in professional service at all levels, currently sitting as the NATA Career Advancement Committee (CAC) Chair Elect, the BOC Liaison to the Athletic Training Research Agenda Committee (ATRAC) as well as a member of the CAATE Education Committee. Dr. Harris values the effects of research on practice and education and has demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice through her scholarly works. 

Kelsey Picha, PhD, AT
Kelsey Picha, PhD, AT
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Kelsey Picha, PhD, AT, is assistant professor of clinical anatomy in the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Dr. Picha earned her bachelor of athletic training degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, followed by a master of science degree in post-professional athletic training from A.T. Still University (ATSU). She also earned her doctor of philosophy degree in rehabilitation sciences from the University of Kentucky, where she worked as a research assistant in the Sports Medicine Research Institute. During her time at the University of Kentucky, she investigated patient adherence and self-efficacy for home exercise programs. Dr. Picha completed a post-doctoral research fellowship within Research Support at ATSU, which focused on patient-oriented outcomes. Dr. Picha currently serves on the Governmental Affairs Committee through the Arizona Athletic Trainers Association and serves as an editorial board member for the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation. Her research interests are in the areas of the patient adherence to rehabilitation and social determinants of health in athletic healthcare.

Kenneth C. Lam, ScD, ATC
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Kenneth C. Lam, ScD, ATC
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Kenny Lam, ScD, ATC, FNATA is a professor of clinical research within the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences at A.T. Still University (ATSU). He received a bachelor of science in athletic training and a master of education in human movement from Boston University. He also completed his doctor of science degree from Boston University with a focus on movement sciences. Prior to becoming a faculty member at ATSU, Dr. Lam completed a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship within the Center of Clinical Outcomes Studies at ATSU with a focus on patient-oriented outcomes research. His current line of research seeks to understand the overall impact of sport-related lower extremity injuries on patient-oriented outcomes such as health-related quality of life. In addition to his faculty responsibilities, Dr. Lam serves as the director of the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network (AT-PBRN) and as the vice chair of the Institutional Review Board at ATSU - Mesa campus. He also serves as a member of the Research Committee for the NATA Foundation, a member of the Athletic Training Research Committee of the NATA Foundation, and an editorial board member for the Journal of Athletic Training and Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. In 2022, Dr. Lam was named a Fellow of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. Prior to earning his doctorate, Dr. Lam practiced as a certified athletic trainer at Boston University, Rutgers University - New Brunswick, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Tamara C. Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, FNATA
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Tamara C. Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, FNATA
Chair and Director
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Tamara C. Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, FNATA, is the Athletic Training program director, professor of Athletic Training, research professor in the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, and the John P. Wood, DO, endowed chair for Sports Medicine at A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona.

Dr. McLeod completed her doctor of philosophy degree in education with an emphasis in sports medicine from the University of Virginia. She is the founding director of the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network. Her research has focused on the pediatric athlete with respect to sport-related concussion. Her current work is investigating the short- and long-term effects of pediatric sports concussion as well as recovery following concussion on traditional concussion assessments, academics, and health-related quality of life.

Dr. McLeod is also involved with pediatric sports injury education and prevention through the Positive Play Project in conjunction with Mesa Parks and Recreation.

 

Dr. McLeod was a contributing author for the NATA Position Statement on the Management of Sport-Related Concussion, the lead author on the NATA Position Statement on the Prevention of Pediatric Overuse Injuries, and a consultant and contributing author on the Appropriate Medical Coverage for Secondary School-Aged Athletes. Dr. McLeod serves on numerous editorial boards, and publishes frequently in the athletic training and sports medicine journals and is a NATA Fellow.​

Annlee Burch, PT, MPH, EdD
Annlee Burch, PT, MPH, EdD
Dean
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Dr. Ann Lee Burch is the dean of A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS). Dr. Burch received her doctor of education from Columbia University, Teachers College in 2005. She received her masters of public health from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health in 2002 and her masters of physical therapy from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1989. She was a postdoctoral fellow with the Research Group on Health Disparities at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her BA is in psychology from the University of Rochester.

Prior to her appointment as dean, Dr. Burch served as vice dean for ATSU-ASHS. She served as the chair of the Physical Therapy Department from 2008-January 2012. Prior to ATSU, Dr. Burch was the director of physical therapy at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She has held administrative and/or faculty positions at the International Center for the Disabled in NY, NY, Mercy College in NY, and Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY.

Dr. Burch’s area of scholarly interest and application of that interest is in knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy of health care providers and healthcare professional students towards underrepresented patient/client groups.

Dr. Burch is the author of a Guide to Physical Therapy (Vault Publishers) which was written to increase information access about physical therapy to both high school graduates and re-entry adults. She was a co-investigator on an NIH grant at the University of Puerto Rico exploring the feasibility of an exercise program for breast cancer survivors living in San Juan.  Dr. Burch has lived in Symi, Greece, Taipei, Taiwan, Ahmdebad, India and San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is committed to research, teaching and service that further the understanding of the impact of socioeconomic and cultural variables on health.

She was a member of the class of 2014 cohort of Women in Educational Leadership at Harvard Graduate School of Education. In 2017 she was the co-PI on a Centers for Disease Control, Association for Prevention and Teaching grant exploring a population health case study format for teaching and communicating the impact of social determinants of health on health disparities. She was recently appointed a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission.  

Marlene Salas-Provance, PhD, MHA, CCC-SLP
Marlene Salas-Provance, PhD, MHA, CCC-SLP
Vice Dean
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Dr. Salas-Provance, is professor and vice dean of A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS). Dr. Salas-Provance received her doctorate in speech science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She received her masters of health administration from the University of Missouri School of Medicine-Columbia. She holds both a bachelors and masters in Speech Pathology from New Mexico State University.

Prior to her appointment as vice dean, Dr. Salas-Provance served as associate dean of academic and student affairs for the School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston. She served as assistant dean and chair in the College of Education, Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico and department chair in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Montevallo (AL). She held faculty positions at Fontbonne College and St. Louis University, in St. Louis, MO.

She has made extensive professional contributions to the American, Speech, Language & Hearing Association (ASHA), serving on the Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Council, member of the Financial Planning Board, and the Multicultural Issues Board. She served as coordinator of ASHA’s Special Interest Group (SIG) 14, Communication Disorders and Sciences in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse populations and was a founding member and coordinator of SIG 17, Global Issues in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is an ASHA Fellow and received ASHA’s highest awards for “Special Recognition in Multicultural Affairs” and “Outstanding Contributions in International Achievement.”

Dr.Salas-Provance has served as a clinical educator throughout her academic career, especially related to children with cleft lip and palate. She is a member of an international medical team with Rotaplast International and has traveled worldwide for over 15 years to provide clinical services to children with cleft palate. She implemented a program for graduate students in speech pathology to provide clinical services in Spanish to children with cleft palate in Lima, Peru. In addition to Lima, Peru she has provided clinical services in China, Bangladesh, Philippines, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Venezuela.

Dr. Salas-Provance is coauthor of the textbook Culturally Responsive Practices in Speech-Language and Hearing Science (Plural Publishing, 2019) which meets the needs for training students in healthcare professions regarding practice with individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Her research is focused on attitudes towards disability by diverse populations and addressing the use of language interpreters during healthcare and educational encounters.

Over the past ten years she has lectured extensively to international audiences, both in English and Spanish, including as invited speaker for the Congreso Internacional en Trastornos de la Comunicacion at Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (Speech Language Pathology / Audiology) de la Universidad de Talca, Chile and for the Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Peru, Endoscopic Evaluation of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction. She was invited keynote speaker for the First International Congress in Speech-Language Pathology and Orthodontics in the area of cleft lip and palate in Lima, Peru.

Dr. Salas-Provance was selected for the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Leadership Program and attended the National Women’s Leadership Forum in Washington DC (2017) for advancing female executives in higher education.

Kaylynn Schmitt
Kaylynn Schmitt
Administrative Assistant
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Kaylynn Schmitt is the administrative assistant for the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Ms. Schmitt brings over 5 years of administrative and clerical experience to our program. She assists the program director, faculty and administrative manager with the administration responsibilities for both the Doctors in Athletic Training and Masters in Athletic Training programs.

University Catalog

University Catalog Program guide

Read the University Catalog for information about ATSU policies and Master of Science in Athletic Training program specifics.

A.T. Still University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500,
Chicago, IL 60604

Phone: 800.621.7440 | Fax: 312.263.7462
Email: info@hlcommission.org

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