School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training
John Quindry, Chair
Vision
Health and Human Performance Professionals
Creating a Healthy, Progressive Global Community
Mission
The School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training prepares graduates to be competitive entry-level professionals or candidates for advanced study in applied and clinical health professions. The faculty, staff, and students of the School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training engage in professional education, scholarly activity, and meaningful public service. The School emphasizes the integration of healthy lifestyles, basic science, preventative medicine, and clinical care across the lifespan.
The School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training (IPAT) will:
Provide high-quality education and experiential learning opportunities in order to foster professional competence in students and recent graduates.
Foster an environment of interprofessional learning and cooperation for future professionals in healthcare.
Contribute cutting-edge basic and applied research and scholarly activity in the field.
Invest in faculty and staff development to ensure students are optimally prepared for an evolving professional workplace.
Cultivate community relationships to serve students’ needs, while providing outreach and service to our discipline, community, and university.
Student Learning Goals include
Identify the historical underpinnings of the fields of integrative physiology and athletic training, and understand how they influence modern practices in these fields.
Explain complex principles in the student’s area of specialization using effective dissemination techniques, including oral and written communication skills.
Practice collaboration with peers and colleagues in the student’s chosen area of specialization.
Utilize evidence-based practices in professional settings or applications.
Display a basic level of competence requisite for their chosen field of study or advanced study.
Provide service related to the student’s area of specialization to the community.
Undergraduate students major in Integrative Physiology and choose from one of the following concentrations:
Exercise Science Applied
Exercise Science Pre-Professional
Sports Medicine
Pre-Athletic Training
The Applied concentration is designed to prepare students for jobs as strength and conditioning coaches, athletic coaches, personal trainers, elderly services providers, corporate wellness personnel and directors, fitness center directors and other fitness related jobs or graduate studies in Exercise Science. Successful graduates of this track should possess the knowledge and skills to qualify for the American College of Sport Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist certification and/or National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
The Pre-Professional concentration is for students planning to continue on in higher education and is designed to provide students with an in-depth science background and prepares students for post-baccalaureate study in exercise physiology and related health sciences such as medical school, physical therapy, physician's assistant, athletic training, occupational therapy or other medical programs. Elective combinations can be tailored to career interests so that students can complete the required pre-requisite courses for graduate health science degrees. Successful graduates of this option should possess the knowledge and skills to qualify for the American College of Sports Medicine Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification (requires additional clinical hours).
The Sports Medicine concentration is for students planning to continue on in higher education in athletic training, exercise science or other health related professions. Successful graduates of this option will possess an understanding of exercise and fitness and their relationship to human physiology, as well as the skills to prevent, evaluate and treat sports injuries.
The Pre-Athletic Training concentration is designed for students interested in applying for the Master's in Athletic Training Program (see information below).
The Master's in Athletic Training Program prepares competent entry-level athletic trainers for employment in educational and clinical settings or post-graduate study. The Athletic Training curriculum is designed to help students develop competency in evidence based medicine, prevention and health promotion, clinical examination and diagnosis, acute care of injury and illness, therapeutic interventions, psychosocial strategies and referral, healthcare administration and professional development and responsibility. Successful graduates should possess the knowledge and skills to qualify for the Board of Certification Examination.
Activity Classes
The School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training also provides a large activity program (ACT classes numbered 100-299, and ACTV 189 ) which includes instruction in a wide variety of individual, team, recreational, and fitness activities. Goals of this program include helping students:
Develop and maintain long-term health-related fitness,
Develop motor performance skills that facilitate regular and continuous participation in physical activity, and
Develop the adult "inner athlete" who continually strives to reach optimal potential through involvement in challenging endeavors.
Any University of Montana student may elect to apply up to four credits toward a baccalaureate degree. For descriptions of the activity classes offered, refer to the website.
Special Degree Requirements
Refer to graduation requirements in the catalog. See index.
All Integrative Physiology majors must earn a minimum grade of a C- in all required courses, including prerequisites, except for special cases of higher requirements in Athletic Training noted below. In-department and out-of-department courses specifically listed in this catalog as requirements for Integrative Physiology majors must be taken for a traditional letter grade.
Admission Policies for the Masters in Athletic Training Degree Program
Athletic Training Program (ATP)
The University of Montana-Missoula offers an accelerated entry-level Masters in Athletic Training program housed within the Health and Human Performance Department. The program meets the standards established by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The Master's in AT Program was granted CAATE accreditation in 2015. The ATP is a demanding curriculum which requires dedication and commitment. Upon completion there are a variety of professional career opportunities.
The University of Montana offers an accelerated Masters in Athletic Training Program. This program allows students to take three years of pre-requisite courses and general education requirements, followed by 2 years full time in a Masters in Athletic Training program, including summers. There are two ways in which a student may attain a Masters Degree in Athletic Training:
Option 1: A five-year program in which students earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Human Performance and a Masters Degree in Athletic Training. (Note: Both the Bachelors degree and Masters degree will be officially awarded at the time of graduation.)
Option 2: A two-year master s program designed for students who already have a baccalaureate degree.
Upon completion of the Masters in Athletic Training Program, students will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) Exam
Following are the requirements for application, admission, and retention of the Athletic Training Program (ATP). Academic advisors are available to assist students with this interesting and challenging professional program.
Admission. Students who desire admission into the Masters in Athletic Training Program must submit a formal application. This application must be submitted by the deadline (February 1st) prior to your proposed admission into the professional program. If the application deadline falls on a weekend, applications may be submitted the next business day by 5:00 PM. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling admissions basis if available slots exist.
A review board consisting of the Athletic Training Program Director, Clinical Director, Preceptors, professional students and possibly other professionals, will evaluate each student applying for admission to the professional program. Formal notification of admission to the Masters program will be made in writing.
Candidates who are NOT admitted to the program will also receive written notification of this decision. Students may be selected as alternates and if a vacancy should become available prior to summer semester, these students will be informed. Not all qualified candidates may be admitted to the Masters program due to limited enrollment in clinical experiences.
For more information on applying to the professional program, please go to the website.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINING PROGRAM (ATP)
Students must apply and be accepted to the University of Montana's Graduate School.
Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all college coursework (a GPA below 3.0 may be considered)
Completed pre-requisite courses (students may be enrolled in pre-requisite courses at time of application)
Official transcript(s) of all college coursework
Professional ATP
As a student in the Athletic Training Program at the University of Montana, students must meet the following retention standards:
Enroll as a full-time student (unless approved by Program Director)
Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
Achieve no less than a "C" grades in graduate courses
Achieve satisfactory evaluations in each Clinical Phase before progressing
Successfully complete coursework in the sequence indicated by the program of study unless approved by Athletic Training Program Director
Abide by the Code of Ethics of the University and those established by the National Athletic Trainers' Association
For further information on clinical education requirements, please visit the athletic training website.
Additional Costs Associated with ATP Program
There will be additional costs (above tuition and fees) for the clinical rotations.
Program fee: there is an additional fee of $925/semester in addition to regular tuition of fees. This fee will help cover the cost of lab equipment, accreditation costs, adjunct teaching, and software.
Other costs may include, but are not limited to:
Criminal Background Check ($55)
Vaccinations ($50)
Initial NATA Membership Fee (approximately $60),
Transportation is needed for all off-campus clinical sites. Each student will have a minimum of one off-campus site.
General Integrative Physiology Program Requirements
First Aid and CPR Exit Certifications
All Integrative Physiology majors are required to have the appropriate certification in Basic Life Support at graduation.
Academic credit for ECP 120 will not be awarded for certifications earned at off-campus approved agencies other than the School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training at the University of Montana.
Upper-division Writing Expectation
The School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training offers two upper-division writing courses to fulfill the General Education writing requirements; KIN 447 and AHAT 342/AHAT 343.
The typical student may take more than four years to complete these requirements, especially in the Health Enhancement concentration.