Established in 2019, Drake University’s Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program within the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS) admitted its sixth class of athletic training professionals this school year. Doubling the average size of cohorts prior, the twelve students in the Class of 2026 mark a significant milestone for the program as it continues to grow.
The Master’s program, accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), has seen steady growth through admission of both internal and external applicants. From the start of the program, a steady influx of students have entered through the 3+2 paths at Drake through the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences or Kinesiology degree programs, but a rising number are coming from different institutions. While most of the external students have come from the Midwest, students from as far away as Arizona and South Carolina have been admitted.
As the young program becomes further established and continues to prove its excellence through successful graduate outcomes, it is expected to keep growing. In fact, athletic training as a career is projected to grow by 23% from now until 2030, which is higher than most occupations. Drake’s MAT program has seen a 100% graduation rate, in addition to a 100% placement rate in positions or advanced degree programs after graduation. Three recent graduates made the top five in the National Athletic Trainers’ Association 2022 Quiz Bowl Competition and one student won a best manuscript award through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Research & Education Foundation. Students have completed a wide range of clinical experiences, and alum have gone on to do great things at their clinical sites or in continuing their education with a Doctor of Athletic Training or a PhD. They meet and work with excellent faculty along the way.
“While our numbers are growing, we have accomplished big things,” said Nathan Newman, MAT Program Director. “We are the Little Engine That Could and we have made it up the first big hill. I’m always energized by what our students do and can’t wait to see what we will accomplish as we move forward.”
Much of the program’s success comes from its strong foundation. Faculty had a vision, and work has been done to make it a reality. Of course, this vision would not have been possible without the first few cohorts who helped build on it. Drake MAT alumni are encouraged to stay involved as the program develops by providing feedback, serving as preceptors for future students, speaking on panels and in classes, gifting Blue Coats, and visiting often.
Currently, A1 students are staying busy with learning foundational skills and beginning their initial clinical experiences. A2 students are out in the field completing their largest immersive experiences. They are spread out at a variety of different sites, from the University of Florida to a clinic in Chicago to Simpson College to local high schools and here at Drake with our athletic teams.
As CPHS faculty celebrate the accomplishments the MAT program has seen in these beginning years, they started their self-study required for the continuing accreditation process for the CAATE and are exploring ways to continue producing positive outcomes while strengthening the program even more for future cohorts. Faculty and students look forward to finding ways to collaborate with others on the Drake University campus for appropriate learning opportunities.
Read more about Drake’s MAT program here.