Mar 3, 2025Reasons to choose UNK’s Master of Athletic Training program
Did you know March is National Athletic Training Month? It’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the professionals who keep athletes performing at their best, and the programs that train them.
At the University of Nebraska at Kearney, the Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program is a top choice for students looking to become certified athletic trainers. But what makes it stand out? We’ve broken down the top seven reasons students choose UNK’s MAT program.
1. Hands-On Learning from Day One
UNK’s MAT program isn’t about just sitting in a classroom—it’s about learning by doing. From their very first semester, students work directly with UNK athletes, local high schools, clinics, and hospitals.
“Throughout the program, students get the chance to have a considerable amount of hands-on experience with athletes of all ages,” said Britney Brosius, who completed the MAT 3+2 program in 2024.
2. Earn Your Degree on Your Timeline
UNK offers two pathways to earning a master’s degree in athletic training: traditional and accelerated.
The traditional route is a two-year graduate program, perfect for those who have already completed or are near completion of a bachelor’s degree. For current UNK freshmen or sophomores, the 3+2 accelerated program allows Exercise Science majors to earn both their bachelor’s degree and MAT degree in just five years. This means students can enter the workforce sooner, save on tuition, and seamlessly transition into their careers.
3. Customizable Clinical Experiences
Whether students are interested in college sports, high school athletics, orthopedic clinics, or even combat sports, UNK tailors their clinical placements to match career goals.
“My big-time goal, Lord willing, is to make a change in combat sports to include athletic training because being in a combat sport myself, I think it’s something that’s really needed,” Cassandra McDonald, 3+2 MAT 2024 grad, said.
4. State-of-the-Art Training Facilities
UNK’s athletic training facilities feature cutting-edge sports medicine technology, including a 3D motion capture system and a fully functioning clinic for university students, staff, faculty, and student-athletes. These resources equip students with the same tools they’ll use in the field.
This is a portion of a press release issued by UNK. To read the full press release, click here.
