Explore Athletic Training at UIS

Prepare for a dynamic career in sports medicine and athletic healthcare.

The Master of Athletic Training (MATR) Program at the University of Illinois Springfield prepares students to become highly qualified, multi-skilled healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians and other medical experts to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate injuries and medical conditions.

Through a blend of hands-on clinical experience, classroom learning, and interprofessional collaboration, students gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed as certified athletic trainers in a variety of healthcare and sports settings.

Why Choose UIS?

At UIS, you’ll benefit from:

  • Accredited Excellence: The University of Illinois Springfield is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
  • Professional Preparation: Graduates are eligible to sit for the national Board of Certification (BOC) exam and qualify for licensure in most states.
  • Personalized Learning: Small class sizes and direct faculty mentorship create a supportive learning environment.
  • Hands-On Experience: Engage in clinical rotations, simulation labs, and real-world learning opportunities.
  • Career-Ready Skills: Develop technical expertise and professional judgment through practical, evidence-based training.

What You'll Learn

  • Think critically and apply analytical reasoning in clinical settings
  • Demonstrate competence as professional athletic trainers
  • Incorporate evidence-based practices into patient care
  • Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams
  • Collaborate across healthcare disciplines
  • Master injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation techniques
  • Develop expertise in sports medicine and performance enhancement

Take the next step toward your athletic training career.
Gain the knowledge, experience, and confidence to make a difference in the lives of athletes and patients.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be critical and analytical thinkers.
  • Students will be competent clinical athletic trainers.
  • Students will engage in evidence-based practice.
  • Students will effectively communicate in the local and global community.
  • Students will engage in collaborative educational experiences.
  • Master injury prevention, assessment and rehabilitation techniques.
  • Develop expertise in sports medicine and performance enhancement.
  • Apply evidence-based practices in athletic care.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $21,408*
Duration
2 years
Credit Hours
64

Accreditation

Athletic Training, MATR Accreditation

Calendar

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
Rolling

Start Date:
June 1, 2026

Apply Today!

Tuition & Aid

UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.

Tuition Estimates

On-campus $22,784*

*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

Students should be sure to check specific program requirements; there may be an additional application for the program you wish to enter.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Athletic Trainers

Bright Outlook

Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

Median Annual Wage $62,520
Wage Range $48,180 – $88,760
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Athletes and Sports Competitors

Bright Outlook

Compete in athletic events.

Median Annual Wage $66,710
Wage Range $26,500 – $742,310
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Less than high school diploma, Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Coaches and Scouts

Bright Outlook

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and

Median Annual Wage $47,320
Wage Range $28,790 – $98,860
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Speaking
  • Learning Strategies
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree

Sports Medicine Physicians

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.

Median Annual Wage $265,930
Wage Range $69,170 – $452,360
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training

Self-Enrichment Teachers

Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.

Median Annual Wage $46,800
Wage Range $30,050 – $92,840
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Instructing
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Post-secondary certificate, Bachelor’s degree

Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials

Bright Outlook

Officiate at competitive athletic or sporting events. Detect infractions of rules and decide penalties according to established regulations. Includes all sporting officials, referees, and competition

Median Annual Wage $40,710
Wage Range $26,540 – $82,960
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent, Less than high school diploma, Bachelor’s degree
Tassel worth the hassle grad cap

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2026-06-01
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