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William Paterson University has launched an accelerated program that results in students graduating with a bachelor of science degree in sport medicine in three years, which is the only such bachelor’s degree program in both the State of New Jersey and the surrounding region. Then, those students can go on to complete an accredited master of science degree in athletic training in two years. As such, graduates of the “3+2” program will leave the University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years total.
A “3+2” degree program in two, complimentary fields—sport medicine and athletic training—is beneficial to students’ overall education and professional preparation, creating very knowledgeable, well-rounded athletic training professionals, according to Professor Jaclyn Morrissette, who is director of the program.
Students have the option to complete the sport medicine degree without continuing onto athletic training. The sport medicine degree’s industry-focused, hand-on curriculum prepares students to work professionally in the field with sports teams or in hospitals, clinics, fitness centers, and doctors’ offices. The degree also serves as great preparation for students who want to pursue post-graduate studies in occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, and related allied healthcare fields.
To complete the sports medicine degree in three years, students must take courses over the summer. However, the three-year track is not mandatory, and students may choose a more conventional four-year option.
Only those with a 3.0 grade point average or higher in the sport medicine degree, or students who have graduated with a bachelor’s in a related field that meet all of the admissions requirements, are permitted to enroll in the masters-level degree program in athletic training.
William Paterson University has offered a highly regarded undergraduate program in athletic training for close to 50 years, and is now adapting that program into the “3+2” master’s-level curriculum due to updated policy from the Athletic Training Strategic Alliance that requires a master’s degree to practice as a certified athletic trainer going forward.
William Paterson’s sports medicine and athletic training faculty are highly regarded in the industry. Among their experience is professional work with the NFL and in emergency services; volunteer medical positions with the Olympics, Paralympics, and Special Olympics; authoring international journal articles, industry manuals and classroom textbooks; certifications in massage therapy, strength and conditioning, and more.
The University’s longstanding athletic training program has official agreements for internships with the New York Giants pro-football team and New York City Football Club (NYCFC) pro-soccer team. Several WP athletic training graduates have gone on to work as Certified Athletic Trainers with professional sports teams, minor league organizations, college/university athletic departments, and in non-traditional athletic training settings.
To apply to William Paterson University, click here.
For more information about the sports medicine/athletic training program, email Professor Jaclyn Morrissette: MorrissetteJ1@wpunj.edu
11/15/22
