UW–Madison’s athletic training program celebrates 25 years of accreditation


For five decades, UW–Madison has graduated top-tier athletic trainers who have gone on to do life-changing work for professional sports teams, leading health care institutions, and the private sector. This year, the program celebrated a quarter century of accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). 

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program, housed in the UW–Madison School of Education’s Department of Kinesiology, provides rigorous and comprehensive preparation for students seeking a career in athletic training. It follows a 24-month curriculum that combines academic coursework with immersive clinical experiences, allowing students the opportunity to gain experience alongside top-tier athletic trainers and health care professionals across the country. The program has more than 80 clinical sites to choose from.

According to Patrick Hills-Meyer, MSAT program director, that rich clinical experience is one of the program’s several points of distinction.

A young woman helps a patient wearing a leg brace
Students in the athletic training program at UW–Madison gain experience working in a variety of clinical settings. Photo by Sarah Maughan

“Students can gain hands-on clinical skills with a range of active people across the lifespan — from those exercising for health and fitness to athletes competing at the highest levels of intercollegiate and professional sports,” says Hills-Meyer. “This integration of classroom learning and real-world application ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the dynamic challenges of a health care profession.”

Hills-Meyer says the program’s 25 year anniversary of accreditation is a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. 

“This milestone reflects our faculty’s dedication, our students’ hard work, and our community stakeholders’ trust,” he says. “It underscores our role in shaping the future of athletic training and reaffirms our mission to provide top-tier education and clinical experiences. We are proud of our legacy and excited for our graduates’ continued impact in the field.”

Hills-Meyer notes the UW–Madison athletic training program existed for 25 years before its CAATE accreditation, preparing students for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam through an internship program. 

“For 50 years, the program has provided students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in athletic training,” he says. 

Program alumni currently work for teams and organizations including the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Select Medical, Washington Wizards, and UW Health Sports Medicine.

In addition to its immersive clinical placements, the MSAT program’s distinctions include commitments to integrating evidence into practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering inclusive and culturally proficient care, and maintaining strong faculty expertise

Hills-Meyer says the program stands ready for another quarter century of excellence and leadership in the field.

“As the program commemorates this significant milestone, it continues to build upon its rich history, striving for innovation and excellence in preparing the next generation of athletic trainers,” he says. 

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