Clinical Experience and Preceptors - Master of Athletic Training - Athletic Training Graduate Programs - School of Health Care Professions

Missouri State team doctors and trainers working on football safety situations.

Build skills for your first job — and every job after

In Missouri State’s Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program, you’ll apply what you learn in the classroom to real patients in a variety of clinical settings.

Site placement

Hands-on right away

You’ll gain experience with Missouri State athletics, local clinical facilities, and external clinical sites all over the countr,y giving you a wide range of opportunities to practice and grow.

An athletic training student massages the leg of another student in the lab.

Mentorship

Guided by experts

At each site, you’ll work directly with patients while being mentored by preceptors and clinical supervisors.

Their feedback will help you strengthen your clinical decision-making, refine your skills, and prepare for the demands of your career.

An athletic training faculty member supervises another student doing arm tests.

Integrated and immersive experiences

Apply your knowledge

In your first year, you’ll complete integrated clinical experiences while taking classes on campus – giving you the chance to apply what you’re learning right away.

Beginning in your second year, you’ll complete three immersive experiences. During these 8-week rotations, you’ll work full time with your preceptor, focusing entirely on patient care without any seated courses on campus.

An athletic training professor supervises a student taping another student's wrist.

What are students saying about the preceptors?

“I really enjoy the freedom we had be in charge of our own learning. Often times, it was my own responsibility to make sure I was learning and applying my skills at the clinical site which allowed me to maximize my learning.”

Tanner Buie ‘23

“My preceptor allowed me the most opportunity to learn and grow in my skillset through providing me with ample amount of space to practice my skills and ask questions. I enjoyed learning how to become a part of the solution in health care, rather than a part of the problem. I like how this preceptor goes against the grain and practices as a clinician with high values.”

Alicia Batten ‘ 24

Where will you gain hands-on experience?

Students in the MAT program complete clinical experiences across a variety of settings.

We partner with Division I, II and III athletics, high schools, rehabilitation clinics, physician practices and professional sports. Below is a partial list of established affiliate sites, we can establish new sites almost anywhere.