Central Penn and Slippery Rock partner on “3+2” Athletic Training Master’s Degree agreement
Central Penn College (CPC) and Slippery Rock University (SRU) recently entered into an innovative “3+2” agreement that enables health science students at CPC to earn a Master of Science in Athletic Training at SRU in five years, instead of six.
“This is great news for our current and future health science students who want to become athletic trainers,” said Dr. Krista Wolfe, vice president of academic affairs and provost at Central Penn. “This agreement allows motivated students to save both time and money, while entering the workforce sooner.”
Growing Field, Greater Expertise
Athletic training is a growing field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, athletic trainer jobs are expected to increase 16% through 2029.
“The only route to becoming an athletic trainer now is the graduate route,” said Bonnie Siple, associate professor of exercise and rehabilitative sciences, who is the clinical coordinator of SRU’s athletic training program. “There are several reasons for this change, but the main reason is that as the athletic trainer’s scope of practice continues to evolve, so our level of education must do the same.”
Accelerated Path
“This agreement with SRU is perfect for Central Penn’s high achievers who are laser-focused on graduating early and entering the workforce as soon as possible,” said Wolfe, who earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from SRU in 1999 and a doctoral degree in physical therapy in 2002.
“As an alumna of SRU, I am proud to connect students at Central Penn College––where I currently teach––to my alma mater, the institution that nurtured and shaped me as a health care professional and educator,” said Wolfe, who currently serves on the Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy.
To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Central Pen College, go here. For more information about the Master of Science in Athletic Training degree at SRU, visit the program’s webpage.
