The University of Illinois Springfield’s master’s degree in athletic training has earned accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). CAATE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as the only national accreditor for athletic trainers.

The Master of Athletic Training Program, which started at UIS in summer 2019, was granted five years of initial accreditation as a professional program, which means UIS athletic training graduates will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification examination.

“In order for a student to become a nationally certified athletic trainer they must pass the Board of Certification exam,” said Celest Weuve, UIS associate professor and director of the Master of Athletic Training Program. “Only graduates from a CAATE accredited program are eligible to sit for the exam, so attaining CAATE accreditation is mandatory for all institutions wanting to have an athletic training degree program.”

In July 2020, the Master of Athletic Training Program submitted a self-study outlining UIS’ compliance with the 94 CAATE accreditation standards. A virtual site visit was completed in March 2021, which was followed by a vote by the commission granting accreditation. The next required comprehensive CAATE accreditation review for the program will be conducted during the 2025-2026 academic year.

“I’m feeling joy, relief and anticipation of the future,” Weuve said. “I feel pride and appreciation for the hard work of Master of Athletic Training Program faculty, students and our community partners in obtaining this accreditation.”

The Master of Athletic Training Program is still accepting applications for classes that start on July 1. Prospective students are encouraged to apply at uis.edu/apply.

For more information, contact Celest Weuve at 217-206-8414 or cweuv2@uis.edu.