LEBANON, Tenn. - Cumberland University's Masters of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program has achieved significant milestones this spring, solidifying its position as a leading institution in athletic training education. The program's recent accomplishments include securing a site affiliation agreement with the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, and finalizing continued accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation in Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Under the affiliation agreement with the WWE Performance Center, a student from the Cumberland MSAT program will have the opportunity to undergo an immersive clinical rotation with the athletic training staff at the renowned facility. This invaluable experience will allow students to gain clinical skills and exposure to the unique conditions faced by athletes in the WWE.
Dr. Heidi Peters, Assistant Professor of Athletic Training and Coordinator of Clinical Education at Cumberland University, expressed her excitement about the agreement, stating, "We are so excited to finalize this agreement with the staff at the WWE Performance Center! This opportunity will provide our students with unparalleled hands-on experience in the field of athletic training."
In addition to the WWE affiliation, the Cumberland MSAT program has successfully completed the accreditation process with CAATE. Through a rigorous self-study, site visit, and peer review, the program's core faculty made significant strides in quality improvement and compliance with accreditation standards. As a result, Cumberland has been granted an additional 7 years of continuing accreditation, in addition to the initial 3 years. This 10-year cycle marks a significant achievement for the program, as it has previously received only 5 years of accreditation at a time.
Dr. Whitney Graves, MSAT Program Director and Assistant Professor of Athletic Training, expressed her gratitude to the students, preceptors, and stakeholders who contributed to the program's success, stating, "I would like to thank all of our students, preceptors, and stakeholders for their help and support during this accreditation cycle. Without their dedication to quality improvement, we would not have achieved this remarkable 10-year accreditation. Our collective efforts have truly made a difference."
The MSAT Program at Cumberland University has also prioritized continuous quality improvement with a dedicated approach over the past year. By establishing an advisory board consisting of preceptors, alumni, faculty, students, and the medical director, the program has sought feedback from all stakeholders to enhance its educational offerings.
Cumberland University's MSAT Program continues to be one of the five accredited programs in Tennessee and stands out for its accessibility through the 3+2 accelerated master’s program, which participates in the Tennessee Promise Program. As the only university in Tennessee providing Tennessee Promise benefits to its 3+2 students, Cumberland is significantly reducing the financial burden of pursuing a career in athletic training.
For over 182 years, Cumberland University has been advancing its long tradition of excellence to rise, endure, prosper and illuminate the world. Recognized as one of the fastest-growing liberal arts universities in the state of Tennessee, Cumberland continues to evolve to meet the needs of a diverse and expanding community while providing a transformational higher education experience through more than 80 accredited academic programs of study at the Associate, Baccalaureate and Master’s levels.
