NGU To Launch Graduate Degree in Athletic Training
Posted on: October 8, 2026
Greenville, SC–North Greenville University will begin offering a Master of Athletic Training degree in the fall of 2027.
The 64-credit-hour program will combine graduate-level course work with hands-on clinical experience to prepare students to serve as athletic trainers in a variety of settings.
“This program is a natural addition to the T. Walter and Christine M. Brashier College of Health Sciences,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “Our allied health programs are preparing graduates who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and transforming their communities through excellent, compassionate healthcare.”
The need for quality athletic training professionals is continuing to rise, according to NGU Athletic Director Will Lowrey.
“The demands placed on collegiate sports medicine departments have never been greater, and finding enough qualified athletic training professionals continues to be a challenge nationally,” he said. “For an athletic department serving more than 550 student athletes, our Master of Athletic Training program represents an important partnership. These students will provide meaningful support to our sports medicine operation while learning alongside experienced professionals in a real collegiate athletic environment.”
“Athletic trainers are often the first healthcare providers an athlete sees,” added James Anderson, assistant athletic director for sports medicine. “Our Master of Athletic Training program will give students hands-on clinical experience alongside athletic trainers, physical therapists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals, preparing them to serve patients with excellence and care. We’re excited to help teach and train the next generation of athletic trainers here at North Greenville University.”
The program will be housed inside the University Center of Greenville (UCG), located on S. Pleasantburg Drive. UCG’s 10 Member Universities and Greenville Technical College provide access to and attainment of Bachelor Completion, Master, and Doctoral Degrees, as well as Corporate and Continuing Education for the benefit of the citizens and economic community of Greater Greenville and the Upstate of South Carolina. It will be NGU’s first program in this location, pending instructional site approval by The Commission on Colleges and Universities.
“We are delighted to have highly respected North Greenville University join the University Center of Greenville higher education collaborative,” said David A. Taylor, UCG CEO and President. “North Greenville University’s Master of Athletic Training program aligns with and furthers UCG’s overall mission of benefiting South Carolina’s citizens and economic community.”
Lab space for the program will be sponsored by Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, with other key partnerships still to be announced. University leaders noted the commitment by the regional healthcare provider to establish the Bon Secours Saint Francis Health System Athletic Training Laboratory, accelerated the launch of the program.
“We are proud to support North Greenville University as it continues to expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare,” said Matt Caldwell, Market President of Bon Secours – Greenville. “The launch of the Master of Athletic Training program reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of professionals who will help athletes and active individuals stay healthy, recover from injury and perform at their best. We are excited to see this program strengthen the pipeline of sports medicine talent serving our region.”
NGU Provost Dr. Jan Foster said the Master of Athletic Training program will strengthen NGU’s Brashier College of Health Sciences.
“We are very excited to add this new degree and complement our graduate health programs within the Brashier College of Health Sciences,” said Foster. “We have an opportunity to fill this demand and to serve our community by placing certified athletic trainers at so many different levels, from youth sports to middle and high school programs to college, adult, and professional leagues.”
“The success of NGU’s health science programs provides a strong foundation for our new Master of Athletic Training program,” added Dr. Jordan Hairr, Dean of NGU’s Brashier College of Health Sciences. “We are excited to build on that momentum within the T. Walter & Christine M. Brashier College of Health Sciences, preparing athletic trainers who will combine clinical excellence with compassionate care and a commitment to serving others.“
To learn more about the program and the application process, visit go.ngu.edu/athletic-training.
