Eastern Illinois University students considering a career in athletic training just got a clearer path to achieving just that… Eastern Illinois University in Charleston and Millikin University in Decatur have announced a new “Direct Admit” Partnership that gives qualified Eastern graduates a direct line into Millikin’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program.
The agreement guarantees placement for at least three qualified EIU students each academic cycle, as long as they meet the program’s admission requirements. It also comes with a waived application fee. This newly announced partnership starts up in the Fall 2027 academic year. To be eligible, Eastern Illinois University students need to maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA and submit proof of 25 observation hours with a certified athletic trainer. You’d also need to show you hold a current Emergency Cardiac Care Certification.
Millikin’s program offers two routes for admission: Early Entry and Post-Baccalaureate. This should give interested students some additional flexibility in how they approach the next step.
Mark Kattenbraker, EIU’s Department of Kinesiology/Sport/Recreation Chair, said the agreement is about helping students look ahead, beyond college even. “This partnership creates an exciting opportunity for Eastern Illinois University students to build on their undergraduate education and take the next step toward a career in Athletic Training,” Kattenbraker said. He added that the plan benefits students and their professional futures, while also strengthening the relationship between both Eastern Illinois and Millikin University.
Joel Blanco, Director of Millikin’s School of Exercise Science & Sport, said the collaboration shows a shared commitment to student success and to meeting the demand for healthcare professionals across Central Illinois. He pointed to Eastern’s reputation for preparing students who are ready for graduate-level work, and said Millikin’s program pairs coursework and “immersive” clinical experiences with its ‘Performance Learning Model,’ which has students actually do the work of their future careers from day one. “We look forward to welcoming EIU students and to a long and productive relationship between our two institutions,” Blanco said.
For students weighing the opportunity, both programs’ credibility matters. You have to feel confident in where your degree will take you… well, Millikin’s Master of Science in Athletic Training Program is accredited by the ‘Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education,’ which confirms it meets national academic and clinical standards. Graduates are immediately eligible to then sit for the Board of Certification exam, the final hurdle to working as a certified athletic trainer.
Want to learn more about the Millikin and Eastern Illinois University partnership? Visit www.millikin.edu/msat-eiu, or start an application directly at www.millikin.edu/apply.
The deadline to apply for the newly announced Direct Admit program is May 31st, 2027.
