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Misericordia University (MU) and King’s College today announced a new articulation agreement that creates a streamlined pathway for students pursuing careers in athletic training, strengthening educational opportunities and workforce development across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The agreement connects Misericordia’s Exercise Science Pre-Athletic Training track with King’s College’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program, offering students a clear and efficient route from undergraduate preparation to professional credentialing. Students may complete three years at Misericordia followed by two years at King’s to earn both degrees in an accelerated five-year pathway or complete a traditional four-year undergraduate degree at MU before transitioning to King’s for a two-year master’s program.

The 3+2 pathway provides a seamless, cost-effective route that allows students to earn both degrees in five years and enter the athletic training profession sooner. The 4+2 pathway preserves the full four-year undergraduate experience at Misericordia, ensuring students maintain NCAA athletic eligibility while preparing for a smooth transition into King’s MSAT program.

The partnership is designed to meet growing demand for qualified athletic training professionals while keeping talented students in the region. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for athletic trainers is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. 

“This agreement reflects Misericordia University’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers in high-demand healthcare fields,” said Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D., president of Misericordia University. “By partnering with King’s College, we are leveraging strengths at both institutions and creating a clear, student-centered pathway that combines rigorous academic preparation with real-world clinical experience, ensuring our graduates are exceptionally well prepared to succeed in athletic training and to serve communities throughout our region.”

“King’s College is proud to partner with Misericordia University to expand access to high-quality athletic training education,” said Rev. Thomas P. Looney, C.S.C., Ph.D., president of King’s College. “This collaboration reflects our shared mission to educate skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals while creating new opportunities for students to advance seamlessly from undergraduate study to graduate-level preparation.”

Through the articulation agreement, qualified Misericordia students will receive preferred admission consideration to King’s College’s graduate program, along with a streamlined application process and enhanced advising collaboration between the two institutions.

Misericordia’s Pre-Athletic Training track provides a strong foundation in exercise science, biomechanics, injury prevention, and clinical reasoning, supported by hands-on learning experiences and advanced laboratory facilities.

The King’s College athletic training graduate program offers 52 weeks of clinical experience in real-world settings such as schools, hospitals, colleges, or professional sports teams. Students also benefit from two state-of-the-art health science buildings, two athletic training labs, two exercise science labs, a gross anatomy lab, an augmented reality simulation lab, and an outpatient lab.

Together, the institutions are building a regional pipeline for allied health professionals that supports local healthcare systems and creates new opportunities for students to pursue careers in sports medicine and rehabilitation.

The King’s College health science programs are housed in the Richard Abbas Alley Center for Health Sciences and the Frank & Carolyn Kowalski Center for Advanced Healthcare Education located in downtown Wilkes-Barre.