BUCKHANNON, West Virginia— West Virginia Wesleyan College is launching a BobcAT Early Assurance Program, a new pathway designed for highly motivated high school students seeking to earn a Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree.

Dr. Meleesa Wohleber, Director of the Master of Athletic Training Professional Program, said, “We are excited to open an early assurance pathway for high school students interested in pursuing an athletic training career. We hope that by providing access to an accelerated degree program, these future graduates can step right into the sports medicine workforce in their home communities and our region.” 

WVWC celebrated 40 years of athletic training at WVWC this fall, and this program builds on that legacy, giving the next generation of athletic trainers another opportunity. 

Students accepted into the program will be guaranteed in the MAT cohort, pending successful completion of all undergraduate academic requirements and prerequisites. In addition, high school students who complete the West Virginia Department of Education Career Technical Education (CTE) program in Sports Medicine may earn college credit toward WVWC’s Exercise Science undergraduate degree, helping them accelerate their progress toward both degrees.

The WVWC MAT Program is committed to expanding access to high-quality athletic training education while addressing the statewide and regional need for certified and licensed athletic trainers. Students in the BobcAT Early Assurance Program will have the opportunity to earn two degrees—a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Athletic Training—in just five years.

More information on the program can be found here. Priority deadline is Jan. 15, 2026 with rolling admission considered until June 30. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.