March 4, 2020
Doing the DAT | Andrea G.
“To be able to dive into the DAT at my age made me feel re-energized and valuable in my career as an AT.”
I obtained my Master’s in 1994 and worked in a clinic setting for a year before taking a job in secondary education. After 20 years, I took an instructor role in the Texas State ATP. During this transition, I realized I wanted to achieve a doctorate and that ATSU’s DAT was for me.
I was somewhat concerned about the financial aspect of the program, however, those considerations held me back early in my career, and I chose not to let it happen again. Honestly, I never thought of the DAT as breaking me into a new path. I was happy with my career as a lecturer. I did it just for me.
To be able to dive into the DAT at my age made me feel re-energized and valuable in my career as an AT. Even though it was in my original plan, when my alma mater opened an assistant professor position, having my DAT allowed me to pursue that position.
ATSU exceeded my expectations by challenging my understanding of clinical skills, research techniques, and communication skills. I had amazing peers in my classes that were great resources. I feel like I can reach out to anyone I may have encountered during my education at ATSU and ask questions without feeling less than.