When I started the Doctor of Athletic Training program, I had already been practicing as an athletic trainer for nearly 20 years in various clinical settings. I was working as a teacher and athletic trainer in a small rural public school, and I wanted to elevate my skills so the patients I served would have better outcomes.

Along the way, I realized how much I enjoyed teaching students and others in the community about the AT profession. I also saw a change in how I cared for patients, which led to improved patient outcomes. The impact of what I learned in the DAT program was immediate, and I knew I wanted to eventually transition into higher education so that I can pass along what I have learned to future athletic trainers. This came to fruition during my last year in the DAT, when I transitioned to a faculty role at the university level.

The DAT program provided me with opportunities to improve my clinical skills and opened the door for my transition to a career in higher education. I am now a program director for a CAATE-accredited program. I truly enjoy educating future athletic trainers and preparing them to provide evidence-based, patient-centered care. When I was looking at different DAT programs, I always came back to what ATSU had to offer. The University is well respected, and the professors are leaders in the field of athletic training. These factors, in addition to the program being 100% online, made it an easy choice for me. I was still able to work full-time to help support my family while receiving a high-quality education.

With the DAT program being online, there may be some people who are worried about communication with peers and professors. The program provides many opportunities for students and professors to engage with each other through different modes of communication throughout the program. This has helped increase my network of resources in the profession. The professors at ATSU have been instrumental in my transition into higher education. After graduation, they have been there to provide guidance and to collaborate on projects that I am passionate about. Completing the DAT at ATSU was the best thing I could have done personally and professionally. It has changed my life and career for the better.