March 4, 2024
DAT Life Moments | Madison M.
After receiving my master's degree and entering the secondary school setting, I quickly began to acknowledge that I had a thirst and passion for the AT profession that could not be quenched. I felt a desire to grow and sharpen my clinical skills — accepting that I am a lifelong learner was the easy part. The Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) program at A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) met me where I was, at a point in my life where I had a full-time job and a young family.
While completing the DAT, I have been able to apply the knowledge from each course and disrupt the common expectation of athletic trainers in the secondary setting. Learning how to be innovative and apply this advanced practice degree has allowed me to make great strides in the workplace. In two short years I was promoted to the head athletic trainer of my school district. The DAT has given me the tools to apply quality improvement, patient-oriented outcomes, and advanced clinical skills in the workplace.
I intend to continue being a positive deviant by challenging the status quo in my clinical practice. Above all, I will introduce and encourage others to pursue the DAT program at ATSU.