Advancing my athletic training skills with the Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) program has been an excellent decision for my education and my career. As a student, there are many different pathways to explore, and choosing the one that fits your goals can be challenging. Which course is right for me, what are my goals, and how do I figure out what move is the best for me? These were all questions that went through my mind when considering my post-master's direction.

These internal questions were quickly quieted after a conversation with ATSU faculty on what the DAT program could do for me and, in turn, what I could do for the AT profession by continuing my education.

My favorite part of ATSU’s DAT program is that, in the best way, it is nothing like any of my previous educational experiences. I am, quite literally, in control of what I learn and how my pathway looks. Each twist and turn reflects where I am on my own AT journey and where I want to be in the future.

However, although I am in the driver's seat, the DAT faculty are very persistent back-seat drivers! They are welcoming, encouraging, and supportive experts in their field who truly want what is best for their students. ATSU faculty foster environments that push limits, answer big questions, and drive discussions that ultimately move each student forward to progress our profession. Additionally, everything I have learned and have been exposed to so far in my journey, I have been able to turn around and directly apply it to my work setting. What better way to learn than real-life application in my own setting? This is just one more valuable component of the DAT that has solidified my decision to be a part of the program.

The Winter Institute portion of the curriculum is another great example of the power of collaboration and the impact we can have to disrupt and develop ourselves as clinicians, educators, and administrators. I went into this program thinking I would have some more opportunities to step into other areas of our profession, such as academia and education, when I am finished. Now that I have been fully immersed in this program, my next question is: Why stop there?