SLU AT Student Sees a Person-Centered Approach Modeled at University City HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - University City High School

By: Claire Love (MAT Class of 2024)

For my first clinical rotation this fall I have been at University City High School with my Preceptor Ashley Jenkins, CES, LAT, ATC. University City High school is a mid-sized high school nestled in between Clayton and Ladue.  My preceptor, athletic director, coaches and athletes have all welcomed me with open arms creating such an incredible learning environment.

Fall sports are in full swing and we see our athletic training room full of athletes day in and day out. While things have been busy, every day I feel like I am able to build trusting and caring relationships with the athletes, which has largely been modeled by my preceptor Ashley. Most days I help tape athletes and assist in applying different modalities to athletes so that they can get out to games or practices. I also spend a great deal of time walking athletes through their specific rehabilitation programs making sure they are using proper form to maximize the benefits of rehab. As we are learning more in class and I get more comfortable I also have started taking history of patients and getting the initial parts of the evaluation process started.

Everyday I feel like my skills and knowledge are being put to the test and I am learning and growing every single day. I am looking forward to the rest of the semester and all the ways I will continue to grow.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Students Value Autonomy and Support Provided by Preceptor with Billiken Athletics

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University Athletics 

By: Olivia Mani and Muharem Komic (MAT Class of 2023)

We are with preceptor Ben Heimos ATC at Saint Louis University with Men's Soccer and Baseball. We have really been honing our skills that we already know with Ben and have been learning more with our conversations with him. One thing that we both enjoy working with Ben is the amount of autonomy we have. We get to be on our own while Ben is there in case we need anything, but it is very nice that he lets us go on our own and helps us when we ask him to. Other than that we are in control of treatment for the athletes unless something specific needs to be done from Ben. 

Our hands-on experience has grown exponentially with working with athletes every day doing some type of soft tissue work, manual assistance, or just rehabilitation exercises that are needed. One big take is taping, everyday we are taping ankles and wrists. Some athletes require specific taping jobs due to certain injuries and being able to do them is a learning curve, but we are handling everything really well.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Appreciates the Opportunity to Build Rehabilitation Skills with Billiken Athletics

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University Athletics 

By: Mary Margaret Cannatella (MAT Class of 2023)

This year I am at SLU with my preceptor and SLU alum Gwyn Brown MAT, ATC, the athletic trainer for Volleyball, Softball, and Track. With the start of volleyball season, I have gotten a lot of hands-on experience and although I have only been there for a short time Gwyn has already taught me so much and I have really enjoyed my time. With volleyball I have gotten great exposure with both upper and lower extremity. I have gotten the chance to work on my rehab skills and come up with different appropriate exercises for athletes and their injuries.

It has given me great experience with practicing sports specific rehabs in the later phases of recovery. I also have gotten to learn and use injury and load management and look forward to using this as the season progresses. I have gotten the chance to apply the skills I’ve learned in class and use them hands on. I look forward to the rest of the volleyball season and all I have to learn this semester with Gwyn.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Appreciates Preceptor's Impact on Clinical Learning at Edwardsville HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Edwardsville High School

By: Carlton McDonald-Jordan (MAT Class of 2024)

 

My time at Edwardsville High School thus far has been a spectacular experience. From learning and acquiring knowledge useful for propelling me as an athletic trainer to establishing new relations with different types of people involved in the AT environment, I would not change anything about my experience thus far. From the first day I arrived on EHS campus, my preceptor Katie Hamilton ATC made it her mission to ensure I felt welcomed and comfortable learning beside her. Those involved with EHS Football (players, coaches, etc.) also did a wonderful job of making me feel a part of their big family. I can honestly say that my perception of what it is like to work in the high school environment has done a complete 180 which is more-so because of my experience at EHS.

Initially, I was doing more observing at my site than hands-on. I watched the way Katie liked to do things and accompanied that with the way in which I was taught to do things to sort of get the best of both worlds. Katie told me there was no rush and that I could jump into the swing of things whenever I felt comfortable. I started out with a bunch of ankle and wrist taping, filling ice bags, and other such things that I learned over the summer. I seemingly progressed to walking athletes through exercises that worked on ROM, palpating and assessing injuries, and even evaluating. I would say that in these short five weeks, I have seen major improvement and have even received similar praise from the athletes and Katie. I have rounded out my expertise, being able to touch on multiple aspects of different areas. One area that I am still weak on and hoping to improve is assessing and evaluating upper extremity injuries/complications. This is something that hopefully Katie and I will continue to work on as the semester goes on.

Katie also taught me the importance of professionalism in the workplace. I was able to observe her interactions with student-athletes, coaches, and parents and saw how an athletic trainer is to appropriately conduct themselves in each situation. Communication and honesty are the staples of any relationship, but is readily apparent among AT’s, athletes, coaches, parents, and every member involved in this health care team. I think working in a high school setting presents unique communication challenges. In some cases, I’ve observed situations in which the parent(s) impede the ability for their kids to receive proper care. This obviously brings a huge obstacle into the process of providing the best care possible. I’ve learned that understanding each athlete and situation are unique and treating it that way, as well as establishing relationships with parents, goes a long way.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student's Knowledge and Skills Evolve with Clinical Experience at Lutheran North HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Lutheran North High School

By: Lauren Smith (MAT Class of 2024)

My clinical experience so far at Lutheran North High School has been a whirlwind. There have been great days but also many hectic days, as to be expected. Within my first month at North, there were a couple of emergency situations. We are trained for these kinds of things, but it is different when you are finally thrown into that situation. Although these emergency events are unfortunate, they have allowed me to use the knowledge and skills that I have learned for them. They are also beneficial to look back on and assess what was done well and what could be done better for next time. 

In addition, I have learned how to evolve my skills according to what works best for me and my athletes/patients. I have also realized how important it is to build trust with the athletes, as well as the coaching staff. A part of building this trust can come with explaining why we take certain actions for certain injuries. 

Lastly, it has been nice to learn new skills from my preceptor SSM Health Sports Medicine and SLU alum Morgan Jasperson MAT, ATC. He is such a huge help and is always there to answer questions too. I am looking forward to many more learning experiences while at North. 

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Students Experience a Welcoming and Supportive Learning Environment at Pattonville HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Pattonville High School

By: Emily Haley (MAT Class of 2023) Marissa Uecker (MAT Class of 2024)

Pattonville High School has been and continues to be an incredible hands-on learning experience. It is a very active and engaging clinical site and the student athletes love having SLU AT students around. Our preceptor, SLU alum Alex Hubbs MAT, ATC, provides guidance to expand basic skills of athletic training and develop new ones as well as allows us the autonomy to do anything we feel comfortable with from rehab and treatment programs to on-field evals. Alex’s teaching style always pushes us out of our comfort zones, and this allows for a ton of growth in our confidence and skills. 

Pattonville is a busy and engaging site that offers so many opportunities to see many different and unique injuries. It is always a welcoming and fun environment which makes it a great place to learn and prepare to become a certified athletic trainer. 

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Students Inducted into National Allied Health Honor Society

The Saint Louis University chapter of Alpha Eta, the National Scholastic Honor Society for Allied Health Professions, held its annual induction ceremony in the Multipurpose Room of the Allied Health Building at Saint Louis University on November 1, 2022.

The Society is named for the Greek letters equivalent to the first letters of Allied Health (AH), which are Alpha Eta.  The purpose of the Society is the promotion and recognition of significant scholarship, leadership, and contributions to the allied health professions.

The following SLU AT students were honored in this year's ceremony:

• Emily Haley - Mundelein, Illinois (MAT Class of 2023)
• Grace Golembiewski - Columbus, Ohio (MAT Class of 2024)
• Claire Love - Oak Park, Illinois (MAT Class of 2024)
• Julia Martinez - Chicago, Illinois (MAT Class of 2024)
• Marissa Uecker - Franklin, Indiana (MAT Class of 2024)

Photo gallery from the event

SLU AT Students Apply Knowledge and Skills in Team Approach with SLU Billikens Men's Basketball

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University Athletics 
By: Stacie Galo and Eldwin Neritani (MAT Class of 2023)

During our clinical experience SLU Men’s Basketball, we have been fortunate to learn from our preceptor Jonathan Burch ATC and the rest of the athletic training staff. On top of the athletic training staff at SLU, we have had the opportunity to talk to and interact with the rest of the sports medicine staff as well, including team physician Dr. Kaar. We have been able to apply the knowledge and skills we have learned over the last year from our previous clinical rotations and classes to help the athletes however we can. Being able to be a part of this staff and to work with these high-level athletes has been a great experience that has been a great step into us learning how to manage ourselves as we grow in the profession.

The time we have spent so far applying our knowledge and seeing how thing are done here has been very worthwhile. Even though it is still early in the season, we have already been tasked with providing treatment to the athletes. Utilizing the variety of modalities SLU has to offer, we have a good opportunity to be creative in our treatment plans and experience everything there is to offer in the athletic training room. Being part of this high-level environment has also been quite the learning experience, as we both have learned more about the dynamics and relationships between medical staff, coaches, and players. Having the chance to work with this team has given us a great hands-on experience that has been valuable in our growth as athletic training students, and soon to be certified athletic trainers. One of the biggest changes we have experienced as PY2s at SLU is the larger number of responsibilities we have. This includes keeping records and logging all injuries and treatments of the players, as well as having more freedom and input in what we think would be a good choice of action for treatment and rehabilitation.

As the season progresses, we have enjoyed the experience of preparing for the start of the official season. Being able to learn from the athletic training staff and learn their approaches and practices has been great to help us tailor how we want to approach things as well. This has been a great experience so far and will only get more exciting as the season truly begins.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Values Learning from Multiple Preceptors at Lutheran HS South

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Lutheran High School South

By: Lauren Swords (MAT Class of 2023)

This semester my clinical rotation has been at Lutheran South with SSM Health Sports Medicine Athletic Trainers Cara Bowton ATC (SLU alum) and Laura Shellaberger ATC. It has been super fun and unique to get to learn from two preceptors. I am mostly working with football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, and softball. It’s been nice to be back in the high school setting after almost a year.

So far I have been practicing my skills in rehab and evaluation. We have had some significant acute and chronic injuries, so I am excited to be seeing a spectrum. For our rehab, I am getting to work closely with athletes as they strengthen their bodies each day. I am getting to see return to play in these athletes as well so its great to witness the full circle. 

I very much appreciate how hands-on I’ve been this semester and look forward to gaining more experience and confidence as the year continues.  

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

Athletic Therapy Student from Ireland Appreciates Opportunity to Learn with Elite-Level Soccer at Saint Louis University

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University Athletics 

By: Tiernan Collins (TUS-Ireland Athletic Therapy Student)

This fall I made the journey from the west of Ireland to Saint Louis University for my clinical experience. After being kindly welcomed by Dr. Breitbach and Dr. Howell, who helped tremendously in coordinating my exchange from Ireland, I was introduced to my clinical supervisor/preceptor Angie Bradley ATC. Angie is currently the athletic trainer for the SLU women’s soccer team. She kindly took me on as her student for the semester after I had expressed my interest in getting involved with the soccer program.

From day one it has been everything I hoped for and more. Even within these first month I have seen what it is like to work with and be part of such an elite level program. Coming from a soccer background and with aspirations to one day pursue a career in a soccer organization, the experience I am gaining from my clinical site is phenomenal. In my short time here, I have already dealt with such a variety of injuries, from a simple turf burn, all the way to post-op hip arthroscopy, and many in between. Each week I have multiple opportunities to practice my rehab skills and improve my knowledge on all the different treatment modalities. I have also seen how training loads and other daily activities can be monitored each week and utilized in an injury prevention scheme which thought was particularly interesting.

The experience so far has given me an insight into life as an athletic trainer in an extremely professional environment. It is providing me the opportunity to deal with situations that could only be seen in the field on practice. I am excited to see what the remainder of the semester has to offer and to continue to grow my abilities as an athletic trainer.  

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Builds Clinical Skills and Professional Development with Washington University Athletics

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Washington University Athletics

By: Mason Remeis (MAT Class of 2023)

This semester I have returned to Washington University in St. Louis primarily primarily with football responsibilities, but it looks much different than it did a year ago.  The Head Athletic Trainer from last season took a new position at a new university and we are currently in a transition, so there is currently not an athletic trainer on staff who is solely in charge of the football team.  On top of that, there is only one other student who is working with the team for the time being.  That being said, we have been able to make things work.  There are two ATs on staff that both help out the football team during practices, games, and treatments.  It was interesting to see how the players reacted to having to work with new ATs.  It seems like the players were able to get comfortable and gain an overall trust pretty quickly.  As for me personally, since I was there working with them last year, I already had a relationship with most of the players so the transition back was very easy.  I do find it beneficial though to get to work with the other ATs more now and see how they tend to treat certain injuries or how they run things.  

The typical day consists of coming in for treatments, setting up the field for practice or game, taping, being out on the field during the practice or game, and ending with post-practice treatments.  Now that I am in my second year in the graduate school program, and also due to there not being one designated AT for the football team, my overall responsibilities have increased.  I have continued to set up and assist with different modalities that I have already had a lot of experience with, but have also gotten to work with some other modalities that I haven’t necessarily worked with as much.  The most common treatments include e-stim, Game-Ready, and Graston.  I have gotten to work with the underwater treadmill, and set up other e-stim variants like Biowave or Marc Pro. I also have been able to evaluate injuries and then create rehab plans for the athletes.  

I have consistently seen my responsibilities increase each semester of clinicals up to this point.  A lot of it has to do with me being further down the line in school and experience, but also I have done a good job of gaining the trust from my preceptor and the players to where I am able to be fully hands on and be in control when an injury occurs or when an athlete comes into the training room.  I continue to learn more about what I need to work on and I have also seen growth in my overall skills.  This experience has been very beneficial so far and I expect that the semester will just continue to improve as the season moves forward.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Students Thrive in an Exciting Learning Environment at John Burroughs School

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - John Burroughs School

By: Giovanna Charles (MAT Class of 2023) and Grace Golembiewski, Brandon Pavon and Karsen Kohl (MAT Class of 2024)

John Burroughs School, JBS, has been an exciting experience for all of us. We enjoy

learning from our preceptor, Dean Tiffany, ATC, as well as other Certified Athletic Trainers that

come every once in a while to help when we get busy. With the different levels of knowledge and

years in Athletic Training, we all bring something very different yet special to the table. This

prestigious high school brings a lot of unique experiences while also more common experiences.

Those experiences include a dislocated elbow, an UCL injury, ACL and MCL instability injuries,

concussions as well as the more common ankle sprains, Osgood Schlatter and a couple of bloody

wounds from the turf.

Upon our arrival at JBS, we got right in the midst of things covering football's preseason

practices. We quickly went over helmet and shoulder pad removal as well as stabilizing the C

spine, how to evaluate the ankle and knee in addition to being taught the “correct” way to tape an

ankle by our preceptor. We have also been covering the other fall sports such as Cheerleading,

Cross Country, Field Hockey, Boy’s Soccer, Volleyball, Swim, Golf, and Tennis.

We get the opportunity to evaluate athletes as well as tape those that need it. Not only did we

learn a new way to tape ankles, we were also taught by our preceptor how to tape the achilles,

shin splints, turf toe, arch taping for plantar fasciitis, along with learning how to make an ankle

cast with elastikon. JBS is also fortunate enough to have a handful of modalities we get to use

everyday. Once the after school rush ends, we help in the rehab aspect for the athletes and

provide on-field and/or court assistance to the team’s games.

The experience has been exciting since our arrival, and it's only going to get even better

throughout the rest of the semester from here. Everyday is new and has brought new experiences

to all of us to remember that we will be able to carry along with us for the future. As our time at

JBS continues to grow, we have gotten more comfortable and involved which has allowed more

athletes, their coaches and Dean to understand our role. We enjoy the countless opportunities and

hours spent at JBS and cannot wait to see how much we continue to grow throughout the

process.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Makes the Most of Opportunities to Learn at Fontbonne University

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Fontbonne University

By: Nia Callion (MAT Class of 2024)

When I first arrived at Fontbonne University, the traffic seemed slow, which could be due to it being so

early in the season and no one was feeling too nicked and bruised or if it was going to be a slower paced clinical site. I tried to make it work in my favor by taking advantage of the ‘free time’ by doing things like reading and learning the emergency action plans thoroughly so that I would have a good understanding of my role in the athletic training room. I also took that time to become familiar with how to use a lot of equipment in the athletic training so that when athletes did come in I was prepared to assist my preceptor in the best way possible.

After the first week or so things did start to pick up and I began learning a lot more from my preceptors Samantha Hochmuth ATC and Clay Thebeau ATC; so much so that it felt like an advanced course. I have seen an Athlete who came into their season with a partially torn ACL rehab and worked to play in their season before getting surgery in the winter. I have also seen and been learning about trigger point releases and manual massages on athletes who are experiencing muscle tension and or pain. I was expecting to be doing a lot more taping and working on my taping skills, but I haven't really done too much taping outside of game days when the athletes would like their wrist wrapped or ankles taped before games. I’m happy that the pace has picked up a bit and that I am getting more hands on opportunities in the athletic training room.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Enjoys the Opportunity to Build Clinical Skills in New Context at Maryville University

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Maryville University Athletics

By: Jordan Hyink (MAT Class of 2023)

During my clinical experience this semester at Maryville University, I have had the pleasure of learning from preceptor Austin DeBoer ATC. Austin works mainly with women’s soccer, men’s wrestling, and swim/dive during the course of the school year. However, I also get to experience many of the other 15 men’s and women’s sports that Maryville has while spending time in the athletic training room during the day. I have been exposed to the ins and outs of working at the NCAA D2 college level and I have gotten an in-depth look at what a future in college sports could look like. 

My clinical experience with women’s soccer has been a wonderful time. The team, coaches, and other ATs have made me feel very welcomed and include me in all team activities helping me build professional relationships with all parties. I have been able to learn new taping/bracing techniques, IASTM techniques, and quick emergency care on the field. Austin has been wonderful at explaining all the different rules of soccer and what that means for treating different types of injuries (on-field vs on the side-lines). It has been a very good educational experience thus far and I am excited for all the future experiences that I will have the opportunity to observe/participate in while at Maryville and working with Austin.  

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Appreciates Preceptor's Role in his Professional Development with Billiken Athletics

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University Athletics 

By: Alexander Smith (MAT Class of 2023)

Getting a chance to learn alongside my preceptor Elena Melillo, ATC, has been nothing but excitement. I have gotten the chance to be a part of multiple sports so far just from Elena being helpful for others in the athletic training room. These opportunities have helped me understand how each sport’s treatments can differ based on the needs. From this, I have had to adapt based on the sport’s needs, whether it be cross country runners, basketball players, or soccer players and how they can perform well. I have gotten the opportunity to learn from Elena. She has always given me the opportunity to assess patients, instruct them on the next steps, monitor rehab exercises, and provide treatment when appropriate. 

Days always include early arrival to the athletic training room for any athletes that have appointments. Then, I wait for which team needs treatment or pre-practice tapes. From there, we make our way to practice and watch practice. After practice, I head back to the athletic training room and wait for any post-practice treatment if the athletes need any. It is a simple day when under my clinical experience with Elena. 

During my new experience, it has brought many changes. Adapting to each new sport has brought new challenges but also new opportunities. Each new coach and athlete that I work with has welcomed me and my services. Even when the women’s basketball team has a new coach, she welcomes me and includes me in everything. And with Elena, she allows me to work at my pace as well as instruct me in what to do. This opportunity has been exciting and is allowing me to grow into a future athletic trainer. 

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Comes Full Circle Through Clinical Experience by Returning to his Alma Mater at Alton HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Alton High School

By: Alex Davis (SLU MAT Class of 2023)

This year, my clinical experience is at Alton High School with preceptor Andy Renner, LAT, ATC.  This has been a great experience for me because I am again working with another AT in the Southwestern Conference in Illinois.  This conference has some great AT's working in it, and I am very blessed to have worked with some of them and at least met most of them.  It’s also a little weird because I graduated from Alton HS back in 2017.  Some things have changed, and some things haven’t.  This past year, they have built a new AT training room for Andy which is great because we are able to see more athletes at one time due to the increase in size from his previous athletic training room.  They have also built a new auxiliary gym which also means multiple games are now happening that need to be covered.  This is keeping us quite busy almost every day.  

The focus this year at clinicals is to learn more about the administration side of the job while also getting in as much practice and developing my own style.  Administration is a class we are taking right now so there are topics we have not covered yet in the class that I think learning about in clinicals will make it easier to learn and talk about in the future.  Last fall, I was able to work with two ATs and we also had a AT student from McKendree University.  However, it's nice this semester with it just being Andy so that I can get as much hands-on experience that I can get that I haven’t been able to get at my other clinical sites due to the number of ATs or AT students.

Andy is a great preceptor, and I am happy to be back at Alton High School.  I am looking forward to a great rest of the school year and I hope sometime in the future that he gets another SLU student to teach.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Program Welcomes Back Dr. Nathan Jarman as Teaching Faculty

The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program is excited to welcome back Dr. Nathan Jarman as an instructor in our program.  He is here as a part of a collaboration between SSM Health Sports Medicine and the Doisy College of Health Sciences.  He will be course coordinator for MAT 5100 - Kinesiology in the Fall and MAT 5500 - Rehabilitation in Athletics Training I in the spring and will collaborate with other courses as well as continuing education activities.

Nathan is a native Missourian from Holden.  He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Athletic Training from the University of Central Missouri.  He then obtained his Master’s Degree in Athletic Training from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.  Nathan has 14 years of clinical practice experience, predominately in the high school setting, but has also worked in the collegiate setting.  He is an active member of the NATA and the Missouri Brain Injury Association and has presented post-professional courses in anatomy, concussion, hip pathology and lumbo-pelvic dysfunction.  Nathan completed his PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.  His research concentration is concussion, posturography and musculoskeletal conditions.  His wife, Severyn, is a SLU alumnus and Physician Assistant in orthopedics.

SLU AT Student Experiences Rich Learning Environment in Industrial Setting at the Kennedy Space Center

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - RehabWorks/NASA, Kennedy Space Center

By: Muharem Komic (MAT Class of 2023)

This summer I have had a great opportunity to gain clinical experience with RehabWorks at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida. I was fortunate enough to be working with Mary Kirkland ATC and Nicole Yacobino ATC everyday at the clinic. They are great preceptors and share their knowledge of the profession extremely well. They have shown me and taught me so much, allowing me to gain knowledge in assessment, documentation, rehab, and modalities. I was not the only student here, there were two other students from other universities here as well. One of them left before I began, but it was nice to work with other students who have had similar experiences to the ones that SLU offers. We shared our experiences and learned from each other and being able to do that was great.

It has been an interesting adjustment going from rehabbing young high school and collegiate athletes, to rehabbing older industrial athletes. Understanding doctor referrals and protocols and implementing them into the patient's treatment plan, especially if the patient is post operative. Along with being able to apply my own knowledge from past experiences and be able to implement them. A typical day consists of preparing for a patient's care or for a new patient. After treatments we make sure that everything is clean and ready for the next patient.

My days consisted of observing and performing assessments and treatments. I have also been documenting every single day and have been improving that skill profoundly. Something that I have observed and learned is a new modality called the cold laser. The laser has no thermal effects and can be stimulatory, promoting healing effects, or inhibitory, reducing pain. Being exposed to patients with limited mobility was new and learning new exercises to assist them has been educational.

Being able to work with this staff and these patients has given me a great experience that has allowed me to grow in the profession as an Athletic Training Student. Every day feels different and I did not know what to expect coming in and now my expectations have been passed then I could imagine. My favorite thing so far is witnessing patient progression and them being happy. This has been a great experience so far and I am looking forward to what the rest of the rotation will bring.

Students in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program have an immersive field experience in the summer between their two professional years in the program. This blog post details a student's reflection on their experience.

SLU AT Student Develops Skills in Patient Care Collaborating with Preceptor/Alum at Bluetail Medical Group

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Bluetail Medical Group

By: Stacie Galo (MAT Class of 2023)

This summer I had the wonderful opportunity to gain experience at Bluetail Medical group! I had previously completed a general medical rotation during the spring semester there, and knew I wanted to go back to gain more insight into what it was like working in an orthopedic office as an Athletic Trainer. My preceptor, Brianna (LaBarbera) Diab MAT, ATC, was a SLU grad so it was great to be able to connect with her. She works with Dr. Christopher Wolf DO who specializes in concussion assessment as well as evaluating workers compensation patients. Bluetail is known for their non-operative treatments, with Dr. Wolf performing musculoskeletal manipulations as well as performing PRP and stem cell regenerative treatments. 

To name a few, Bri’s role was to perform initial evaluations, do follow up interviews, and assist with treatments such as preparing the equipment and performing some of the injections to assist Dr. Wolf. She was very eager to show me her role in the office and walk me through her responsibilities.

Initially I was mainly observing these treatments, and going in with Bri to do initial evaluations or follow ups, but when I gained the confidence to do it myself, I was the one who would room patients, do their initial intake, perform any evaluations I deemed necessary, and then report my findings back to the doctor before we both went back in to do the final assessments and treatment plans for the patients. Dr. Wolf utilized ultrasound to assist with the PRP treatments, as well as to confirm or explore possible musculoskeletal diagnosis. 

Although my time at Bluetail was short, I really enjoyed my experience. I felt my biggest improvements this summer were gaining more confidence with patient interactions as well as my initial evaluation skills, I also gained a lot more insight in concussion and TBI assessment and treatment. I am excited to translate these into my future practice as a PY2 and in the future as an Athletic Trainer!

Students in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program have an immersive field experience in the summer between their two professional years in the program. This blog post details a student's reflection on their experience.

SLU AT Program Announces New Scholarships and Grants for Graduate-Entry Students

Welcome! Bienvenidos! Bienvenue! 

Now located in one of the greatest sports and medical cities in the United States, the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program is welcoming new graduate students in St. Louis, Missouri. New scholarships are available. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) since 2010, 

SLU is among the most established Athletic Training programs in the world and preparing U.S. and international health professionals. You will join numerous Saint Louis University Athletic Training alumni in the world today – carrying forward a mission of interprofessional excellence and service to others to improve the health of individuals and communities.

At SLU, you can count on your wellness and academic achievement being supported by faculty and staff. Since we started, our program has an overall 100% pass rate the Board of Certification (BOC) Examination. You can also benefit from the University’s recent investments in student well-being, such as recreational programs, mental health supports, and more. 

You will be part of an academic medical center community. The medical center campus includes top-rated schools – School of Medicine, School of Nursing, College for Public Health and Social Justice, and Doisy College of Health Sciences (Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, where the SLU AT Program resides). You will be mentored by physicians, athletic trainers, and other health professionals through clinical experience, classes, research projects and voluntary service learning. While you practice new skills, you will be supporting the athletic training needs of professional athletes, college programs, high schools, and community events across the region. 

The SLU Athletic Training Program is committed to placing students with sites and preceptors who love teaching and offering students hands-on experience. Click here to learn more about Saint Louis University and your opportunities as a student in the Master of Athletic Training Program: http://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/graduate/athletic-training-mat.php

Scholarship Support and Tuition

You will be joining a University and College that will invest in you – literally. All graduate students starting in 2023 are eligible for up to $12,000 in scholarship awards 

• $10,000 Sports Medicine Scholarship 
• $2,000 Magis Community Service Grant
• Other scholarship awards may be available from the University as well 
• All admitted students are considered for research assistantships and teaching assistantships. 

The total tuition for the 2-year Master of Athletic Training program is fixed at $55,000. With full scholarship support, your net cost is $43,000 (or an average of $21,500 per year) or less. The program is eligible for federal student loan support and our Office of Student Financial Services will guide you through loan options. With fixed package pricing at Saint Louis University, there is no cost increase in your second year. 

Admission Requirements 

• Most successful applicants have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 or better on a 4.00 scale. 
• Completion of prerequisite college coursework.
• GRE scores are not required 

Applicants that do not meet the regular requirements, but who demonstrate the potential for success in the program and field may still be admitted on a case-by-case basis. 

Admission Deadlines

• Priority deadline: January 1st Second deadline: April 1st 
• The program begins in May 2023. 
• The number of students selected each year is limited. 

Prerequisite Coursework 

• One semester biology with lab 
• One semester chemistry with lab 
• One semester physics with lab 
• Two semesters anatomy and physiology or equivalent 
• Exercise physiology
• General psychology 
• Statistics 
• Medical terminology

SLU offers admission to applicants who still need to finish prerequisite courses. These situations are handled on a case-by-case basis 

Contact the SLU AT Program 

• E-mail: sluptat@health.slu.edu  
• Phone: 314-977-8561 FAX: 314-977-6988 
• Website: http://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/graduate/athletic-training-mat.php  
• Blog: http://sluathletictraining.com  
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SLUAthleticTraining 
• Twitter: @SLU_AT 
• Instagram: @sluathletictraining

Apply through AT-CAS

SLU AT Student Values Opportunity to Reconnect with Preceptor at Edwardsville High School

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Edwardsville High School

By: Alex Davis (MAT Class of 2023)

For my summer field experience, I am back at Edwardsville High School with preceptor Katie Hamilton ATC. This clinical experience is a little different than when I was with her in the fall, but in some ways, it is still the same. I have been getting there at around 6:30 every morning to help with 7am football practice which happens Monday through Friday. But besides getting up very early in the morning, it is great to be there working with the athletes and Katie again. 

I have been taking on more evaluations and taping I can take just for more practice. I have even started to learn about the administrative side of being an athletic trainer. While it is not as fun as doing some of the other things, it is still an important side to learn about the job. 

This was a great experience for me because I was able to display how my skills have grown while still learning from Katie. I will continue at Edwardsville High School for the rest of July and then I will be moving on to my fall clinical placement. Overall this time around, I am more confident in my abilities and Katie has even noticed it as well. 

I am happy to be here and excited about working on my craft with Katie once again!

Students in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program have an immersive field experience in the summer between their two professional years in the program. This blog post details a student's reflection on their experience.