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.