Celebrating Current and Future Athletic Trainers

Thursday, Mar 17, 2022

National Athletic Training Month, Providing Health Care Everywhere

“Athletic trainers are highly qualified health care professionals, and at UTA our athletic training students receive an exceptional education,” said Laura Kunkel, director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training program at The University of Texas at Arlington. “This year’s National Athletic Training month theme is the embodiment of our program – as our alumni are truly providing health care everywhere across the state of Texas, the country, and around the world.”

The program has a lot to be proud of – they are setting the standard for athletic training in the state of Texas. It boasts a 95 percent first time pass rate on the field’s Board of Certification exam, and graduates have a 100 percent employment rate within six months of graduation.

“We are excited to honor National Athletic Training month, as we recognize our faculty who have years of experience in this field, and to celebrate our soon-to-be athletic trainers that are in our program,” said Kunkel. “Our faculty are incredibly passionate about our students and their success. Knowing that our graduates will go out into the profession well-equipped and ready to tackle any challenge ahead in this field is the most rewarding part of our job.”

Not only do the alumni go on to work across the state and country, students also have an opportunity to experience health care across a wide range of settings. With over 40 clinical education sites, there is an incredible variety for students.

“My experience in this program has been great. I’m challenged to think beyond my own expectations, and really immerse myself clinically,” said CJ Talley, a first-year student in the program. “I have gained not only experience as a clinician, but friends and mentors that constantly promote growth of Athletic Training, being a professional, and personally. Every day I am pushed in the direction that gives me the confidence that I will be successful in this profession”.

UTA has offered an athletic training program for over 20 years. Eight years ago, the program transitioned to a two-year professional master’s degree focused on injury prevention, assessment and diagnosis, and acute care and therapeutic interventions for managing musculoskeletal injuries and common medical conditions. With nationally recognized faculty, highly experienced preceptors, a multitude of clinical rotation options, and outstanding sports medicine facilities, this program is for students aspiring to be an outstanding athletic trainer.