MSAT Student Testimonials

What lead you to pursue a degree in Athletic Training?

Junior year of high school 2011-2012, I was injured during a scrimmage. It just so happened, the athletic trainer treating me was a King's College graduate. I thought my football career was over. He told me to trust him and I trusted him with my injury. He helped me to overcome my injury. His professionalism inspired me to want to help other athletes be the best they could be and to perform to the best of their ability in a sport that they love as much as I love.

How have you used your degree to reach your career goals?

If we look at my track record I have been very fortunate throughout with the connections I made at King's College, straight out of college to work for a NFL team and to come back and work at King's. I have been able to use my clinical skills and best medical practice to continue to build on the foundation that King's has provided me. On top of promoting the King's Athletic Program, my resume speaks volumes to what King's has instilled in me not only as an athletic trainer but as a person.

What did you enjoy the most about your King’s AT program?

When I first stepped on campus, Dr. Janik saw me to have potential to be more than just "a trainer." He saw someone who wanted to be a great athletic trainer and who loved the profession and wanted to continue to grow the profession. Ultimately, he challenged me to be the best student athletic trainer I could be. Whether it was being critical of my work or my clinical skills, he always pushed me past my potential. I am grateful for the challenge throughout the entire program and Dr. Janik's motivation and "kick in the butt."

What advice would you give a student considering the King’s College Athletic Training program?

APPLY...to this program! I humbly believe this is one of the best programs in the United States and conducive to learning what athletic training is and becoming an athletic trainer. When you look at the program at King's you will see an entire staff of professors and educators who love the profession of athletic training and are excited to develop the next generation of athletic trainers. They are challenging you in all the right ways; and at the same time, loving and caring as much as your own family would be of your decisions.

Is there one particular experience as a King’s College student that you would like to share with others?

During the senior football banquet, I was able to share with my classmates that I was going to complete my athletic training internship with the Kansas City Chiefs. The entire banquet hall exploded with excitement for me and provided me with a standing ovation. This was such a humbling experience. I am thankful to all the professors at King's, Without their guidance, this opportunity may have never been. Its a moment in time that is unforgettable and I will cherish forever.

Is there anything you would like to see changed or improved about the program?

I love the program as is!

Please add any additional comments about your experience at King’s College.

Over the four years of being an athletic training student and student athlete, I learned just how much King's cares about their students and the family support system they provide. I remember having a conversation with Dr. Janik, we spoke about my childhood, the trials and tribulations I experienced growing up in a single parent home without a father figure to navigate me through the waters of becoming a good man. At the end of those four years, getting ready to walk across the stage I remember embracing Dr. Janik with tears of gratitude knowing without him it wouldn't have been possible to achieve my degree and accomplish what I have accomplished in such a short period of time. The King's College Athletic Training Program has the ability to touch the lives of students entering the program the same way it has for me and countless others.

What lead you to pursue a degree in Athletic Training?

Growing up playing sports I knew coming out of high school I wanted to be in a position to help people and be around sports. I chose to pursue athletic training because the classes are interesting and [because of] the responsibility that comes with the position. I knew a degree in athletic training would open career opportunities that fit my interests.

How have you used your degree to reach your career goals?

My degree in Athletic Training has prepared me well to reach goals of earning my master's degree and becoming an athletic trainer at the Division 1 college level. The degree I earned from King's has and will continue to open doors for me to pursue higher career goals in a growing field.

What did you enjoy the most about your King’s AT program?

I enjoyed the hands-on learning experience that came with the classes and clinical rotations. In athletic training hands on skills are very important. Preceptors and professors do a great job demonstrating and teaching in that aspect.

What advice would you give a student considering the King’s College Athletic Training program?

For a student considering the King's College Athletic Training Program I would tell them they're making a good choice. It is a challenge, but it's worth it in the long run. The program prepares you well for the future.

Is there one particular experience as a King’s College student that you would like to share with others?

During my time at King's College I was a student athlete on the football team. Being able to see and experience things as an athlete and athletic trainer (student) during that time helped my learning experience overall. Observing from an athlete and clinician point of view was something that I think helped alot of other students as well as myself.

Is there anything you would like to see changed or improved about the program?

No, it is the best AT program in the country.

What lead you to pursue a degree in Athletic Training?

After I sustained a knee injury in high school, I had the opportunity to work with my high school athletic trainer. I had no idea what his job was or what it entailed. Originally, I wanted to become a physical therapist simply for the fact that I knew I wanted to help those recovering from injury. When I found out what an athletic trainer did, I immediately switched and knew that is what I wanted to be in the future. They were kind, compassionate, empathetic, hard-working individuals who helped athletes get back to play and recover from their injuries. This was the perfect combination for me, as I loved athletics and I also wanted to practice in the medical field.

How have you used your degree to reach your career goals?

The outstanding educational background I received from King's has provided countless opportunities to further my career in the field of athletic training. King's allowed me to further my education and career goals by attending West Virginia University, where I served as a Graduate Assistant for the Football team as well as the Rowing team. After I graduated from WVU, I worked for Pivot Physical Therapy for two years while getting valuable experience at the high school level. Now, I work at Stevenson University with their Women's Soccer, Women's Ice Hockey, and Beach Volleyball teams. Without my strong foundation I received from King's College, none of this would be possible.

What did you enjoy the most about your King’s AT program?

The professors in this program are OUTSTANDING. The education is only one part of this program. When you are in this program at King's, you become a part of a much bigger family. Not only your classmates and current professors, but the alumni as well. Being in a program where your teachers are teaching in the classroom setting as well as the practical setting was very important to me. After learning something new in the classroom, my preceptors would allow me to get the hands on experience and practice in the clinical setting that same day. The staff here is nothing but supportive and will help their students in any way possible.

What advice would you give a student considering the King’s College Athletic Training program?

King's College is an amazing program that I guarantee will set you up for success in the future. This program is one of the best in the country, and your time at King's would be nothing short of amazing. Every single staff member will do whatever they can to help you succeed and become the best athletic trainer you can be.

Is there one particular experience as a King’s College student that you would like to share with others?

Graduation day was such an amazing experience at King's College. Seeing all of your professors lined up and giving you hugs/handshakes as you went to receive your diploma was surreal. The emotions you see from your professors, who have worked so hard with you over the last four years, was something you will never forget. You understand how much time and effort they have sacrificed for you, so that you can be an amazing athletic trainer, and seeing them proud/happy makes you feel so accomplished.

Is there anything you would like to see changed or improved about the program?

This program is doing everything possible to remain one of the top programs in the state of Pennsylvania. I would recommend getting the younger students more involved with observation hours. It helps the student realize what they are getting into if they are assigned to a team (even if it is for a short period of time.) While at WVU, I realized that the students benefited from being assigned to a team while in their first two years of the program. 

What lead you to pursue a degree in Athletic Training?

High school did not have an athletic trainer and as an athlete watching other students get hurt and not having someone there to treat their injuries was concerning. No rehab, no daily treatment, and schools were not equipped for athletic injuries at that time. [An] anatomy and physiology teacher guided him that athletic training could be a career option because of strength in science curriculum/courses. This was an exciting realization. 

How have you used your degree to reach your career goals?

Aside from passing boards, gaining employment, being able to love what I do everyday, taking someone who has had a physical, emotional day and taking the student through the steps of rehabilitation so they can return to their sport at full level of function is most rewarding.

What did you enjoy the most about your King’s AT program?

Class sizes are great because you become family. You take classes in the morning together and clinicals in the afternoon for most days for 3 years. Close relationships and we are still friends years later. We still bounce ideas off each other. Professors are invested in your success. They don't make it easy for you but they help you and they are personally invested in your success. When class sizes are small, someone is watching and making sure you are doing you best.

What advice would you give a student considering the King’s College Athletic Training program?

You are going to make some friends that you will have for life at King's College. You will be better prepared than most others coming out of other programs, better equipped for the job market.

Is there one particular experience as a King’s College student that you would like to share with others?

I still remember everyone of my classmates and its 15 years since graduation. My professors have now become my colleagues in the athletic training field. Mutual respect is always present and continuous support is still available for all fellow alumni. I am proud to be a graduate of King's College.

Is there anything you would like to see changed or improved about the program?

Having seen other programs, I cannot think of anything King's doesn't do or anywhere that does it better!

What lead you to pursue a degree in Athletic Training?

Throughout my life, I always had an interest in medicine and the healthcare field. Initially, I planned to attend college and earn a degree in Biology with a future career to be determined. To be quite honest, I did not know athletic training was a profession until attending an open house at King's College. I sat in on an information session and immediately decided it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Since then, I've never questioned this choice and have loved every minute of it. Athletic training combined all of my interests in one: healthcare, helping others, sports and competition, and the opportunity teach and mentor others. I found athletic training to be my true passion and I am forever thankful for finding a career that I love so much.

How have you used your degree to reach your career goals?

My athletic training degree has created more opportunities for me than I ever could have imagined. After graduating from King's in 2016, I attended the University of Connecticut to pursue my MS in Kinesiology. While finishing my degree at UConn, I also enrolled in King's Healthcare Administration graduate program. I completed my MS UConn in the May 2018, followed by my MS from King's in December 2018. I consider myself a lifelong learner and my athletic training degree from King's helped to foster my interest in professional growth and advancing my education further. Currently, I am in the 3rd year of my PhD in Kinesiology at UConn and will be finishing my degree in May of 2022. During this time I have also earned graduate certificates in College Instruction, Public Health, and Healthcare Innovation. All of this would not have been possible without earning my degree from King's. My BS in athletic training provided the foundational knowledge and experience I needed to not only pursue further education, but also the confidence and skills to start practicing clinically as an athletic trainer. My experience at King's very much impacted my end career goals to work clinically as an athletic trainer, to teach athletic training students, to service in an administrative capacity, and to involve myself in professional service. My degree laid the foundation to accomplish all of these things and set me on the right path to achieve all of my goals.

What did you enjoy the most about your King’s AT program?

My experience at King's and in the athletic training program was nothing short of an amazing experience. I cannot praise the school and program enough for the experience I was provided while completing my degree. What I enjoyed most about the athletic training program was the care and compassion provided by my professors. My professors were always encouraging, took the time to get to know you as a person, and were always there for support. I still stay in touch with my professors at King's and I know that they are always just a phone call, text, or email away. It was reassuring to have professors who truly wanted to see their students succeed and put student education at the forefront. My professors all served as role models and leaders within the athletic training profession. Their service and commitment to the athletic training profession and their students provided an invaluable experience for which I will be forever grateful.

What advice would you give a student considering the King’s College Athletic Training program?

I have one simple piece of advice to give to any student considering the King's College Athletic Training Program: join the program, I promise you will not regret it. The experience at King's is unlike any other. The quality of the education, hands-on learning experiences, professional service and development opportunities, and volunteer opportunities within the community will provide you with the tools and skills you need to be successful. The King's College Athletic Training Program offers a learning environment that is focused on student growth and development that is key to a successful career. At King's and in the Athletic Training Program, you are not just a number. You are part of a community in which the highest priority is your success and the opportunity to achieve your goals.

Is there one particular experience as a King’s College student that you would like to share with others?

As a King's College student, the connections and relationships I formed with my professors were a key component to my experience while at King's and beyond. I can say with certainty that I would not have achieved the success I have without the support of my professors. Without them, I would not be where I am today. My professors instilled in me a desire to achieve my goals, to immerse myself in the profession of athletic training, and to give back to the field through professional service. I always know that I can still reach out to my professors whenever I need and that they will always be there to lend support, provide advice, and offer a listening ear.

Please add any additional comments about your experience at King’s College.

I have always said that King's College is a special place and will continue to do so throughout the rest of my life. King's affords opportunities to students that they cannot receive elsewhere. King's cares about the student on an individual level and strives for student success. 

What lead you to pursue a degree in Athletic Training?

I was always an athlete, enjoyed sports, and knew I wanted to get into a profession that involved helping people. King's confirmed for me during my visit this was for me. It was different in that I did not come from a family of athletes or health care professionals, but within my first couple of months at King's, they confirmed I had a supportive family on campus.

How have you used your degree to reach your career goals?

For everything! King's allowed me to pursue a master's degree in science and sports physiology from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. I was awarded a graduate assistantship, which included full tuition coverage. Without King's that would not have been possible.

What did you enjoy the most about your King’s AT program?

The most enjoyable is the connections that were formed. We had our instructors in the classroom, didactic setting and then the clinical setting, creating good connections showing us how things learned in the classroom were applicable to the clinical setting. This truly showed us as students that our professors were "practicing what they preach." They showed us what they were teaching in the classroom they utilized outside the classroom with their patients.

What advice would you give a student considering the King’s College Athletic Training program?

If you think Athletic Training is for you, don't think twice about King's College. They give you the absolute recipe for success in the Athletic Training Profession. There could not be a more supportive group of faculty and clinical instructors than is offered at King's College.

Is there one particular experience as a King’s College student that you would like to share with others?

We had 9 students that graduated with our class. We had such a close class experience. Such a personal experience! I showed up one day to clinical not in the greatest shape on a Saturday morning with professor Janik. That day was probably the greatest day for me in learning my lesson and being accountable for everything I do. He wanted us to succeed. It was a kick in the butt, a kick that I needed, and a kick that has taken me to where I am today.

Is there anything you would like to see changed or improved about the program?

No, I would say that all of Athletic Training and all Allied Professions need to diversify more and the question lingers on how do we do this in all Allied Health Professions.

Please add any additional comments about your experience at King’s College.

I believe the slogan King's has: "You learn values of a lifetime." You may chuckle at it but I believe its true. I still have the relationships I built at King's to this day. We stay in contact with the instructors and they are here to help you to succeed even after graduation. We now work side-by-side now for a profession we are all passionate about. Things again have come full circle for me as I introduce my students to my King's professors at conferences, etc.

What lead you to pursue a degree in Athletic Training?

I took two classes in high school, Athletic Health Care I & II. An elective, believed to be an easy A and all our athletics took this course. The athletic trainer teaching the course made it fun. I had a lot of fun with it, enjoyed the class, and began to look at athletic training as a career.

How have you used your degree to reach your career goals?

I have worked as as athletic trainer since I graduated from King's. What I am doing is exactly what my degree is and what I enjoy doing.

What did you enjoy the most about your King’s AT program?

The sense of family that we had. The AT Program is a smaller program and it's designed that way. It allows us that one-on-one time with professors, athletes, and classmates. Our graduating class was about eleven and we still keep in touch.

What advice would you give a student considering the King’s College Athletic Training program?

Have fun and do what you can to get involved with the clubs on and off campus. Get involved at the local level in the profession early. Use the resources you have. The professors are involved at state, local, and regional levels and organizations. Professors are a wealth of knowledge that students should be pulling information from as much as they can.

Is there one particular experience as a King’s College student that you would like to share with others?

We had the opportunity to attend a few conferences, regional conferences. We would go as a group. Some presented posters, some sat in on meetings, and all attended seminars to gather information. We would have fun outside the classroom. The conferences were generally three days and allowed us to bond and learn as a group.

Is there anything you would like to see changed or improved about the program?

When I went through I loved it! I feel I was well-prepared coming out of College. I cannot think of a specific thing I would look to change.

Please add any additional comments about your experience at King’s College.

I really enjoyed my time at King's. There were cliques but we all hung out together, everyone knew each other, just a good time and I am grateful for the experience.

What lead you to pursue a degree in Athletic Training?

What lead me to my degree in Athletic Training while attending King's College was the small class sizes, intimate learning environment and the programs dedication to current evidence based practices while having a strong knowledge base of the core science and anatomy courses. In high school, I was an athlete and had an Intro to Athletic Training course for an elective, and I loved it. I think out of the 8 I graduated with, I am the only one that's truly deviated from the profession ( because of life) and my remaining classmates are still in actual sports medicine.

How have you used your degree to reach your career goals?

After my time at King's, I was inspired to further my education and just be a better person overall because of the passion I developed for the healthcare profession. I continued with my MS in Sports Medicine under Dr. Chad Starkey at Ohio University, upon completion of my MS; I continued with my education and received my DPT with UMDNJ now combined with Rutgers School of Health Related Professions. The strong base I received from King's has allowed me to branch out as a practitioner; I have worked as an ATC at a rural high school to professional sports with the AFL and NFL. I have worked in the pediatrics field and now currently; elderly health care. Right now I am shifting to more of the functional/ neurological side of the body but my orthopedic base is so strong from King's; it's like riding a bike at this point. The strong base of knowledge allows me to jump from specialization to specialization while compiling the techniques I use to carry over for maximal gains amongst each clientele.

What did you enjoy the most about your King’s AT program?

The things I enjoyed most at King's were the development of relationships; amongst the professors, classmates that transition to colleagues; the athletes and the friends. I still speak to my classmates and roommates from King's to this day. King's does a great job regarding placement for education and clinical placement dependent on your personality and what you "need". The professors and clinical instructors do a great job not only making sure you'll pass your board exam, but making sure that you have a great knowledge of the "basics" so if you come across something you're not sure of when you're on your own, you'll be able to find the answers or make great educated clinical decision making on your own.

What advice would you give a student considering the King’s College Athletic Training program?

Take advantage of everything you can while at King's. You're going to get the best clinicians and educators along with top of the line equipment to use. When you're on your own you might not have the same equipment but you have a strong knowledge base that's going to make you a great clinician. The education King's provides you will allow you to be a strong and independent clinician.

Is there one particular experience as a King’s College student that you would like to share with others?

I have no particular experience from Kings that I would like to share as every day provided a new opportunity or situation to learn from. The hands on learning experience you'll receive from King's is bar none and priceless. As a student, I can't emphasize taking advantage of all the opportunities King's provides to you; between the on the field observations, clinical and physician observations; clubs and professional organizational meetings to continue reinforcement of what you learn in the class. You're going to receive a solid education that might require some social sacrifices but is 100% worth it. Take the feedback and criticisms and learn from it. Request it. Don't hesitate to ask any questions to the professors, despite how silly you think it might sound. We all have to start somewhere and King's will set you ahead of the game.

Is there anything you would like to see changed or improved about the program?

Cadaver labs if King's hasn't added that ! A strong course in billing and insurance reimbursement to support the use of ATCs and keeping cost of healthcare down. I don't think the healthcare field does a great enough job educating billing and reimbursements. 

What lead you to pursue a degree in Athletic Training?

I always knew that I wanted to work in healthcare, but I wasn’t quite sure what my calling was. I never really knew what exactly an athletic trainer was until I got to King’s, but at King’s I learned how important athletic trainers are to healthcare. Being able to work with an active population by providing them prevention and care of injuries, emergency care and helping them achieve their goals is truly something that I think other healthcare professions don’t experience and is what makes athletic training so special. 

How have you used your degree to reach your career goals?

I have been able to continue my athletic training education in an advanced athletic training masters program at North Dakota State University. King’s also provided me with excellent clinical experiences that have allowed me to be the primary athletic trainer for a division one baseball program. 

What did you enjoy the most about your King’s AT program?

King’s athletic training program taught me not just how to treat injuries but how to treat each individual patient. I enjoyed King’s Educational focus on providing patient and evidenced based healthcare. The professors at King’s also really challenged [their] students to become the best healthcare professional they can be and made sure that all of our students were prepared to practice as certified athletic trainers.

What advice would you give a student considering the King’s College Athletic Training program?

Take in as much information as you can. The professors at King’s are some of the most knowledgeable athletic trainers you’ll ever meet. I always appreciated the professors being so willing to answer questions I had or pulling me aside to show me a skill that works for them that could benefit my treatment of a patient in the future. I also recommend to form a personal relationship with your classmates. To this day I still call up some of my classmates and ask how they might handle a situation, and that’s because of the relationships we formed in class. 

Is there one particular experience as a King’s College student that you would like to share with others?

Being able to go to London with PBATS through the school’s study abroad program. This experience was second to none, and something I will always remember. I am forever grateful that King’s could offer an educational experience like this where we could learn from the best MLB athletic trainers and physicians.  

Is there anything you would like to see changed or improved about the program?

I would love to see the program invite past alumni back to speak about their experiences.