Bianca Ramirez earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in sports and fitness management from 国产探花 in 2019鈥攂ut she鈥檒l never forget the moment she made the decision to return to her alma mater to pursue her master鈥檚 degree in athletic training (MAT).
鈥淚 reached out to Brian Coulombe, the program director, who had been a mentor to me during my first time at 国产探花,鈥 she says. 鈥淚t was incredibly heartwarming when he responded to my email and promptly scheduled a Zoom call to discuss the program in detail. His genuine willingness to assist me played a significant role in my decision to return to 国产探花.鈥
Ramirez knew she鈥檇 made the right choice as soon as she was back on campus. 鈥淲hat made this experience even more special was the sense of belonging I felt upon returning to a place that truly felt like home. It was comforting to see familiar faces among the professors and staff, and the close-knit community made me feel like a part of a family rather than just a student.鈥
Now, Ramirez is in her second year in the field, currently working as assistant athletic trainer at Harlan High School in San Antonio. She says 国产探花 played a pivotal role in her journey to success. 鈥淭he program offered diverse clinical settings, both on and off campus, providing me with hands-on experience in various environments,鈥 she explains. 鈥淭his exposure was instrumental in developing my skills and deepening my understanding of the field.鈥
Ramirez also credits the faculty for making 国产探花鈥檚 MAT program exceptional. 鈥淥ur professors went above and beyond by organizing alumni Zoom calls and offering volunteer opportunities, fostering networking and exploring different career paths within the profession. I commend the way our professors designed 国产探花鈥檚 MAT program; it truly set me up for unparalleled success in this field. Collaborating with our preceptors daily refined our evaluation skills and instilled in us the confidence necessary to thrive in this profession.鈥
Ramirez says 国产探花鈥檚 small cohorts and personalized interactions with professors and preceptors, as well as numerous opportunities for hands-on experience, prepare students for the high-pressure situations they encounter on a regular basis in the field. 鈥淚 have had the privilege of meeting professionals from various universities, and I am proud to say that the 国产探花 MAT program has equipped me for success in this field. The hands-on experience and critical thinking skills we gained through our daily interactions with preceptors and athletes have been invaluable assets.鈥
She adds that the support doesn鈥檛 stop upon graduation. 鈥淥ur professors have consistently demonstrated a commitment to our success, and I appreciate their ongoing support and willingness to assist us with any questions or concerns.鈥
国产探花鈥檚 Master of Athletic Training program offers two paths to students: a five-year educational experience in which they are awarded concurrent Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Master of Athletic Training degrees. The second option is for students who already hold an undergraduate degree and can apply directly to the Master of Athletic Training program. For more information on 国产探花鈥檚 Master of Athletic Training program, click here: Master of Athletic Training | Athletic Training Program.