BU offers new master's degree in athletic training

BU's Joseph Hazzard intended to play football when he stepped on to campus at Salem College in Salem, W.Va. Instead, a chance meeting with the physician working as the team doctor led Hazzard into the field of athletic training.

Shown from left are, seated: BU faculty members Marilyn Miller and Joseph Hazzard; standing, incoming athletic training graduate students Mike Welgosh and Courtney Stanchock.

Hazzard is program coordinator for Bloomsburg's new master of science in clinical athletic training degree program, which will offer its first classes this summer. It's no coincidence that the Bloomsburg's program boasts a strong and unique tie to the medical community through a partnership with Geisinger Medical Center's Department of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

"This will be one of the only programs in the nation where students will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a physician," said Hazzard.

Hazzard emphasizes that athletic trainers should not be confused with personal fitness trainers. Fitness trainers are not medical professionals, and do not necessarily have the same degree of certifications and education as athletics trainers. Athletic trainers are educated to prevent, assess and treat athletic injuries. They also coordinate treatment with physicians and other health care providers. In addition to working with sports teams and educational institutions, athletic trainers are employed by clinics, hospitals, corporations and the military.

Bloomsburg's program, the only one of its type in the state of Pennsylvania, is designed for students with undergraduate degrees in related fields, such as allied health sciences and psychology as well as exercise science. The program has six undergraduate course prerequisites, many of which will already be met by students with degrees in exercise science or allied health sciences. In addition to earning a master's degree, graduates will be eligible to obtain credentials as a certified athletic trainer. Both Hazzard and faculty member Marilyn Miller, in addition to holding doctoral degrees, have earned the national designation, ATC (Athletic Trainer, Certified).

Miller is particularly gratified to be able to offer the program to Pennsylvania residents. After earning her undergraduate degree in health and physical education in Pennsylvania, she had to travel to Illinois to find an entry-level graduate program in athletic training. She spent 20 years in the Midwest before returning to Pennsylvania.

"For years, I've been writing letters of recommendation for students to go out of state to pursue their master's degree," said Miller. "Now they can pursue their studies and career in-state."

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment opportunities in athletic training are growing significantly. Much of the job growth will be concentrated in the health care industry settings, such as ambulatory health care services and hospitals. About one-third of athletic trainers work in the health care field, including in hospitals, physicians' offices and offices of other health care practitioners.

For more information about BU's master's degree in clinical athletic training, contact Hazzard at (570) 389-4049.