MOBILE, Ala. – As top NFL draft prospects gathered in Mobile for the Reese’s Senior Bowl, Master of Athletic Training students from the University of Mobile were gaining practical experience on the sidelines.
UM students learned emergency procedures, aided players during practice sessions, and assisted athletic trainers with injury evaluations and treatments while participating in the annual January event at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
“This game is a highlight for our Master of Athletic Training students. Our students report the ability to interact with seasoned athletic professionals to be the most impactful aspect of the week,” says Dr. Melissa Thomas, Ed.D., ATC, Master of Athletic Training program director.
Professional Experience
Thomas says UM students have the opportunity to work with some of the best and most notable athletic trainers in the profession.
“One example is former New Orleans Saints athletic trainer and current Senior Bowl Medical Director Dean Kleinschmidt, ATC. Dean is one of the kindest and down-to-earth athletic trainers and he loves that he gets to open the Senior Bowl experience up to athletic training students,” Thomas says.
“In addition, Will Utsey, ATC, assists our MAT program with gaining access to the event and ensuring that our students have a great experience. With over 50 years of athletic training experience between the two, Dean and Will are some of the best examples our students get to look up to in this profession.”
The Senior Bowl Experience
The UM students’ involvement in the Senior Bowl prepares them to be job-ready through exposure and networking. They learn how coordinating medical coverage works for large events and get a glimpse into both college and professional settings of athletic training.
“Our students start the Senior Bowl week with an emergency action plan walk-through with all medical staff to ensure that everyone is aware of the procedures for handling a medical emergency,” says Thomas.
“From Tuesday to Thursday, students are given the responsibility of assisting players from both the American and National teams during practice sessions. In addition, students are assigned athletic training room times at the hotel to assist athletic trainers with injury evaluations and treatments.”
About UM’s MAT Program
The University of Mobile’s Master of Athletic Training program provides students with real-world experiences by allowing them to work alongside healthcare professionals to provide, administer and manage patients’ health. This program creates qualified athletic trainers while promoting critical thinking skills and a love of learning.
The MAT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), and guides students into successful careers in the expanding field of athletic training.
Accepting Applications Now
Currently, the University of Mobile’s MAT program is accepting applications for the next cohort of students. For more information and to apply, contact program director Dr. Melissa Thomas at mthomas@umobile.edu.
Learn more about the University of Mobile’s Master of Athletic Training program at umobile.edu/mat.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu/um-info, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Kylee Stewart is a senior at the University of Mobile majoring in English with a dedication to classic literature, critical analysis and academic writing. While attending the University of Mobile, she has sharpened her skills in research and communication, equipping her for a career in teaching English at the collegiate level. Kylee is from Daphne, Alabama, and enjoys baking, crocheting and volunteering in her free time.