Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in athletic training?
A: I was interested in health care and sports and wanted to be an autonomously practicing provider sooner, than if I pursued a different allied health profession
Q: What has been your most rewarding moment as an athletic trainer?
A: Being reunited with athletes from former teams and hearing how much they appreciated the care I was able to provide. Also, our patient/provider relationship is extremely rewarding and has encouraged me that athletic trainers make an impact not only in the immediate care of an injury or illness, but for life.
Q: Can you share a memorable story where you made a significant impact on an athlete's care?
A: While traveling overseas with a team of high-school-aged athletes for a long period of time, many of the athletes experienced homesickness, and one specifically experienced nocturnal panic attacks for the first time. I helped to de-escalate the situation and talked the athlete through coping strategies to be able to then refer the athlete in the morning. The athlete greatly appreciated me going above and beyond to care for her in the middle of the night.The coping strategies were helpful to her throughout the rest of the season and will continue to be a resource for her in the future.
Q: How has NATA supported your professional growth?
A: NATA has provided countless resources through CEUs available on EducATe and network opportunities through professional service and gatherings. I have greatly appreciated the insights and wisdom that have been shared with me through these resources and providers. I am always impressed with the ways NATA is continuing to grow and listen to the needs of the membership and meet them.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a career in athletic training?
A: Athletic training can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career so long as your expectations are set clearly. There are many settings in which you can pursue athletic training, and each setting comes with unique pros and cons. Finding the setting that best aligns with your values and in which you don't compromise your non-negotiables will allow you to live a life filled with all of the best things and in which the challenges and tough days don't seem too bad. Being a team player and appreciating everyone on your performance team, from other allied health professionals to administrative staff, will allow everyone to contribute to the best patient experience possible.
Q: How do you see the profession evolving, and what role will NATA play?
A: I believe each setting in which athletic trainers exist will evolve in unique ways, and each setting becomes more niche. I think it will be necessary for NATA to build bridges between each setting and adapt to their unique needs. I believe that the current early professional and upcoming generation of athletic trainers have the capacity to reinvigorate the profession and create drastic positive change in the future.NATA will play an integral role in working to understand this demographic and create opportunities for us to make strides for the future.
Throughout her career, Emma has found that NATA provides the continued foundation for growth, connection and professional excellence in athletic training. Whether you're an early professional like Emma or an experienced practitioner, NATA membership offers:
- Access to 225+ CEUs through NATA EducATe
- Connection to 34,000+ fellow athletic trainers nationwide
- Exposure to 2,000+ annual job opportunities
- Strong advocacy for the profession at all levels; local, state and national.
- Invaluable networking and professional development opportunities
Be a part of shaping the future of athletic training. There's never been a better time to join our community of health care professionals. Ready to advance your career? Join/renew to become a member today.
Questions? Contact us at 214-637-6282 or email us at membership@nata.org.