Aaron Schumacher
Massillon, Ohio
Major: Athletic Training
Why did you choose to pursue your degree? I was always interested in health related fields such as physical therapy and athletic training but the choice came down to what type of patients I want to work with. I love sports so it was easy for me to choose athletic training and work with athletes in an environment I really enjoy.
What types of jobs are available for students who share your major? Once you become a certified athletic trainer you can find a job in settings such as high schools, colleges or universities, secondary schools, sports medicine clinics, professional sports teams. You can become a combination of a teacher and athletic trainer which is great for those who want to major in AT but also have an interest in teaching.
How will you use your degree upon graduation? Once I graduate from MUC I plan on attending graduate school and receiving my masters degree in AT. After that I will go wherever the job opportunity road takes me but i will set my goals high and work hard to accomplish them.
In what activities are you involved? Once you get accepted into the AT program sophomore year you get assigned to sports for each season of the school year, so basically most of the activities that I am involved in are activities that have to do with my sport assignment. Each and every sport is unique in its own way but you get to perform activities such as athletic taping, bracing, stretching, messaging, modalities and other various duties we get to practice and perform at games and/or practices. You stay busy with activities in this major but it is a lot of hands on activities so you learn something everyday. It never gets old or repetitive.
Elements a person should possess to succeed in your major? You have to be dedicated, have a good sense of humor and most importantly have a positive attitude. Motivation is also important for anyone who wants to succeed in this major. In this major you have to be motivated starting freshman year (trying to get accepted into the program) all the way up to senior year (when you are preparing to take the certification exam).
What advice can you offer for someone who is considering having the same major as you? This is a great major and is a lot of fun. It is a lot of work and is time consuming but it is truly worth it. If you were to choose this major make sure as soon as your "rookie" (freshman) year starts you get into the groove of things and start working hard and fulfill your requirements right away. What's truly great about this major is that the students and professors are really fun people, so make sure you get to know them! If you love sports than this is a great major to consider.