What brought you to UNI?

I came to UNI after I had a job shadow sophomore year of high school with the Athletic Training staff at the time and fell in love with the facilities and the program. 

What did you enjoy most about attending UNI?

I enjoyed the community of UNI, especially the friends and connections I made with the athletic training program. 

How did you become interested in your program? 

I knew I wanted to do healthcare, and work with athletes, and so I started my path towards athletic training. 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

As part of our program, we work with the college teams at UNI as well as high schools in the area learning skills we learn in class on real patients. We do a cooperative simulation experience with the Allen nursing program and EMTs in the area to learn how we work in an emergency situation, and activating emergency plans. We also have community Fridays, where members of the community come in for different evaluations as part of our coursework which is really fun to get to know community members outside of the university. 

What professors have been most influential through your time here at UNI?

Dr. Tricia Schrage has been instrumental in my continuation of this program and of my path at UNI. She has been so helpful with all of our highs and lows and always takes the time to celebrate us. Dr. Kelli Snyder has also been my adviser all 6 years at UNI and helped me during my admission process and everything after. Lastly, Mark Hecimovich has been so much fun as a professor and really cares about the education he provides to his students. 

Post-graduation plans?

After graduation, I will be an Athletic Training Resident with Vail Summit Orthopedics doing rotations with their surgeons in the clinic and operating room. 

How did UNI prepare you for your post-graduation plans?

UNI and the athletic training program did an amazing job at helping me develop interpersonal and communication skills, as well as pushing me to be a great healthcare provider and advocate for my patients. This program has taught me what it means to be curious and the importance of continuing to develop all areas of myself personally and professionally. 

What advice would you give to students currently looking into grad schools?

My advice to students looking to go into a postgraduate program is to surround yourself with really good people and friends. Master’s degree programs are hard work, and the people you surround yourself with do determine your success. Most importantly, don’t forget to take time away from your studies too - go out to dinner with friends, spend time with family, have a selfcare day. You have your whole life to work, take days off now when you aren’t being paid for clocking in. 

Check out Megan in UNI's MAT video!