"I had a strong appreciation of my undergraduate education at Lake Superior State University, but because I had future plans of attending a physical therapy program, I didn’t realize how helpful it was to become. I feel that the bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training prepared me for the application process into PT school as well as the initial coursework for the PT professional curriculum. The Athletic Training Curriculum gave me experiences in several areas which allowed me to conduct myself in a professional manner during the interview process required for admittance into a PT program. Some of the areas which contributed to my advanced professionalism were real life experiences in several settings, working with patients of all different backgrounds (age, gender, education level, physical ability, race, and social situation), and patients presenting with several different conditions.
Many PT programs begin their curriculum with musculoskeletal and orthopedic classes. The BS in Athletic Training had a strong emphasis in these areas. My first year of PT school was filled with confidence as I already had a working knowledge of the anatomy and kinesiology of the human body as well as a developed background in evaluation procedures and treatment philosophies of orthopedic conditions. I was able to pay more attention to detail during my studies rather than trying to learn the “big picture” concepts that my peers were struggling with. I tended to serve partially as a teaching assistant during open labs, as my classmates would turn to me for help with their studies.
The athletic training experience has also put me miles ahead of my peers when it comes to clinical experiences. The experiences provided to athletic training students is so meaningful, and I feel that students in other degrees i.e. health science or pre-med really miss out on the clinical aspect. Both clinical instructors that I have worked with have commented on my confidence and skills in working with patients, and they both believe that it is due in part to my experience in Athletic Training.
I feel that LSSU’s athletic training program encourages the motivation and competition to allow its graduates’ to be successful in any career endeavor whether it is grad school for athletic training, physical therapy, or a career upon obtaining their degree."
--Jessica McLeod '07 GVSU PT Student Class of 2010
Adam Ancel, ATC 2007
Keith Bandli, ATC 2005
Todd Bergeron, ATC 2001
David Callaghan, PT
John Caloia, ATC 1998
Tony Carbonette, CATA
Trina Cesarin, ATC 1995
Shawn Charron, ATC/CATA 2000
Jason Chenier, ATC 2000
Aaron Clark, PT/ATC
Wendi Correlli, ATC 1999
Andrea Cripps, ATC 2007
Lynn Descamp
Shawn Disch, ATC 2000
Jenn Ferrel, ATC 2002
Tim Fracasi, ATC 1998
Lisa Gebhardt, ATC 2002
Nicola Gray, ATC 2006
Jessica Harper, ATC 2007
Nikki Harrer, ATC 2004
Brandon Hepner, PT/ATC 1997
Kara Hurban, ATC 2007
Chris Hurley, PT/ATC 2000
Darren Kaus, ATC 1999
Ron Keen, ATC 2000
Jodie Kieliszewski, ATC 2001
Heather Kleiman, ATC 2004
Maria Kowalski, ATC 1998
Steve LaPlaunt, ATC 2009
Wendy Leow, ATC 2001
Nolan McIntosh PT, ATC 2005
Scott McLay MBA, ATC 2003
Matt McLeod, ATC 2009
Amy Mativa, ATC 1995
Andy Mendina 2009
David Metz ATC 2003
Brian Michalski, ATC 1999
Rick Mick, ATC 1999
Kristi Morman, ATC 2009
Ethan Nayback, ATC 2006
Jake Neukom, PT/ATC 1995
Nicole Nichols, ATC 2001
Erin Nuttall, ATC 1997
Stef Parylak, ATC 2009
Chris Plenzick ATC 2003
April Rainbolt, ATC 2006
Stephanie Reveley 2008
Chelsea Rhadigan, ATC 2007
Robert Roque, ATC 1997
Carrissa Russell ATC 2005
Melanie Seymour, ATC 2001
Michael Shampo, ATC 2009
Roger Sherwin, PT/ATC 2003
Chelsea Sparrow, ATC 2006
Karen Stinson, ATC 2006
Bev Wolfe, ATC/PTA
Kelly Wood, ATC 2005
Careers Our Alumni’s Have Pursued
Athletic Training
Personal Training
Strength Training
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapist Assistant
Medical School
Nursing
Athletic Director
Animal Therapy
Where Our Alumni’s Have Been
Central Michigan University
George Washington University
Lake Superior State University
Michigan State University
Northern Michigan University
Ohio University
Olivet College
Rice Lake Physical Therapy
Rochester College
Southfield Christian
Stedman Hawkins Clinic
Superior Performance
University of Findlay Ohio
University of Tennessee
War Memorial Hospital
Wayne State University
Lake State Alumni!
We are updating our webpage and would like to know where you have been, and what you have been doing since your time here at LSSU! So if you’d like to share your experiences with us, please feel free to e-mail us at LSSU2007@yahoo.comand let us know!