CU-LOCK HAVEN ATHLETIC TRAINING STUDENT COMPLETES EXTERNSHIP AT EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

While in her final semester of her Master of Science in Athletic Training program at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, Amber Weirich, of Manchester, Pennsylvania, chose to gain experience outside of the state by completing an externship at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Weirich's interest in athletic training as a potential career path began during her time as a softball player in high school while visiting her school's athletic trainer, Zach Noel, LAT, ATC. She has always had a passion for sports and helping others, and those two things combined, as well as talking to her athletic trainer, helped set that goal in stone.

While completing her externship at ETSU, she was under the supervision of Caitlyn Nelson, LAT, ATC, and worked closely with assistant athletic trainers Andrea Causebrook MS, LAT, ATC, and Brinna Tetzloff, LAT, ATC. She chose to go to Tennessee because she wanted to broaden her knowledge and outlook in the realm of athletic training outside of Pennsylvania and enjoyed the atmosphere and area in Johnson City. "I love the outdoors and Johnson City reminded me of Lock Haven and my hometown," she said.

At ETSU, Weirich worked closely with men's and women's tennis, football and softball for the duration of their seasons. She spent her mornings in the athletic training facility gaining experience in creating rehabilitation plans for different sports and a variety of athletes, evaluating sports injuries and assisting with sports physicals for the next academic year's returning players. Her afternoons consisted of supervision of practices or games with one of the athletic trainers that day.

"This spring, I was able to learn more modalities that I have not had the chance to experience yet in my educational career," Weirich said. "Seeing everything all together and practicing everything I have learned for the past two years - I could not be more grateful for the opportunity."

"It was an amazing experience to gain knowledge of how division I programs can differentiate from divisions II and III programs, but still maintain the same level of quality care that is expected from athletic trainers," Weirich added. "I will forever be grateful for the opportunities I have received from ETSU, their athletic trainers and my preceptors and professors at Lock Haven for challenging me and pushing me to become the healthcare provider that I now know I can be."