Why I Chose Pacific
Pacific University's master of science in athletic training program offers an interdisciplinary learning environment that helps students excel professionally within the healthcare field. The faculty are committed to the success of the students and strive to create a supportive learning environment where student feedback is valued. Numerous opportunities are offered for students to work within various clinical environments such as professional sports, university settings, high schools, and some non-traditional settings such as medical clinics, surgical centers and fire and rescue. During their time in the program, students will have the opportunity to obtain certifications beyond what is offered in the curriculum. These courses have included HawkGrips (IASTM), Blood Flow Restriction (BFR), and Myofascial Decompression (cup therapy). Pacific University prepares excellent athletic trainers by supporting professional growth and learning and enabling students to be competitive candidates when seeking employment. Learn more about current athletic training students as well as graduates of our program and what they are doing now.
Learn More about the Masters of Athletic Training Program
Why Students Choose Pacific University
- Academic and clinical reputation
- Location
- Size of class
- Program philosophy
- Contact with faculty
- Contact with students
Alumni Perspectives
Oanh Ngo
Graduation Year: 2022
Hometown: Eugene, OR
Why I Chose Pacific: I first learned about Pacific when the Director of the program, Dr. Jeff Kawaguchi, personally came to my Athletic Training workshop class at my undergraduate university. From that first interaction, I could tell he and the other professors really cared about their students. During my time in the program, I had the opportunity to have one-on-one time with the professors due to the great teacher-to-student ratio. They would also offer study sessions outside of class time when needed to ensure we knew the material before exams. Another reason I chose Pacific was because of their exceptional network of clinical site partners. Going into the program my goal was to work in the collegiate setting. During my clinical experiences, I was able to work with high school, college and professional athletes. These invaluable experiences led me to finding my passion of working with professional athletes.
What I'm doing now: Athletic Trainer for the San Francisco 49ers. Training Day: Pacific Alumna Works on the Sidelines with 49ers
Maggie Stojak
Graduation Year: 2022
Hometown: Grayslake, IL
Why I Chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the professors, feedback from current students, and clinical opportunities this program provided to practice skills in a variety of settings. After my interview with Pacific, I looked into who I would be learning from and was excited to join a program with professors who had so much experience to give. I reached out to program ambassadors to ask questions and they were very helpful in making a move from the Midwest out west and provided more of what to expect with clinical experiences. Being someone who feels they learn the best being hands-on, I appreciated how we started clinical that Fall of the first year. Added credentialing made available for continuing education such as Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Mulligan techniques provided additional tools I could carry into my professional career and set me up for success. All of these elements influenced why I chose Pacific and shaped my next steps in my career.
What I'm doing now: Concussion Research Project Manager at Oregon Health Sciences University
Trevor Hunt
Graduation Year: 2021
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Why I Chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the clinical education experiences they offer. I wanted to work with professional sports teams and Pacific could provide me with that opportunity. During my time at Pacific, I especially enjoyed working with and learning from the Head Athletic Trainer for the Portland Winterhawks, Rich Campbell. This experience solidified my dream to work with the NFL. Learning in Pacific's state-of-the-art facilities, especially the cadaver lab, was also essential to me. It helped give me the confidence to pursue this goal.
What I'm doing now: Athletic Trainer for the Las Vegas Raiders. Trevor Hunt MSAT'21 is working for the Las Vegas Raiders
Lorenzo Craig
Graduation Year: 2021
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Why I Chose Pacific: The reason I chose Pacific is because I've always wanted to live in Oregon and get out of my hometown. I was extremely nervous to move or travel but the constant help and reassurance from staff and the professors before I even moved was very helpful. Athletic training was something that I've always wanted to do and Pacific University offered amazing hands-on experiences and unique clinical opportunities.
What I'm doing now: Assistant Athletic Trainer at Portland State University