Huntingdon MAT Students Attend SEATA Conference

Montgomery, Ala.—The first cohort of Huntingdon College’s six-semester Master of Athletic Training program, which began in May 2021, marked the half-way point in their program with a trip to the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association conference in Atlanta last week. The students were accompanied at the conference by instructor Dr. Derick Bothwell, coordinator of clinical education for the program.

At the conference, students furthered their knowledge of the athletic training practice and profession and of clinical competencies, therapeutic modalities, psychosocial intervention, and experience with emergency management. Specialized instruction in concussion and injury treatment for different parts of the body were also offered.

“Attending the SEATA conference allowed students to take part in hands-on learning opportunities taught by some of the most renowned athletic trainers in the profession,” said Dr. Bothwell. “This conference brings athletic training students and educators from across the Southeast together to facilitate professional development; to share the latest evidence-based practices; and to enable interaction between students and potential employers. SEATA also serves for students to explore the numerous employment possibilities that have become available to athletic trainers—such as physician-extender roles, industrial settings (car plants, Amazon, FedEx) and even military options.”

“Attending SEATA was beneficial in so many ways,” said Caroline Dent, one of five students in Huntingdon’s MAT cohort. “I was able to talk with vendors and see the options that are out there for jobs. It was also great to talk to other students and be encouraged that we are going through the same process.”

“The benefit from attending SEATA, in my opinion, has been networking,” said Elexis Arnold, another member of the cohort. “I met a lot of companies (Encore Rehab, for example) looking to hire ATs whether you’re graduating now or, in my case, one year from now. I also learned from the various presentations we attended, such as conflict resolution, and gained experience with specialized skills like suturing.”

Travel to SEATA and other athletic training conferences is optional but strongly recommended for Huntingdon MAT students.

The Huntingdon Master of Athletic Training Program is accepting applications for its second cohort of students, who will enter in May 2022. To learn more, visit www.huntingdon.edu/mat. The application deadline is March 15.

Founded in 1854, Huntingdon College has focused attention on the undergraduate student for 168 years. The College welcomed its first class of graduate students into the Master of Athletic Training program in May 2022. At the undergraduate level, Huntingdon offers more than 30 programs of study and professional preparation tracks, 21 NCAA-Division III athletic teams, and numerous clubs and organizations. Huntingdon is a college of the United Methodist Church.

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