In the spring of 2023, the first class of Athletic Training master’s students graduated, heralding a new era for the Athletic Training program at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC).  

The program transitioned into a master’s program, reflecting the new industry standard. Athletic training is a discipline of medicine. When the requirements for entering the field changed to meet the same standards as other disciplines, the university advanced its program, ensuring student’s education remains on the forefront of developments in the field. 

As the university with the longest-standing accredited Athletic Training Program in Colorado, UNC is a top producer of athletic trainers in the state. For students to enter the field after graduation, the program has responded to changes in employment requirements. 

UNC’s Athletic Training master’s program is adaptive, evolving to workforce needs while providing hands-on experiential learning. The program is dedicated to placing students in settings that will prepare them well for their careers while gaining skills both on-campus and throughout the community. 

“We are looking at ‘what are the best clinical sites?’ and ‘Who are the best supervisors at those clinical sites to give our students the breadth and depth of clinical experience that they need?’” explained Jim Turk, athletic training program director. 

The compounding effect of outstanding faculty and curriculum with modernized facilities culminates in well-prepared graduates entering the field of athletic training. Additionally, the collective commitment of alumni and industry leaders empowers student success and sets a UNC education in a class of its own. 

While studying at UNC, first-year master’s students participate in clinical experiences such as roles with one of the intercollegiate sports teams or a nearby high school. Then, in their second year, students can choose to pursue clinical experiences in the performing arts, industrial settings, healthcare facilities or countless other settings around the country. 

“The program has been around for a long time, both at the undergraduate level and now recently the master’s, so we have a lot of alumni in the area,” noted Shannon Courtney, ’89, M.A. ’90, athletic training program clinical education coordinator, “Because of that, local high schools have been very receptive to offering sites for our students to obtain clinical experience.” 

Courtney is an Athletic Training alumna who’s worked at UNC for more than 30 years. She is one of many other graduates from the program who work in sought-after positions throughout the state.  

Our Athletic Training alumni, as reflected in our Alumni Employment Dashboard, are working heavily across Colorado and the country in placements throughout K-12, universities, professional sport programs and the healthcare industry. This data shows how an education from UNC provides graduates with a direct degree to profession pipeline. 

Close by, Aimee Miyazawa, ’01, certified athletic trainer at University of Colorado-Boulder, considers her two and a half years of practical clinical experience as a UNC student to be a competitive advantage going into the workforce. She has held esteemed positions with the United States Olympic Committee, USA Volleyball and more. Miyazawa reflects on one of the more impactful experiences in her career. 

“One of the most rewarding experiences for me was to walk in the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic Games alongside Team USA,” said Miyazawa. “There is nothing like walking into a stadium of more than 60,000 screaming fans, representing your country and walking to the chants of ‘USA’ with the athletes.” 

Miyazawa currently serves as a preceptor for Athletic Training students at UNC, educating the next generation while supporting fellow Bears. 

Vince Garcia, ’06, head athletic trainer for the Denver Broncos, has experienced what it is like to receive mentorship through the Bear network and be a mentor to his assistant athletic trainer, who was a member of the master’s program’s first graduating class last summer. 

Working with the Broncos since 2009, Garcia had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of working with fellow alum Steve “Greek” Antonopulos, ’72, M.A. ’73. As Garcia puts it, and most who know Greek, he is the greatest athletic trainer of all time. 

“I gained a wealth of knowledge from him professionally, but also personally,” said Garcia. “He held himself and others to the highest standards every day. He’s one of those unique people who as a leader has the ability to push you and challenge you to reach your potential. I can’t say enough great things about the man." 

As the Athletic Training program evolves to meet demands in the market, graduates will continue to be incredible mentors, colleagues and industry experts. While UNC strives to serve both students and alumni well, it is those who turn around and offer a helping hand to students entering the field who make the Bear network what it is.