Present Position: student in Arcadia University PT program

Sarah, a Spring 2011 graduate from West Lawn, PA will be entering Physical Therapy school this Fall.  A goal of hers when she entered Millersville University, she had no difficulty achieving it.  After being accepted at every PT school she applied to, she choose Arcadia University along with a scholarship.  

How did the Dual Degree Program help you achieve your goal?

The Dual Degree program greatly prepared me for physical therapy school.  The athletic training aspect of the program not only provided me with a wealth of knowledge that I will encounter again in PT school, but the program also provided me with hands-on opportunities to apply classroom information.  The Dual Degree program fulfilled all the requirements for PT school and then some.  Having two degrees and previous hands-on experience will set me apart from my future peers in PT school. 

Honors and Awards (over the past four years):

Graduated Summa Cum Laude
PSAC Scholar Athlete
Dean’s List
Millersville University Decker Scholarship
Millersville University Academic Distinction
Millersville University Laurene Cassady Auker Scholarship
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Highest GPA of all Millersville University Biology Graduates, Spring 2011
The Reverend Lewis Merwin Hobbs Medallion/Dr.Dominick and Mrs. Helen DiNunzio Award
The Antone K. Fontes Health Professions Award

Present Position: Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine Program at National University of Health Sciences in St. Petersburg, Florida.  MU Class 0f 2011

How was your athletic training educational experience?

My athletic training educational experience was a rewarding challenge. The class load is hard and requires commitment. The clinical instructors at Millersville University push you and have endless information to provide you. All the instructors were extremely helpful and are dedicated to their profession. Clinical is just simply awesome! 

How did the Dual Degree Program help you achieve your goal?

The Dual Degree Program fulfilled all the requirements that I needed when deciding between Podiatric Medical Schools and Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine Schools. The demand of the program developed habits that have helped me evolve into a professional.

What advantages has the dual degree program afforded you in your present position?

Millersville University and West Chester University has prepared me clinically, as well as, required me to understand the sciences. The commitment of the professors and instructors of the dual degree program has made me confident during my continuation to become a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine. I have found that I am well prepared for the academics of medical school.

What advice would have for students considering this program?

Time management is very important if you are thinking about the program offered by Millersville University and West Chester University. It is important to understand the material not just memorize the material for the exam. Become close with your classmates and your instructors...you will be seeing them every day for the next four years!

Present Position:

Assistant Athletic Trainer, Cheyney University

Andrew grew up in Wilmington, DE.  He originally went to the University of Delaware as a communications major before deciding it was not for him and transfered to Millersville University where he majored in the Dual Degree Program. He is engaged to Sarah Baldi, and are to be married in May of 2012.

Why did you choose Millersville University and the dual degree program?

"I did not at first know what athletic training was, I was simply looking for a major in athletics.  After some research and discussions with athletic trainers, it sounded exactly like what I was looking for, being able to help with the care of athlete and be surrounded by sports.  The biology major appealed to me because it would make me more marketable for jobs, but also give me the pre requisites if I decide to continue my education to a higher level."

How was your athletic training educational experience?

"My athletic training education experience at Millersville was great.  There were ups and downs, but overall it was very enjoyable.  The distance learning was a little difficult to get used to at first but eventually it was no different than being in the actual classroom.  My clinical experience were all fun and exciting, and really allowed me to learn hands on rather from a textbook.  My clincal instructors were great and always willing to help and educate.  The clinicals would not have been as good of a learning experience, or as enjoyable without them."

How does the Dual Degree program effect your future options:

"The dual degree program helps both for future schooling and job opportunities.  It gives the pre requisites for medical school, PT school, PA school and others.  It also opens the job market up in terms of a teaching position or a job in a lab.  It definitely opens more doors than having a single degree."

Advice:

"It is extremely important to stay on top of your classes in both the biology and athletic training and have good time managment skills.  Being ahead of the class will only help you and it will pay off in the end.  Don't just get by with the minimum.  Get into good habits with things such as record keeping, and communication with coaches and ACI's.  Practice practice practice...and don't give blisters."

Anne (Novak) Namowicz, a Lancaster native, was home schooled prior to entering Millersville University. She chose Millersville because her ultimate goal was to continue on after her undergraduate degree and pursue a career in healthcare.  

Why did you choose Millersville University and the dual degree program?

"I originally was interested in earning a degree in Athletic Training and continuing on to PT school.  When I discovered the dual degree program here at Millersville, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to learn and apply healthcare skills while also getting the strong science base necessary for PT school".

How was your athletic training educational experience?

"One of the best parts about the athletic training degree is getting to apply your knowledge to help athletes recover from injury.  The athletic training classes teach you so much about preventing injury, recognizing signs and symptoms, treating pain and rehabilitation.  Getting to use your knowledge and skills to help the athletes to recover is a phenomenal experience".  

What are your future plans?

I am currently applying to Physician Assistant School. 

How has this program helped you attain those goals?

"The dual degree program has prepared me to be an athletic trainer.  I love to help athletes to figure out what their injury is and fix it.  However, I could not fulfill my goal of going to PA school if I did not also have all the science prerequisites.  The combination of clinical work and science classes is an impressive achievement that will put you ahead of your peers when applying to graduate school or jobs". 

What advice would have for students considering this program?

"Stay focused on your classes.  Really take the time to honestly know and understand all the skills and information in your athletic training classes.  You will need to use those skills in your clinical work and eventually in your work setting.  Passing your certification exam will also be so much easier if you learn the material the first time.  Get close to the other athletic training students, they will be like your family and you will help each other get through.  Lastly, go to athletic training conventions and meetings, expand your knowledge and start networking". 

Anne graduated with a Bachelors degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from Millersville and at the same time she received a Bachelors degree from West Chester University in Athletic Training.  She graduated Magna Cum Laude and has taken and passed her Board of Certification exam to become a Certified Athletic Trainer.