CU-Lock Haven athletic training student builds experience through diverse clinical opportunities

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Before attending Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, recent athletic training graduate Jenna Smith, of Ebensburg, earned a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. During her time there, Smith competed in cross country and track and field, experiences that helped spark her interest in sports medicine and led her to pursue a career in athletic training.

Throughout her time in the Master of Science in Athletic Training program at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, Smith completed a wide range of clinical experiences across collegiate, secondary school and clinical settings. Her rotations included working with Lock Haven University athletics, Williamsport Area School District, Bellefonte Area School District and the Himes Rehabilitation Center. Throughout those rotations, she gained hands-on experience evaluating upper and lower extremity injuries, managing concussions, developing rehabilitation programs and making return-to-play decisions.

In addition to her clinical work, Smith served as the graduate assistant for the Bald Eagle women's cross-country programs. She was also involved in the Athletic Training Club, where she served as Treasurer. As part of her capstone project, Smith obtained her Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, further expanding her ability to respond to emergency situations. Smith's semester-long clinical immersion was at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, Virginia. VMI is an NCAA Division I institution, as well as the oldest state-supported military college in the United States. All students, referred to as cadets, have to participate in military training while pursuing their academic and athletic careers.

During this experience, she worked primarily with men's soccer and men's lacrosse teams under the supervision of Jess Lero, MS, LAT, CAT. Working within a military college environment required Smith to adapt to a highly structured and disciplined setting. Unlike traditional collegiate settings, cadet-athletes often have limited availability due to military obligations, requiring Smith to maximize every interaction to ensure thorough evaluation, treatment, and Rehabilitation.

"Being at VMI challenged me to grow both professionally and personally," Smith said. "I was able to build confidence in my evaluations, trust my decision-making and handle high-pressure situations while working with a very disciplined group of athletes. My favorite part was definitely getting to see everyone's personalities come out in the athletic training room because I was one place where they could truly be themselves, relax, and just have fun."

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• Athletic Training

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• Externship