With an ever-increasing body of knowledge, the modern-day athletic trainer has a tremendous opportunity to grow as a healthcare provider. Certified athletic trainers, or ATC’s, specialize in athletic injuries and can have careers in health care administration, education and counseling of athletes, sports medicine/ physical therapy clinics, high schools, corporations, rehabilitation facilities, personal training and fitness centers. Simpson’s program combines coursework with clinical extperiences where students are assigned to instructors in a variety of settings: the athletic training room at Simpson, a sports medicine clinic, a physician’s office or a local high school.
Mike Hadden, Simpson's Program Director of Athletic Training & Exercise Science, was named Educator of the Year in 2008 by the Iowa Athletic Training Society.
- The Athletic Training Major is fully accredited by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, enabling students to seek certification upon graduation.
- All student athletic trainers get hands-on experience working with Simpson athletic teams.
- Recent graduate schools: University of Kansas, Arizona School of Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota State University at Mankato, Iowa State University and Duke University.
Recent jobs, internships and clinical experience
Mercy Des Moines Sports Medicine, Mercy Indianola Medical Clinic, Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons, Iowa Methodist Sports Rehabilitation and Aspen Fitness Club
“We rely heavily on the integration of peer teaching with our athletic training majors. Our program challenges students in order to prepare them to make a positive contribution to society and perform as reliable, competent healthcare providers.”
Mike Hadden, M.S., ATC/L CSCS
assistant professor of physical education
program director of athletic training & exercise science
Learn more about the Physical Education Department.