Bianca Ramirez earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in sports and fitness management from TLU in 2019—but she’ll never forget the moment she made the decision to return to her alma mater to pursue her master’s degree in athletic training (MAT).
“I reached out to Brian Coulombe, the program director, who had been a mentor to me during my first time at TLU,” she says. “It was incredibly heartwarming when he responded to my email and promptly scheduled a Zoom call to discuss the program in detail. His genuine willingness to assist me played a significant role in my decision to return to TLU.”
Ramirez knew she’d made the right choice as soon as she was back on campus. “What made this experience even more special was the sense of belonging I felt upon returning to a place that truly felt like home. It was comforting to see familiar faces among the professors and staff, and the close-knit community made me feel like a part of a family rather than just a student.”
Now, Ramirez is in her second year in the field, currently working as assistant athletic trainer at Harlan High School in San Antonio. She says TLU played a pivotal role in her journey to success. “The program offered diverse clinical settings, both on and off campus, providing me with hands-on experience in various environments,” she explains. “This exposure was instrumental in developing my skills and deepening my understanding of the field.”
Ramirez also credits the faculty for making TLU’s MAT program exceptional. “Our professors went above and beyond by organizing alumni Zoom calls and offering volunteer opportunities, fostering networking and exploring different career paths within the profession. I commend the way our professors designed TLU’s MAT program; it truly set me up for unparalleled success in this field. Collaborating with our preceptors daily refined our evaluation skills and instilled in us the confidence necessary to thrive in this profession.”
Ramirez says TLU’s small cohorts and personalized interactions with professors and preceptors, as well as numerous opportunities for hands-on experience, prepare students for the high-pressure situations they encounter on a regular basis in the field. “I have had the privilege of meeting professionals from various universities, and I am proud to say that the TLU MAT program has equipped me for success in this field. The hands-on experience and critical thinking skills we gained through our daily interactions with preceptors and athletes have been invaluable assets.”
She adds that the support doesn’t stop upon graduation. “Our professors have consistently demonstrated a commitment to our success, and I appreciate their ongoing support and willingness to assist us with any questions or concerns.”
TLU’s Master of Athletic Training program offers two paths to students: a five-year educational experience in which they are awarded concurrent Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Master of Athletic Training degrees. The second option is for students who already hold an undergraduate degree and can apply directly to the Master of Athletic Training program. For more information on TLU’s Master of Athletic Training program, click here: Master of Athletic Training | Athletic Training Program.