Bridget Davidson

Meet Bridget Davidson, an alum of the Master of Athletic Training program.

Bridget graduated in May of 2022 with both her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degrees.

Name: Bridget Davidson
Graduation Year: 2022
Degrees: MAT and BS in Health Sciences
Current City: Portage, Wisconsin
Employer: Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital + Pardeeville, Poynette, and Westfield Schools
Position: Clinical and Outreach Athletic Trainer

Tell us about your current role. What does a typical day look like for you? What are your responsibilities?

My current role is as a clinical and outreach athletic trainer for a hospital. I work in outpatient rehab in the mornings, where I evaluate and treat a wide variety of patients for all kinds of diagnoses, including acute injuries, chronic pain, and post-surgical rehab. I also provide athletic training services for three high schools, so in the afternoons I am at 1-2 schools per day. At school, I evaluate and treat high school student-athletes' injuries and will check-in with teams during their after-school practices. I also provide coverage for evening and weekend sporting events for my high schools. 

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

I really enjoy the variety of my current role. I love that I get to split my time between the outpatient rehab clinic and the secondary school setting. I get to see patients from ages 10 to 65, with many different health conditions and injuries - no two days are the same!

How did Drake and the MAT program help prepare you for your career?

Drake and the MAT program prepared me for my career more than I could have thought was possible. Not only did I learn the hands-on and clinical skills that I needed to be able to be an AT, but I also learned so many important life and people skills that have helped me be successful as a new AT. I also believe that the clinical experiences I was able to complete during my time in the Drake MAT program are what really prepared me for my current career. I was able to learn from so many amazing preceptors that shared invaluable knowledge and advice.

What did you like best about Drake’s MAT program?

The best part about Drake's MAT program was the clinical experiences. I got to learn in a variety of clinical settings, all of which have given me different skill sets that I bring to my current practice as an AT.

Why did you want to pursue a career in athletic training?

wanted to pursue a career in athletic training because I have always had an interest in healthcare and specifically sports medicine since I grew up playing many different sports and athletics were always an important part of my life. Athletic training is the perfect blend of healthcare and sports, and this career allows me to help others get back to doing the things they love to do! 

What is one piece of advice you have for individuals who are considering Drake’s MAT program?

My advice for any students considering Drake's MAT program is to take the time to get to know your professors. Drake's MAT faculty are all amazing people that truly want their students to learn and become the best clinicians they can be. Take advantage of the small class sizes to make personal connections with your professors.