Case Study: University of Mississippi Master of Science in Athletic Training Program

The University of Mississippi’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program launched the summer of 2021 and was the first athletic training program to be established at this institution. The program is one of only two programs in the state of Mississippi and is designed to prepare graduates to become leaders in sports performance and community healthcare as an integral part of delivering patient centered care.

According to Heather Landry Shirley, PhD, ATC, BCTMB/LMT and Assistant Professor & Program Director of Athletic Training, "The program began with 11 students in the first cohort and has since grown to have a combined total of 23 students. Since inception, we have expanded our network of clinical preceptors and clinical sites for our students to have opportunities to apply what they are learning in the classroom to the invaluable hands-on experience they are gaining in the clinical setting under the supervision of certified athletic trainers, physicians, and other qualified health care providers."

Photo courtesy of the University of Mississippi

The Challenge

"We needed functional lab tables that could easily transition to the nature of the lecture/lab courses that are being taught in our curriculum and found these tables to be the optimal choice," added Landry Shirley. "They help to save space and meet all of our needs in the classroom. The modular taping station has allowed us the freedom to rearrange the classroom space as needed to fit what we have planned for each semester."

Q & A with Heather Landry Shirley, PhD, ATC, BCTMB/LMT Assistant Professor & Program Director of Athletic Training University of Mississippi

Q: What made Athletic Edge products stand out from others you considered?

A: These were the only tables of their kind and were very attractive upon site when we found this option. They are durable, functional, and the ability to customize them gives us the opportunity to showcase our program.

Q: How does your new athletic training room equipment meet the needs of your students, athletes, and athletic trainers?

A: This equipment meets all of needs for the space that we have to work with and gives us flexibility in being able to rearrange and make adjustments to the classroom set-up to fit each course.

Photo courtesy of the University of Mississippi

Q: What is your favorite Athletic Edge product and why?
A: The lab tables are by far our favorite product because of their versatility.

Q: Which Athletic Edge product features are most valuable to you and your students, and how has new equipment made life easier for you?

A: Having the padded tops for the lab tables allow us to complete skill labs and lectures all in one classroom without having to transition from room to room.

Q: Why did you decide to work with The Athletic Edge?
A: Our institution had ordered products from Athletic Edge in the past and was pleased with the product.

Photo courtesy of the University of Mississippi

"I would have to say that the quality of the product speaks for itself."

--Heather Landry Shirley, PhD, ATC, BCTMB/LMT
Assistant Professor & Program Director of Athletic Training
University of Mississippi