Where did you start as an AT? How long were you there?







Started out as a College AT at Division 1 Mid Major Universities, Interned at my Alma Mater New Mexico State University for a semester, then Grad School at the University of Wyoming, My First Job was at the University of Alabama Birmingham for 2 years, then at the University of Southern Mississippi for 3 years. 



Then life got Lifey, my parents were getting older and having health problems so I needed to move back home. I was able to find a job in a Physician's Practice and worked there for 5 years. 



When I felt that I had hit the “ceiling” and was not growing professionally I was looking to leave, and my Alma Mater was in need of an emergency hire to teach in the Athletic Training Program. I taught Full time for 2 years, then adjunct for 2 years. 



A local High School position opened up so I applied and accepted that position for a year. That high school was not a good fit, but have now been at my current High school for 4 years. 



Where are you now?



Texas 6A High School



Is this where you plan to stay?



No intention of moving on anytime soon. 



Tanya, what pushed you to change settings?



Life :) 



A favorite resource for someone looking to change settings?



NATA has a lot of great resources on job descriptions, committees, etc. 



For those interested in the Physician practice the Athletic Trainers in Physician Practice Society has a lot of great info and job postings https://atpps.org/ 



Regrets or missed opportunities



The physician practice setting - I wish I could have grown it.



When it was time to make the change it wasn't hard to make that decision.



It took a while to recognize I needed a change.



Mental and physical exhaustion



The clinical setting did not provide me with the mental challenge I craved.




Find what takes priority in your life and make a career decision based on that.




Athletic Training is NOT my Identity









Tanya Watson - @tewatc on Twitter and Instagram