Athletic trainer Kelly Franks returns to campus to share her adjustment into a college setting
[dropcap size=big]W[/dropcap]hen Athletic Trainer Kelly Franks was a Varsity Cross Country & Track athlete at PRHS years ago, her journey began with a hip injury junior year. Months later, she broke her foot. Due to these injuries, Kelly Franks found herself in the athletic training room getting regular treatment and was shown the ropes of athletic training from the trainer at the time, Mr. Joe. Through her involvement, she saw the importance of preventing, diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating injuries, a task which is vital for keeping athletes healthy and strong out on the playing field. Franks continued to pursue this field and worked for PRHS as an Athletic Trainer for two years.
Former athletic trainer and CTE Healthcare teacher Franks returned on Wednesday, March 8 to Room 503 to share about her profession and the programs offered at Azusa Pacific University. She explained her path into the sports medicine field and how students can benefit from an education at a university such as Azusa Pacific.
Franks presented on different settings where an athletic trainer could be employed; including a high school, college, military, professional sports, administrative, industrial (Boeing, Nestle), or in the entertainment industry (Biggest Loser, Disneyland, Cirque du Soleil). Students enrolled in athletic training as a high school student will delve into anatomy and physiology, CPR/First Aid/AED certification, as well as observing and shadowing professionals. As a student advances on to college as a Health Science or Kinesiology major, they will spend more time in labs practicing the information they have learned.
Franks recommended Azusa Pacific’s sports medicine program, and expanded on the opportunities that are available. Students have the chance to experience and take part in Mt. Sac invitationals, Sports Medicine conferences and competitions, mission trips, physical exams for the Anaheim Ducks, research for publication, and visits to multiple professional sports venue tours.
