When Jason Edsall, PhD, ATC, CSCS, was asked to develop a new Master of Athletic Training (MSAT) program at Chatham University from the ground up, he used his experiences and education from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) to help him find success.
Edsall, who wanted to earn a PhD while continuing full-time clinical work, found RMUoHP’s Doctor of Philosophy in Athletic Training program to be the best choice for him. “The hybrid design and on campus portion was my biggest draw as it combined the convenience of partially online, but the face-to-face sessions with experts in each discipline was incredible. The faculty were all experts in the field that they were teaching and we were able to interact and learn from those that worked in that discipline every single day,” said Edsall.
After graduating in 2016, Edsall experienced continual success. He transitioned from a dual appointment to his first full-time academic appointment at Marywood University. He later was appointed as program director for Chatham University’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program. Two years later, Edsall was asked to also serve as the founding program director for Chatham University’s new MSAT program.
Edsall reflects, “I was given the opportunity to design and build a brand new MSAT program from the ground up and steer it through the [Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education] (CAATE) accreditation process.”
The education, mentorship, and leadership the RMUoHP faculty showed Edsall during his own PhD program instilled a supportive and familial bond between his class that influenced Edsall’s own perspective on education and style of leadership.
“I have brought that same feeling of support and “family” into the two programs that I am responsible for now and have seen tremendous success and support between students and between students and faculty,” said Edsall.
After developing and starting the MSAT program, Edsall was able to hire another RMUoHP graduate as the coordinator of clinical education. Their first cohort of students graduated last April and the program earned the maximum five year accreditation.
And not only do his students conduct high volume and level research, Edsall also dedicates time to his own research. He is a part of collaborative research projects on the effect of caffeine on performance in humans, and very close to submitting movement screening and injury prediction research for peer review.
His passion and dedication for education and research is evidenced by Edsall’s professing that one of his biggest accomplishments was “defending my dissertation and earning my PhD, which might only be second to becoming a husband and father to four amazing daughters.”
Edsall continues to keep his RMUoHP family relations strong as he serves as a member on the RMUoHP Alumni Association Board. Edsall refers to his choice to attend RMUoHP as the greatest decision of his life. “I am thankful everyday for all I have learned and achieved directly as a result of the program, the faculty, and the university,” said Edsall.
