Courtney McTague
Off to a Prestigious Position
Courtney McTague graduated in the first class of Merrimack’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program, landing a prestigious internship as a certified athletic trainer intern at The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
She assists the assistant director of sports medicine in duties ranging from acute and emergency care to performing examinations, diagnosing injuries, and providing rehabilitation care on behalf of the school’s midshipmen.
For as long as Courtney remembers, she’s always wanted to work either in a military setting or in college athletics; her upcoming internship represents a melding of the two. With family members in different branches of the service, Courtney said she’s happy she’ll be able to give back to servicemen and women.
“I learned a lot about myself and the type of clinician I want to become. From emergency care to ongoing rehabilitation, my preceptor allowed me to provide comprehensive care and take on my own patient load. This opportunity enhanced my confidence in providing quality care throughout the phases of injury, while working with a wide array of athletes at various states in their recovery.”
All the Tools to be Successful
Courtney completed her first clinical experience at Melrose High School (MA) where she worked directly with the school’s athletic trainer in diagnosing and treating injuries. During her second year of study she was fully immersed in the collegiate setting—working with the Harvard University women’s rugby program.
“What interests me the most,” says Courtney, “are the different types of injuries and the anatomy aspect. Being able to dissect each injury, knowing the healing process in order to treat the injury, and getting the athlete back onto the field as quickly as possible makes our job worth every moment.”
In addition to the clinical experience, Courtney believes that it’s also the faculty that helped her reach her goal of becoming an athletic trainer.
“Each and every one of the faculty are extremely passionate about what they teach. If you need help in a specific area, they are willing to go the extra mile to make sure the content is understood, and you feel confident in the material. I enjoyed the individualized attention that Merrimack gives to each of their students in the MSAT program.”
