Athletic Training alum now using education, skills in NFL
Monday, March 8, 2021
Erik Arve, a 2020 graduate of OSU Center for Health Sciences master’s in Athletic Training program, said working as a seasonal athletic trainer for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints is an engaging challenge.
“The sport of football at this level presents unique demands that are not found in other health care settings. Understanding the demands of the sport allows us to work backwards and meet the athlete wherever they are in their rehabilitation process while providing a framework to get back to the field,” Arve said.
Before earning his degree at OSU-CHS, Arve was a physical therapist and conditioning coach. And while he always appreciated working with athletic trainers, his interest in becoming one didn’t start until he provided physical therapy services at a local high school.
“I worked very closely with the athletic trainer there and was able to experience the profession in a way I had not before,” he said. “The next logical step for me was to complete an entry level master’s program in athletic training in order to gain that skillset.”
When Arve began researching athletic training programs to enroll in, the two things that were important to him were a knowledgeable and accomplished faculty and quality clinical experiences.
“OSU-CHS provided both of these. All the faculty have worked, or still continue to work, as athletic trainers,” he said. “I felt challenged throughout the program and grew as a clinician. I was able to have a strong influence on my clinical placements, so they were tailored toward my professional goals.”
Arve said his experience at OSU-CHS was outstanding and he received an excellent education in emergency care, sports and orthopedic rehabilitation, as well as several other areas.
"The ability to participate in fully immersive clinical experiences was also a valuable component. I didn’t have to worry about balancing classroom hours with clinical hours. When I was at my clinical site, I was able to fully participate in all aspects of the experience."
It was also an advantageous and unique experience attending a program associated with a college of osteopathic medicine.
“Additionally, the Athletic Training program utilizes faculty and resources from the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. We were taught how to intubate, start IVs and were able to practice emergency care on simulation mannikins,” he said.
The training and education he received at OSU-CHS has helped him find success in a career doing what he loves.
“Sports medicine and performance are topics in which I am truly interested. The opportunity to practice in a setting like the NFL allows me to work at the top of my skillset while still pushing to improve all the facets of my professional abilities,” he said. “I also enjoy building relationships with the players, coaches and staff. The highlights of my career so far have been the relationships and memories I have made along the way. Whether they play on national television or work behind the scenes, the people are always what make the difference.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Sara Plummer | Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | sara.plummer@okstate.edu