Lock Haven Graduate Gains Division I Experience and Advocates for Athletic Training Profession

Recent Commonwealth University–Lock Haven Athletic Training graduate Brendan Carter has built an impressive foundation for his career by combining clinical skill, hands-on learning, and national advocacy for the profession.

Before entering CU–Lock Haven’s Athletic Training program, Carter earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from CU–Bloomsburg, where he also played multiple sports in high school and competed on the men’s club volleyball team. His passion for both medicine and athletics ultimately led him to pursue Athletic Training.

During his two years in Lock Haven’s program, Carter took part in a wide range of immersive clinical experiences, including rotations with State College Area High School fall sports, Lock Haven men’s and women’s basketball, Lycoming College football, Lock Haven’s rehabilitation clinic, and a full-immersion internship at Georgetown University.

Across these settings, he gained exposure to chronic and acute injuries, along with environmental illnesses.

Carter’s final clinical placement—his full-immersion semester at Georgetown University, a Division I program in the Big East Conference—was especially transformative.

Working with the Hoyas’ men’s basketball and lacrosse teams under licensed Athletic Trainers Ben Reisz, LAT, ATC, NASM-CES, and Erin Pettinger, MS Ed, ATC, CES, he evaluated and diagnosed orthopedic injuries, provided hands-on treatment, implemented exercise prescriptions, and communicated daily with his preceptors and sports medicine staff.

The experience also introduced him to new rehabilitation techniques, collaborative care with physical therapists and physicians, and travel opportunities.

“Getting to be at Georgetown was an amazing experience,” Carter said. “Getting to experience Division I athletics was a dream come true. I was able to grow so much as a person and professional during my time at Georgetown University.”

Carter also expanded his influence beyond the clinic. During the spring 2025 semester, he participated in the NATA Leadership Fly-In in Washington, D.C., meeting with congressional staffers for Rep. Jeff Van Drew and Rep. Donald Norcross to discuss the profession’s needs and future.

“Having the opportunity to advocate for the athletic training profession on a national level was an experience I won’t forget,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to advocate for the profession regionally and nationally.”

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