Dr. Erika McKinney
Clinical Associate Professor of Athletic Training
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TEACHES IN THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM(S)
Athletic Training (MSAT)
Biography
Dr. Erika McKinney received a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training and Health Education from Otterbein University (2006), a Master’s in Exercise Science from Marshall University (2008), an Education Specialist degree from Piedmont University (2017), and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University (2020). She became a Certified Athletic Trainer in 2007 and a Certified Health Education Specialist in 2022. During her career, she has been a practicing athletic trainer at several universities and a professional arena football team. Her research interests include high-fidelity manikin simulations in athletic training education to enhance student knowledge and self-confidence in treating emergency and general medical conditions.
Education
- Piedmont University, EdD in Curriculum and Instruction
- Piedmont University, EdS in Curriculum and Instruction
- Marshall University, MS in Exercise Science
- Otterbein University, BA in Athletic Training and Health Education
Areas of Specialization
Therapeutic modalities, general medical conditions in the athlete, emergency medicine, health promotion, and health education.
Scholarly and Professional Achievements
Published dissertation through ProQuest:
Title: The Effects of High-Fidelity Manikin Simulation on Athletic Training Students’ Perceived Self-Efficacy in Caring for Traumatic Brain Injuries
What is your teaching style?
My teaching style is to help students gain a deep understanding by approaching their learning from multiple different angles. Not everyone learns the same way. It is my job to figure out how each of my students learns and use different strategies to get everyone in the classroom to a place of understanding. It is crucial that students know how to do skills, but it is also important that they understand why we do it that way. Knowing how to do something is great, but understanding why makes you a great clinician.
Why do you do what you do?
I love athletic training and teaching. The connections I build with my patients and students are why I love my job. There is nothing better than helping a patient heal or a student learn.
How do you make learning engaging?
Learning is engaging when it is fun, positive, and purposeful. Learning through experiences is always better than learning through reading a textbook or listening to me talk. When a student knows why something is important to learn, and the process is positive, the most difficult topics can be mastered.
What should students know about you?
My husband and I have one daughter who is the cutest, funniest, most amazing human. I love animals, colorful things, and exploring new places to have fun as a family.