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CU-Lock Haven student develops clinical skills working with athletic trainers at the University of Michigan

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (08/06/2025) — In May of 2023, Nicholas Marino, of Warren Center, received a bachelor's degree in the 3+2 pre-athletic training track from Commonwealth University-Lock Haven. Shortly thereafter, in May of 2025, Marino graduated with a master's degree in athletic training.

During his final semester in the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program at CU-Lock Haven, Marino completed an immersive clinical experience at the University of Michigan (UM).

Throughout his time at UM, Marino developed his clinical skills, while learning from athletic trainers providing medical care to the back-to-back defending Big10 men's lacrosse champions. During this experience, Marino's duties included evaluating and diagnosing injuries, creating and implementing athletes' therapeutic rehabilitation programs, providing emergency care if needed, consulting with other health care providers to ensure optimal care of the student athletes, attending all daily practices and both home and away games.

Marino worked closely with his preceptor and UM men's lacrosse athletic trainer, Anthony Rossi, DAT, AT, ATC, CSCS, NREMT. "Nick was a huge help during the season," Rossi said. "I enjoyed having him around and watching him connect so well with the athletes."

Marino was also introduced to several treatment options that he had not previously worked with. The most prominent being one that Rossi uses quite often, which is dry needling. Dry needling is a type of soft tissue treatment where very thin needles are placed in muscles for a short period of time to help improve healing and relieve pain.

"Having an opportunity to work at an institution with world-class health care providers was such an amazing experience," Marino said. "Not only did I learn valuable clinical skills that will assist me throughout my career, but I also established incredible bonds with many of the lacrosse players."

"Being hundreds of miles away from home the first few weeks were tough for me because I didn't know anyone," Marino added. "These guys made me feel right at home and never failed to put a smile on my face. I will definitely cherish this opportunity for a lifetime."

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