“Athletic trainers are a unique, specialized group of healthcare professionals prepped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to care for diverse patients and populations in a variety of settings. One of my favorite facts about athletic trainers is that we have the skill set to work with a patient through the entire process of an injury—from evaluating and diagnosing the injury, to rehabilitating the injury, to safely returning the patient to physical activity—whether that patient is participating in organized sports, recreational activities, or even trying to go back to work. Athletic trainers can go on to specialize in anything from emergency triage, orthopedics, rehabilitation, prevention and wellness, and many other areas of specialty. I love teaching in the professional program so I can share all the potential professional career paths with athletic training students.”

Title

Director, Master of Science in Athletic Training Program; Assistant Professor of Athletic Training

Educational Background 

• Ed.D. Leadership, Spalding University – Louisville KY
• MA in Exercise Science, Ball State University – Muncie, IN 
• BA in Athletic Training, Franklin College – Franklin, IN

Year Joined Franklin

2020 

Expertise

I enjoy teaching about the evaluation and management of concussion injuries, including return to play guidelines. Healthcare administration and leadership strategies have become a primary focus of mine in recent years, specifically to improve diversity in the healthcare profession and to advocate for the health needs of all patients. 

Professional Experience

I have worked as an athletic trainer at both college and high school levels. Additionally, I have experience in the industrial setting, physician office setting and as a coordinator of sports medicine services for a large hospital system in Indianapolis. Prior to arriving at Franklin College, I served as the Clinical Education Coordinator and Assistant Professor for four and a half years at Spalding University in their Master of Science in Athletic Training Program. At Spalding, I had the opportunity to mentor and teach a racially diverse student population and participated in the university’s Talking Race group, which provided a platform for faculty and staff to come together to discuss racial issues in the community and on campus.  

Selected Professional Accomplishments

Service

Board of Certification Exam Development Committee, 2018 – present 

HOSA Future Health Professionals Judge, 2018

Presentations

Franklin, T. Perceptions from professional master’s athletic training students: identifying barriers to success. [Ed.D Leadership Capstone Defense]. Louisville, KY: Spalding University: December 2020

Franklin, T., Pletz. S. Ethical and legal considerations in athletic training, Spalding University Athletic Training Educators’ Seminar, Louisville, KY; July, 2019

Franklin, T. Leadership considerations in athletic training. Spalding University Athletic Training Educators’ Seminar, Louisville, KY; June 2018

Franklin, T. Working with the auto racing athlete: An Athletic Trainer’s Perspective. Norton Sports Health Sports Symposium, Louisville, KY; June, 2017

Franklin, T. The professional master’s athletic training program model: Bridging the education gap between former undergraduate models and master’s level programs. Spalding University Athletic Training Educators’ Seminar, Louisville, KY; June 2017

Franklin, T. Professionalism in the entry level athletic trainer. Spalding University Athletic Training Educators’ Seminar, Louisville, KY; June 2017

Mallon, B., Greene, D., Kirchhoff, R., Franklin, T. Athletes Saving Athletes – Advocates for Injured Athletes. Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association, Chicago, IL; 2016

Franklin, T. The ACL in the female athlete.  Indiana Athletic Trainers Association, Indianapolis, IN; Fall, 2006, 

Honors and Awards

2019, NATA Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee Grant Award

2019, NATA Foundation DIX Chuck and Patty Kimmel Research Scholarship Award

2018, MSAT Program Teaching Excellence Award, Spalding University 

2016, Sports Medicine “Fire Starter” Award, Community Health Network

2013, Sports Medicine Employee of the Year, Community Health Network

2013, Relationship Builder Award, Community Health Network

2013, Most Productive School Partner Award, Community Health Network

2009, Matthew B. Roush Memorial Scholarship Award, Ball State Athletic Training Program

What Students Say

”Awesome instructor! Very knowledgeable and answered any question asked. Was open with communication and always willing to help.” anonymous student, Spalding University MSAT

“Tiffany is very respectful and definitely promoted a respectful atmosphere. When it came to communicating things to us, everything was clear. If we needed help taping, or with anything she constantly let us know that she would help. Any questions we had she would answer them and not only answer the question but tell why it was that answer.” Anonymous student, Spalding University MSAT

In My Spare Time…

I love spending time with my family and pets. I enjoy getting outside to play with my son, go for a hike, camp or play with my dog. I am an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and my favorite time of year is December when we visit Pittsburgh to attend a Steelers and Penguins game.