Chyrsten Gessel

Chyrsten is an Associate Professor and Athletic Trainer in the Athletic Training and Sports Medicine Department and the Clinical Education Coordinator for the Master of Athletic Training Program. As a dual-appointed employee, Chyrsten splits her time between the classroom and clinical setting.

As an Associate Professor, Chyrsten typically teaches 2-4 classes a semester. She believes in hands-on learning and enjoys seeing her students apply their knowledge in real-world situations in the classroom and clinical experiences. In the undergraduate sports medicine degree, Chyrsten teaches medical terminology. In the Master of Athletic Training Program Chyrsten teaches Orthopedic Assessment & Evaluation, Research and Design, clinical education courses, and guest lectures on topics like cultural competence and evidence-based medicine. She advises students in both the Bachelor or Sports Medicine and Master of Athletic Training programs. Chyrsten enjoys seeing her students get involved in athletic training organizations and has taken students to the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association Student Symposium many times. In 2022 she was awarded the Marietta College Innovative Teaching Award.

As Clinical Education Coordinator, Chyrsten works closely with students to identify clinical experiences that will enhance their learning. She also works closely with preceptors to provide a student-centered learning environment in each clinical experience. Additionally, she collaborates with community partners to provide supplemental experiences in behavioral health, emergency medicine, chiropractic care, rehabilitation and surgical interventions. She believes in the program mission of the Master of Athletic Training Program and strives to obtain clinical sites, preceptors, and experience that help create students that are qualified healthcare professionals who implement evidence-based, patient-centered care in collaboration with interprofessional teams.

Along with her educational duties, Chyrsten works as a clinical athletic trainer, providing healthcare to the women’s lacrosse team. She enjoys building relationships with patients and working with them to meet their health goals.

Professionally, Chyrsten is a member of the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association, Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association, and National Athletic Trainers’ Association. She serves on the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association Research & Grants committee and is the District 4 Representative for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Professional Education Committee. Chyrsten also assists in the development and facilitation of the Marietta College Athletic Training Symposium. She is a peer reviewer for the International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training and the Clinical Practice in Athletic Training Journals.