In its first year, the Sports Medicine program at Sanford Regional Technical Center is opening multiple career pathways at once. Whether students ultimately pursue athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or another healthcare profession, they're building the same essential foundation: anatomy knowledge, injury assessment skills, and real-world clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings. The two-year program combines classroom instruction with authentic clinical experiences that prepare students for competitive healthcare programs. Students learn anatomy and physiology, emergency management, injury prevention and assessment, acute care, basic rehabilitation, and safe return-to-play practices. The curriculum develops critical thinking skills, professional documentation, and communication abilities through both classroom activities and on-field observations. Bella McCall, a senior from Sanford High School, is part of the program's first class. "I wasn't planning on doing an SRTC program until my junior year when I heard that the Sports Medicine program was going to be added," McCall shared. "I am happy that I get the opportunity to be a part of the first year of the class!" The hands-on experiences extend well beyond observation. In the classroom and lab setting, students practice injury evaluation, taping, splinting, basic wound care, suturing, casting, CPR, and first aid. McCall particularly enjoys these practical activities. "I get to learn anatomy to prepare me for college and participate in some cool hands-on activities," she explained. "For example, we learned how to cast on each other's arms and legs. We all signed each other's casts and brought them home." Students also work with instructor Jessie Giordano covering athletic events and shadow professionals at area schools, hospitals, and physical therapy clinics. These real-world clinical opportunities allow students to connect classroom concepts to actual patient care situations, building confidence before they enter college programs. McCall plans to pursue Exercise Science next year "with the hopes of becoming a physical or occupational therapist." All students earn CPR and First Aid certifications and have the opportunity to complete a three-credit dual enrollment Anatomy and Physiology course through a local college. These credentials provide a strong foundation for future healthcare education. Giordano, a Certified Athletic Trainer with 16 years of experience at Sanford High School and MaineHealth, brings extensive expertise to the program. In 2025, she received the Bill Cox Service Award, which recognizes athletic trainers in Maine for enhanced healthcare delivery and significant contributions to the profession. She continues practicing as an athletic trainer, providing coverage for local schools and state tournaments. For Giordano, transitioning from clinical work to classroom teaching has been an adjustment, but a rewarding one. "This is the first time in my life teaching in a classroom setting," she said. Still, watching her students grow has reignited her passion for the field. "The connection between the content in the classroom and being able to see it on actual athletes on field during games is so rewarding to see."

SRTC Program Highlight: Sports Medicine

Sanford School Department

February 6, 2026

In its first year, the Sports Medicine program at Sanford Regional Technical Center is opening multiple career pathways at once. Whether students ultimately pursue athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or another healthcare profession, they're building the same essential foundation: anatomy knowledge, injury assessment skills, and real-world clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings.

The two-year program combines classroom instruction with authentic clinical experiences that prepare students for competitive healthcare programs. Students learn anatomy and physiology, emergency management, injury prevention and assessment, acute care, basic rehabilitation, and safe return-to-play practices. The curriculum develops critical thinking skills, professional documentation, and communication abilities through both classroom activities and on-field observations.

Bella McCall, a senior from Sanford High School, is part of the program's first class. "I wasn't planning on doing an SRTC program until my junior year when I heard that the Sports Medicine program was going to be added," McCall shared. "I am happy that I get the opportunity to be a part of the first year of the class!"

The hands-on experiences extend well beyond observation. In the classroom and lab setting, students practice injury evaluation, taping, splinting, basic wound care, suturing, casting, CPR, and first aid. McCall particularly enjoys these practical activities. "I get to learn anatomy to prepare me for college and participate in some cool hands-on activities," she explained. "For example, we learned how to cast on each other's arms and legs. We all signed each other's casts and brought them home."

Students also work with instructor Jessie Giordano covering athletic events and shadow professionals at area schools, hospitals, and physical therapy clinics. These real-world clinical opportunities allow students to connect classroom concepts to actual patient care situations, building confidence before they enter college programs. McCall plans to pursue Exercise Science next year "with the hopes of becoming a physical or occupational therapist."

All students earn CPR and First Aid certifications and have the opportunity to complete a three-credit dual enrollment Anatomy and Physiology course through a local college. These credentials provide a strong foundation for future healthcare education.

Giordano, a Certified Athletic Trainer with 16 years of experience at Sanford High School and MaineHealth, brings extensive expertise to the program. In 2025, she received the Bill Cox Service Award, which recognizes athletic trainers in Maine for enhanced healthcare delivery and significant contributions to the profession. She continues practicing as an athletic trainer, providing coverage for local schools and state tournaments.

For Giordano, transitioning from clinical work to classroom teaching has been an adjustment, but a rewarding one. "This is the first time in my life teaching in a classroom setting," she said. Still, watching her students grow has reignited her passion for the field. "The connection between the content in the classroom and being able to see it on actual athletes on field during games is so rewarding to see."