California Baptist University athletics has continued to evolve as teams enter new conferences and compete at higher levels. As athletics grows, students preparing to work with athletes are gaining experience through CBU’s kinesiology and athletic training programs.
CBU’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program prepares students for careers working with athletes and other patients through classroom instruction and clinical experience.
Dr. Jolene Dickert, clinical coordinator for athletic training, helps prepare students for the professional responsibilities they will encounter after graduation.
“The whole program is geared towards preparing them for the real world. We really expose them to what is most up to date,” Dickert said.
Clinical experiences are a significant part of the program and give students opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom.
“They do six to eight clinical experiences […] about a total of 1,200 to 1,500 hours during their six semesters,” Dickert said.
The program also incorporates CBU’s faith-based mission into students’ preparation for working with patients.
“One of the other things I really want my students to get out of my classes is obviously about their faith and how they integrate that into their clinical practice and how they look at the patient as a whole person and not just that injury that occurred, but how does that injury affect all of their aspects,” Dickert said.
Students in the program have opportunities to apply that approach through their clinical experiences and career preparation.
Ofaloto Kinukumaanu Pinomi, graduate student, received his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from CBU in 2025 before continuing into the athletic training program.
“I heard about CBU’s athletic training program, and I knew I wanted to come here for my bachelor’s so I could hopefully continue into the master’s program,” Pinomi said.
Pinomi said the variety of experiences within the program has shaped his development as a student.
“Getting to work with different athletes and in different settings has definitely helped me become more comfortable and confident as a future athletic trainer,” Pinomi said.
Students in kinesiology can also apply what they learn in careers beyond athletic training.
Anthony Rivera, senior kinesiology major and personal trainer, has developed an interest in working with a range of clients.
“My biggest interest is actually working with the general population through personal training and online fitness coaching,” Rivera said.
Rivera said his time at CBU has influenced his growth both personally and professionally.
“CBU has helped me learn how to interact with people in a way that integrates my faith with the way I work and serve others,” Rivera said.
The kinesiology and athletic training programs give students opportunities to develop professional skills, gain hands-on experience and explore different career paths. Faith integration also encourages students to consider how they can care for and serve the people they work with beyond their immediate physical needs.
