Rate My Professor Molly Figgins

Dr. Molly M. McDonald Figgins serves as Associate Professor of Athletic Training and Athletic Training Program Director at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. She joined the Loras athletic training education program in 2015 as an assistant professor and clinical coordinator, advancing to the director role in 2017. Figgins holds a Ph.D. in health and human performance from Concordia University Chicago, completed in 2021; a Master of Science in athletic training from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, earned in 2006; and a Bachelor of Science in athletic training from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa, obtained in 2004. Certified by the Board of Certification (BOC) and licensed by the State of Iowa as an athletic trainer since 2004, she previously worked as an adjunct instructor of athletic training education at Clarke University and as corporate wellness team leader at Hines & Associates in Dubuque, Iowa. At Loras, she teaches graduate courses in the Master of Athletic Training program, including advanced care and prevention of athletic illness and injury, pathophysiology, and healthcare administration. Figgins oversees the CAATE-accredited program, which is recognized as the tri-state area's only graduate athletic training program.

Under Dr. Figgins' leadership, the two-year, 60-credit Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program emphasizes preparation for professional athletic training careers in healthcare, sports, wellness, and active populations. Students engage in hands-on clinical education experiences starting in the first semester, completing six sequential rotations in settings such as professional and collegiate sports teams, high schools, hospitals, clinics, performing arts, military, police, fire, EMS, and industrial environments, with a minimum of 50 hours per credit hour. The curriculum fosters research capabilities, requiring all students to design, implement, and present original research projects as posters or publications at local, state, or national levels, with participants securing numerous statewide and national academic competition awards. In July 2025, Figgins led eight graduate students to the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, representing Loras College. Her commitment enhances student professional development and interprofessional collaboration within the program's immersive learning model.