Sara Bjerke

Biography

Sara E. Bjerke earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of North Dakota and a Master of Science in Exercise Science from Northern Michigan University. Following graduate school, Sara spent 17 years with Altru Health System, serving as the athletic trainer for Grand Forks Red River High School. In 2014, Sara returned to her alma mater, joining the University of North Dakota Department of Sports Medicine. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor and athletic trainer, providing care for UND student-athletes while teaching, advising, and mentoring athletic training students. As a preceptor and educator, she has played a significant role in shaping the professional development of future athletic trainers through classroom instruction, clinical supervision, and career mentorship.

Sara’s influence extends well beyond her clinical and academic roles through sustained service to the profession. She has served in numerous leadership positions at the state, district, and national levels, including Secretary of the Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Directors, member of the NATA Political Action Committee Board of Directors, North Dakota Board of Athletic Trainers, and currently the incoming chair of the NATA District Secretaries & Treasurers committee. She also served on the NATA’s State Association Advisory Committee and held leadership roles with the North Dakota Athletic Trainers’ Association, including Vice President, President, and Executive Director.

Her dedication has been recognized with several honors, including two Hall of Fame inductions. In 2022, she was inducted into the North Dakota Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame becoming the first female inductee, and the Mid American Athletic Trainers Assocation Hall of Fame in 2026.  Other awards include the MAATA Service Award, the MAATA Ethnically Diverse and Female Recognition Award, and the NATA Athletic Training Service Award. 

Sara is married to fellow athletic trainer, Jeff, and they have three boys, Jack, John, and Sam.