Bio

Mark Vrba is in his 21st year as the Head Athletic Trainer at NIACC. 

Vrba began his career at NIACC in the fall of 2002 when he was contracted out by MercyOne – North Iowa from 2002-2008 as the NIACC Head Athletic Trainer while also serving as a clinical athletic trainer in the MercyOne Sports Medicine department.

During this time, Vrba also did some outreach coverage of local area high schools and was the Director of the Frappier Acceleration Sports Training Program at MercyOne.

In 2008, Vrba left MercyOne and was hired full time as the NIACC Head Athletic Trainer.

In addition to being the Head Athletic Trainer, Vrba is also the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator and an Adjunct Instructor in the Physical Fitness and Wellness program at NIACC.

As the strength & conditioning coordinator, Vrba designs, implements, and oversees all performance enhancement programs for the athletic teams. As an adjunct instructor, Vrba focuses his teaching in the areas of exercise science and sports medicine.

Vrba graduated from The University of Northern Iowa in 2002 with a BA in Athletic Training and a BA in Biology and shortly after obtained his Athletic Training Certification from the National Athletic Trainers Association. 

In 2003 while working for MercyOne – North Iowa, Vrba obtained his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credentials from the National Strength & Conditioning Association. 

In 2005, Vrba obtained his MS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion with an emphasis in Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention from California University of Pennsylvania. 

Over the years, Vrba has continued to grow as a professional by obtaining credentials and certifications as a Performance Enhancement Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and a Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Vrba is married and resides in Mason City with his wife Jenny and their awesome cat Roamer. Vrba and his wife enjoy working out and participating in many outdoor activities, especially road races. Jenny also trains and competes as a triathlete.