Category: Higher Education

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Hope College professor Kirk Brumels contributes to athletic training book

Article reposted from Holland Sentinel
Author: Holland Sentinel Staff

A Hope College professor is among the authors who contributed to a book for athletic trainers.

Kirk Brumels, Ph.D., a professor of kinesiology and chairperson of the department as well as a member of the athletic training staff at Hope College, is among the authors who contributed chapters to the book, “Workplace Concepts for Athletic Trainers.”

The book addresses common concepts and issues that occur in the workplace for athletic trainers and is designed for athletic training students transitioning into a clinical practice or clinicians seeking help. It has been published by SLACK Inc. of Thorofare, N.J., and was edited by Stephanie M. Mazerolle, Ph.D., and William A. Pitney. Ph.D.

“Workplace Concepts for Athletic Trainers” is divided into three sections. Each chapter begins with learning objectives and includes a discussion of the issue itself, how it manifests and strategies and solutions to address the concern.

Brumels’s chapter, “Role Complexities in the Workplace,” discusses role theory relating to how athletic trainers exist and behave in the roles they fulfill within their workplace. It involves descriptions of the multiple difficulties that individuals may encounter in performing their expected roles according to established norms, and provides suggestions for creating productive and engaging work environments.

Brumels, who is a licensed Michigan athletic trainer as well as a certified NATA member, has been an athletic training professional for more than a quarter century and a member of the Hope faculty since 2001. He has chaired the college’s department of kinesiology since 2014 and previously served as program director of athletic training education and as head athletic trainer at Hope.

In addition to teaching, he conducts research in athletic training, including collaboratively with students at the college. His other publications include co-authoring the fourth edition of the textbook “Developing Clinical Proficiency in Athletic Training: A Modular Approach” and co-authoring nine chapters in the textbook “Core Concepts in Athletic Training and Therapy,” as well as numerous articles in scholarly journals. Through the years, he has made multiple presentations on his research or aspects of athletic training during MATS, GLATA, and the NATA Annual Meetings and/or Symposiums.

More information about “Workplace Concepts for Athletic Trainers” is available at slackbooks.com. Copies may also be ordered through the college’s Hope-Geneva Bookstore, which is on the ground level of the DeWitt Center, 141 E. 12th St., and can be called at 800-946-4673 or 616-395-7833 or emailed at bookstore@hope.edu.

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Bethel Receives 10 Year Accreditation

Article reposted from Bethel University
Author: Lauren Pareigat

The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) has completed its site visit and comprehensive review of the athletic training program at Bethel University and has granted the athletic training program 10 years of continuing accreditation.

In their report, the CAATE site visitors listed several strengths of the program, including the commitment of the faculty, staff, and preceptors to the athletic training students’ value-driven education; overwhelming administrative support for the athletic training program that is essential to the growth and continued development of the program; and most importantly, that the mission of Bethel University is fully embraced and exemplified by the faculty, staff, and students.

Mark Merrick, president of CAATE, praised the efforts made in maintaining excellence within the program. “The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education recognizes the faculty, staff, and administrators at Bethel University for their commitment to the advancement of education in athletic training, as well as your dedication to the preparation of qualified athletic training professionals,” Merrick said.

This level of excellence in Bethel’s athletic training program to prepare students was underscored when every student in this year’s graduating class passed the Board of Certification exam on the first attempt.

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Lenoir-Rhyne University Receives Continuing CAATE Accreditation

Article Reposted from Lenoir Rhyne University
Author: LRUMarketing

The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) has granted the Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletic Training Program 10 years of continuing accreditation. LRU offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Athletic Training program designed to integrate clinical and didactic experiences to promote critical thinking, psychomotor skill and collaboration to prepare students to serve as professionals in the field of athletic training.

According to Dr. Michael McGee, Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Program Director of Athletic Training, the continuing accreditation was granted following an 18-month self-study review that examined all aspects of the program including curriculum, experiential learning, teaching methods, supervision as well as student learning and outcomes. It also involved a two and half day on-campus visit by an external review team who interviewed faculty and students and toured learning facilities.

“This continuing accreditation is an indication of the high-quality standards maintained by Lenoir-Rhyne’s Athletic Training Program,” Dr. McGee said. “”The commission found that our program met all of the nationally recognized standards for entry-level athletic training education.”

Dr. McGee added that accreditation is an essential component of the program in that it allows students to apply for the Board of Certification (BOC) Certification Exam for athletic trainers after they graduate.

In a letter to the University, Dr. Mark Merrick, President of CAATE stated, “The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education recognizes the faculty, staff, and administrators at Lenoir-Rhyne University for their commitment to the advancement of education in Athletic Training, as well as their dedication to the preparation of qualified Athletic Training professionals.”

In accordance with CAATE regulations and to ensure continued compliance, Lenoir-Rhyne is required to submit annual reports regarding its Athletic Training Program to the commission.

Since its initial accreditation in 2011, 36 students have completed the Athletic Training Program at LRU which continues to attract students from across the region. Over the past three years, the LRU Athletic Training Program has maintained a 100% first-time pass rate on the BOC Certification Exam. In addition to the curriculum, the program offers practicum courses through partnering clinical sites to provide students invaluable experience, working alongside professionals in the field.

McGee added, “The successful accreditation review would not have been possible without the efforts of our students and preceptors. A special thank you goes to Dr. Stephanie Stadden, Chair of the School of Health, Exercise and Sport Science and Professor Amanda Hilton for incredible assistance completing the self-study process”.

The Athletic Training Program is offered through the Lenoir-Rhyne’s College of Health Sciences, and is housed in the School of Health, Exercise, and Sport Science. For more information, visit http://www.lr.edu/at.

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PITNEY NAMED ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR RESEARCH, RESOURCES AND INNOVATION

Article reposted from NIU Today
Author: NIU Today

William A. Pitney has been named Associate Dean of Research, Resources and Innovation at the NIU College of Education, effective July 1.
wpitney

William Pitney

Currently a professor in the Athletic Training Program within the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, (KNPE), Pitney’s research focuses on employment issues experienced by athletic trainers in various practice settings. As such he has investigated professional socialization, role strain, work-family conflict, mentoring, and professional development. His administrative experience includes director of resources and planning in KNPE, athletic training program director, president of the faculty senate, and executive secretary of the university council.

“I am so pleased that Bill will be taking on the role of Associate Dean for Research, Resources and Innovation,” Dean Laurie Elish-Piper said.  “He approaches his work with a trustee mentality and his leadership from a servant-leader perspective, and I am confident that he will be able to make many meaningful contributions to help lead the College into the future.”

In his new role, Pitney will lead several initiatives on behalf of the college, to include: leading the development of a research cluster focused on innovation in teacher education; developing and overseeing professional development, mentoring, and job coaching for faculty and staff and creating new innovative faculty initiatives related to e-learning and other methods of delivery for courses, conferences, and symposia.

Prior to NIU, Pitney worked as an athletic trainer at the clinical, high school, and intercollegiate settings. He has since spent 21 years as a faculty member at NIU where he has had a consistent record of productivity including over 60 refereed journal publications, four textbooks and dozens of presentations. Moreover, he has held professional leadership posts as the Editor-in-Chief of the Athletic Training Education Journal, section editor of the Journal of Athletic Training, chair of the Board of Certification’s Task Force on Continuing Professional Education. Pitney’s role as an educator and scholar has earned him many recognitions including the 2013 Outstanding Educator Award from the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association, the 2013 Dedicated Service Award from the Illinois Athletic Trainers’ Association, the 2015 Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), and, later this month, he will received the 2016 Sayers “Bud” Miller Distinguished Educator Award from the NATA’s Executive Committee on Education.

Regarding this new appointment, Pitney shared, “Our college has exceptional faculty and staff. I am honored and excited to be in this leadership position to work collaboratively with such great individuals. I look forward to playing a role in fulfilling the vision of making the College of Education the best place to study, teach, work, serve, and conduct research. I will strive, therefore, to create an environment that promotes research and scholarly activity, supports professional development, and encourages innovation.”

He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education (with specialization in athletic training) from Indiana State University; a master’s degree in physical education from Eastern Michigan University; and a doctorate in adult continuing education from Northern Illinois University.

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Marshall’s Center for Wellness in the Arts names directors

Four Marshall University faculty members have been named directors of the university’s Center for Wellness in the Arts.

To help manage the momentum behind the center for performing and visual artists, co-founders Nicole Perrone, associate professor of theatre, and Dr. Henning Vauth, associate professor of music, were appointed directors along with Dr. Karen McNealy, chair and program director of the Department of Communications Disorders, and Dr. Mark Timmons, assistant professor of athletic training.

Last year, more than 300 performing and visual arts students took part in the education, research and clinical services provided by the center, according to the directors. Music and theatre students attended performance anxiety workshops; theatre students received exercise training to sword fight and simultaneously deliver Shakespearean lines; voice students were screened for vocal nodules and muscle tension dysphonia; music students were offered hearing assessments and provided with ear plugs, courtesy of otolaryngologist Dr. Joseph Touma, to help reduce the sound level and the risk of hearing damage for musicians.

The success of the collaboration between the College of Arts and Media and the College of Health Professions has been welcome, but a bit surprising, said Don Van Horn, dean of the College of Arts and Media and Dr. Michael Prewitt, dean of the College of Health Professions.

“The Center for Wellness in the Arts has developed and matured faster than most thought it would,” said Van Horn. “We are at a point now where the faculty who envisioned the center need to be acknowledged and encouraged to cultivate their leadership. Equally important, as the center continues to grow and gain prominence, we need to be able to direct outside inquiries to those who are in the best position to share the message about the center.”

“No one really understood this would develop like it has, but students and faculty have been so willing to participate,” said Prewitt. “As the center continues to grow, we realize this isn’t just a small activity by two colleges. This is a real asset for Marshall, so we’ve made this step to promote the center on a larger scale. The CWA needs to be more visible as a true center for excellence.”

Perrone and Vauth, co-founders of the center, said the breadth of services now offered by the center surpass their wildest dreams.

“The continuous growth of the CWA into a comprehensive center that takes care of all aspects of artistic well-being, along with its emphasis on collaboration, is something very special and unique,” Vauth said.

Perrone, one of the state’s few certified teachers of the Alexander Technique, said she is most interested in students overcoming tension and anxiety that hinders their performances.

“I’m really excited about the work that I’m doing with Dr. Liz Casey in Health Sciences to help combat that performance anxiety,” Perrone said.

McNealy said her Communications Disorders students gain additional perspective from their work with the center.

“Oftentimes we are at the point where we work with disorders after they happen,” McNealy said. “The awareness that there are prevention strategies for the body and that people have control over issues they might develop, whether it’s hearing, voice, physical movement or psychology, is powerful for my students.”

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association has identified performing arts medicine as an area of growth for the athletic training profession, according to Timmons.

“The CWA provides an opportunity for entry-level athletic training students to gain exposure to the performing arts and for graduate students to gain significant experience working with the performing artist,” Timmons said. “These opportunities are points of distinction for Marshall’s Athletic Training program, and it’s something very few schools can offer their students.”

“We have a responsibility to our students to engender in each one a commitment to better health and wellness,” said Van Horn.

To learn more about Marshall’s Center for Wellness in the Arts, visit http://www.marshall.edu/cwaor e-mailcwa@marshall.edu.

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Steadman Clinic’s fellowship program celebrates 20 years

Once upon a time, athletic trainers were a bonus in sports, only to be found at top level athletic events. These days, athletic trainers are everywhere, and for good reason. They need to be.

While the sight of an athletic trainer on the sidelines of a sporting event is now commonplace, residency programs for athletic trainers have only been around since the mid-90s. The Steadman Clinic in Vail was among the first in the nation to offer an athletic training fellowship to post-graduate students; this year, that fellowship program celebrates 20 years. It has graduated more students than any athletic training fellowship in the country.

“It changed my life and my profession,” says Val Moody, a 2002 graduate of The Steadman Clinic athletic training fellowship program. “To this day I still use everything I learned at the clinic.”

Moody is now the director of athletic training at the University of Montana. She says those entering the field following a fellowship at The Steadman Clinic’s athletic training program benefit from the wide variety of situations they encounter.

“Going into the fellowship, most people have been working in traditional sports through the high school or college setting,” she said. “In the program in Vail you’re covering ultra marathons, hundred mile bike races, ski events on the mountain, rugby, lacrosse and the less traditional sports that are definitely high risk sports. It’s exposure and experience that you really would not get anywhere else.”

CONCUSSION EDUCATION

The athletic training fellowship is currently managed by a native to Eagle County, Eagle Valley High School graduate Brandie Martin. Martin said when she was growing up in Eagle, she didn’t know anyone who played lacrosse. Today, a group of kids walking the streets of Eagle Ranch holding lacrosse sticks is common sight.

With the evolution of sports in the area have come new trends, which Martin has been quick to recognize.

“We do see concussions in lacrosse,” she said.

Recently she helped develop a communitywide concussion protocol to help athletes return to sport safely after a concussion.

“Athletic trainers definitely play a critical role in the recognition, management and return to play in concussions,” she said.

So far this year, they’ve treated approximately 70 concussions in youth sports.

“It’s the second most common injury we see at the high school level,” Martin said. “Second to knee injuries.”

Martin says education is the most important factor in the prevention of concussions.

“That’s why we’re always trying to do community lectures and outreach on the topic,” she said.

IN THE OPERATING ROOM

These days, an athletic trainer’s workload extends far beyond the athletic field.

When Dr. Richard Steadman first moved to Vail, he brought with him an appreciation for the athletic trainer’s skill set.

“Dr. Steadman was familiar with what trainers were capable of doing in their training from his time working with the U.S. Ski Team,” Martin said. “He recognized early on that athletic trainers could also be used in the clinical setting, so our athletic trainers were then trained to help in the clinic, seeing patients.”

Since then, the role of an athletic trainer has extended into the operating room.

“Today we help assist the physician in the OR, as well as help run their clinics,” Martin said.

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Athletic Training seniors set high standard

This year’s Athletic Training Class of ‘16 has a lot to celebrate.

All seven of the graduating seniors – Anthony Bartko, Alexandra Norris, Josh Amburgey, Josselyn Cook, Jaclynne Abrecht, Taylor Brown and Brandon McNeil – have passed the Board of Certification national exam on their first attempt.

According to Assistant Professor and Clinical Education Coordinator Ryan Musgrave, this group far exceeds the national average pass rate of 78 percent.

“I’ve been so impressed with how much this class has grown, personally and professionally,” Ryan says. “Obviously, they‘re ready for graduate school and ready to tackle the real world.”

Heidelberg’s Athletic Training program has a strong record overall, with 100 percent of the graduating seniors passing the certification exam over the past five years, although not always on the first attempt.

Ryan’s assessment that the Class of ’16 is ready for grad school is right on target. Two of them have landed athletic training graduate assistant positions at Otterbein University and Muskingum University. Two more will be teaching assistants in athletic training programs at Kent State University and the University of New Mexico. One will pursue a doctorate in physical therapy at the University of Findlay and one will begin a physician assistant program at the University of Mount Union.

Now that’s impressive!

“We are all very proud of all of these graduates’ accomplishments and look forward to all of them living out the vision of leading a life of purpose with distinction,” says Trevor Bates, associate professor and director of the Athletic Training Program.

“Like their predecessors, these young men and women have responded to the rigorous academic and clinical challenges of the AT Program, setting a higher bar for future graduates,” Trevor says.

The students have earned the right start celebrating their accomplishments by building on several Athletic Training traditions. On the last day of classes May 3, they enjoyed the annual athletic training cookout, at which time the seniors presented their class gift to the program – a very nice vacuum cleaner and a slide board that will be used for rehabilitation of lower extremity injuries.

Since 2011, tradition also calls on the previous year’s graduating class to purchase and present graduation stoles to this year’s alumni-to-be, to be worn with their graduation regalia. This tradition began in 2011, the same year that Heidelberg established its chapter of Beta Gamma, the national athletic training honorary. Ashley Kessler, ’15, traveled to campus from her GA position at Wright State University to participate in the presentation ceremony on Wednesday, May 4.

“I feel a great sense of pride being a part of this,” Ashley says. “Not only have we graduated from this awesome place, but the stoles help us stand out at graduation. It’s a way to recognize them for all of their hard work.

“It makes us so happy to give back to them,” she says.

(Pictured from left to right: Stephanie Romie,’15, seniors Anthony Bartko, Jackie Abrecht, Alexandra Norris, Josselyn Cook, Josh Amburgey, Ashley Kessler, ’15) (Not pictured: seniors Brandon McNeil, Taylor Brown, Alex Vogel, ’15, Lauren Belliveau, ’15)

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Moffit Wins Professional Achievement Award

Moffit is an assistant professor of sport science and physical education (SSPE) and program director for the Professional Master of Science in Athletic Training program at Idaho State University. Her extensive educational achievements include her Bachelor of Science degree in health education, 1991 from ISU; a Master of Physical Education (MPE) degree with athletic training specialization, 1992 from Western Michigan University; a MPE in athletic administration, 2001 from ISU; and Ph.D. in kinesiology with emphasis in athletic training in 2008, Temple University. She currently serves as athletic trainer for Pocatello Orthopedic Sports Institute in Pocatello as well as assistant athletic trainer for Pocatello High School under the direction of Portneuf Medical Center.

While an undergraduate at ISU, she was an ISU Ambassador from 1988-1991 as well as an Associated Students of ISU senator in 1991. Moffit has been recognized as an Outstanding Young Woman of America, received the Outstanding Service – Congressional Youth Leadership Council in 1999 and Who’s Who Among American Teachers in 2000, 2002 and 2004. Other honors include Outstanding Mentor from the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, 20-Year Award from the National Athletic Trainer’s Association and Outstanding College Educator in 2015 from the Idaho Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Moffit is actively involved in programs and activities in the ISU College of Education and volunteers her time and talents for the Simplot Games, Bengal Triathlon, National Girls and Women in Sports and the Pocatello Marathon. She has been a presenter at Big Sky Athletic Training and Sports Medicine Conference, Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Accreditation Conference, National Athletic Trainer’s Association Educator’s Conference, Clinical Symposia and Athletic Training Expo.

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Houston Prepares Graduate Athletic Trainers

This May, 12 University of Houston students will proudly graduate with master’s degrees in athletic training. They are the first graduates of the program that began in 2014, and is newly accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  

An athletic trainer is a healthcare professional who collaborates with physicians. Athletic trainers provide prevention and emergency care, clinical diagnoses, therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation plans. No longer limited to college and high school positions, athletic trainers are in corporate roles offering fitness services, as well as health education and outreach.Yellen

“Having this recognition from CAATE means our program provides high quality training, education and experiential learning opportunities for the industry’s next generation of professionals,” said Josh Yellen, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance and director of the program. “Accreditation also makes our graduates immediately eligible for national certification and ready for a profession where athletic trainers are in demand.”

To be accredited, a program must meet 109 standards set by CAATE to ensure it is preparing professionals at the highest level. Those standards cover all aspects of the program from faculty to syllabus to evaluation. The process can take up to three years.

“The opportunities for our students are many simply because of where we’re located,” said Mark Knoblauch, clinical assistant professor and clinical education coordinator of the program. “We have a master’s program, at a Tier One university, in the fourth-largest city in the country, where both NASA and the Texas Medical Center are located.”AT

The Master’s in Athletic Training program, the first of its kind in Houston, was approved by the UH Board of Regents in 2013 and began accepting students the following year. The UH program includes studies in prevention and health promotion, clinical examination and diagnosis, acute care of injury and illness, as well as therapeutic interventions, healthcare administration and professional development. All students also complete up to 1,560 hours of clinical rotations with partner agencies that include, Memorial Hermann Medical Group, Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and The Ironman Sports Medicine Sports Institute, the Houston Texans, Houston Marathon and the Sugar Land Skeeters.

“Today’s healthcare model emphasizes prevention, and athletic trainers are the only medical profession that focuses on that aspect of health,” Yellen said. “Whether in a corporate environment, professional sports club, school, the military, Disney or NASA—all of which employ athletic trainers—our students will be competitive and successful.”

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Mattacola Receives Teaching Honor

Two University of Kentucky faculty members were honored yesterday at the 2016 Provost Outstanding Teaching Awards ceremony with awards recognizing their outstanding contributions to teaching and scholarship at UK.

Gary J. Ferland, professor of physics and astronomy in the UK College of Arts and Science, was awarded the 2016 Albert D. and Elizabeth H. Kirwan Memorial Prize, given each year to a faculty member in recognition of outstanding contributions to original research or scholarship.

Carl G. Mattacola, professor of rehabilitation sciences and division director of the graduate athletic training program in the UK College of Health Sciences, was presented the Sturgill Award, given each year to a graduate faculty member who has provided outstanding contributions to graduate education at UK.

Ferland is regarded as one of the most distinguished astrophysicists in the world. He has co-authored 282 peer-reviewed publications in his career, 52 since 2012. He developed Cloudy, a computer program funded by the National Science Foundation and NASA, used globally by astronomers to infer the physical nature of cosmic material from telescopic observations. Additionally, Ferland speaks at conferences and institutions all over the world, and received the honor of being a prestigious Leverhulme Visiting Professor last year.

“Our department is fortunate to have him on our faculty,” said Sumit Das, chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. “He is currently the most highly funded faculty member in our department. He has trained a large number of graduate and postdoctoral students, and has contributed much to the visibility of our department.”

The Kirwan Memorial Prize recognizes its namesakes’ collaborative research efforts, as well as Albert Kirwan’s endeavors at creating an environment at UK that promoted high quality research and scholarship.

Mattacola has served as the division director of graduate athletic training since 1999 and director of the rehabilitation sciences doctoral program since 2007. During this time, he has served on over 100 thesis committees, mentored a total of 154 graduate students on both master’s and doctoral levels, secured funding for graduate assistantships, and supported students in the presentations and publication of their work. Under Mattacola’s leadership, the athletic training program has received accreditation as a Post-Professional Athletic Training Program by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), the first graduate program to be accredited as such.

“I firmly believe (Dr. Mattacola) has made substantial, outstanding contributions to graduate education at UK,” wrote former student and current Old Dominion University faculty member Johanna Hoch. “Through his teaching, leadership and mentorship, Carl has given unequivocally to the University (of Kentucky).”

The Sturgill Award is named in honor of William B. Sturgill, who contributed to higher education through organizing and serving as president of the Hazard Independent College Foundation, in addition to working with legislators to develop the community college system in the Commonwealth.

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Gail Hairston, 859-257-3302, gail.hairston@uky.edu

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