Tag: board of certification

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Carroll elected to Board of Certification for athletic trainers

Article reposted from The Flash Today
Author: BRAD KEITH

Mike Carroll might as well be a celebrity this week in Houston, where members of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) are gathered through Thursday for the 68th Clinical Symposia and Athletic Training Expo.

The assistant athletic director and head athletic trainer for Stephenville ISD, Carroll is a director-elect to the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer. He was elected last fall and will officially hold the title of director beginning next January.

Selection to the board provides Carroll another platform from which to promote athletic training to the public, something he has for years shown a passion for. Further, he will have a voice in the governance of all matters pertaining to the certification process of athletic trainers.

“To be elected to the Board of Certification is a tremendous honor, and to be able to represent all certified athletic trainers is a responsibility that I don’t take lightly,” said Carroll in a Tuesday night exchange of text messages. “The certification of athletic trainers and the maintenance of that certification are critical to the profession and the public that comes in contact with those certified athletic trainers.”

The Board of Certification was incorporated in 1989 “as a not-for-profit credentialing agency to provide a certification program for the entry level athletic training profession,” reads the “What is BOC” page on the organization’s website, bocatc.org. “The BOC establishes both the standards for the practice of athletic training and the continuing education requirements for BOC certified athletic trainers. The BOC also works with state regulatory agencies to provide credential information, professional conduct guidelines and regulatory standards on certification issues…”

The webpage further states, “The BOC exists so that healthcare professionals worldwide have access to globally recognized standards of competence and exceptional credentialing programs…”

Carroll, 49, has long traveled a career trajectory bound for positions of authority in the athletic training profession, be it with the BOC or the NATA.

During his 14 years at Stephenville, Carroll, 49, was president of Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association in 2009-10, and was selected for the SWATA Hall of Fame in February of last year. Those prestigious honors followed his 2008 NATA Athletic Trainer Service Award and his 2005 SWATA Eddie Wojecki Award and Boby Gunn Unsung Hero Award.

Carroll came to Stephenville to serve as head athletic trainer in 2003. Assistant athletic director was added to his title in 2008.

Mike married DeNay in 1998, and they have two children. Their son, Nolan, is entering his junior year at SHS, while their daughter, DeLaney, will be an eighth grader at Henderson Junior High. The family hosts a foreign exchange student each year with Mike serving as area coordinator for the Student Transition Services (STS) Foundation.

After earning his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M and master’s at the University of Virginia, Mike began his career in 1992-93 at Fort Bend Kemper High School near Houston. He moved 60 miles south to Sweeny, where he stayed nine years from 1993-94 through 2001-02, then spent the 2002-03 academic year at Georgetown, a northern suburb of Austin.

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Daemen College Graduates Achieve 100 Percent Pass Rate on BOC

Article reposted from
Author:

For the fourth consecutive year, Daemen College’s athletic training graduates have earned a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Board of Certification exam, far exceeding the national average of 83 percent.

“We are very proud of the success of our newest athletic training graduates on this rigorous national exam,” said Dr. Michael Brogan, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. “The consistently high success rate achieved on the exam is a true reflection of the strength of our program’s robust curriculum, the caliber of our students, and the effectiveness of our exceptional faculty in preparing our students at the highest professional level.”

Daemen’s 2016 athletic training graduates who attained a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the NATA Board of Certification exam are Paulina Behrens of Massena; Kolleen Brown of Willet; Joelle Davis of Buffalo; Rachel Reichart of Marilla; Meghan Short of Sandown, N.H.; Mitch Taffe of Ortonville, Minn.; Stephanie Woleben of Brocton; and Luis Zuniga of Rochester.

The exam tests knowledge, skills and abilities essential to the performance of athletic trainers. Once certified, athletic trainers, who specialize in the prevention, evaluation and rehabilitation of orthopedic injuries and conditions, must meet ongoing continuing education to remain certified.

Dr. Nicole Chimera, athletic training program director and associate professor, said the “impressive pass rates achieved on the certification exam over the past four years are a credit to the high standards we have set in the program. Clinical experiences offered in a range of professional settings coupled with a research component bolster the training and education students need to become skilled, qualified athletic training professionals.”

Daemen’s athletic training program, which was established in 2008, is one of only two in New York State and among 65 in the U.S. offered at the master’s level. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training (CAATE), the program has state-of-the-art educational facilities in the college’s new Academic and Wellness Center.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of athletic trainers is expected to grow 21 percent from 2014-2024, a rate much faster than the average for all occupations.

Additional information about Daemen’s athletic training program is available by calling 839-8413 or email nchimera@daemen.edu.

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First ARTI Member Passes BOC Exam

An ARTI member has once again highlighted the exceptional standards of practitioners in Ireland after successfully passing the exams that entitle him to practise in America.

Paddy McEvoy became the first ARTI member to pass the exams since the establishment of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement which enables him to complete the Board of Certification (BOC) exam and become a member of the National Athletic Trainers of America (NATA).

Naturally, Paddy is thrilled with the achievement and he is certainly not going to let the hard work go to waste as he has already finalised his plan to further his studies in the USA.

Paddy McEvoy2

In August, the 23-year-old from Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny, will commence a Masters in Health and Exercise Science and graduate assistantship in Ithaca College in upstate New York which he believes will be a huge boost to his career.

“I took the exam in November and found out the results in December so I was delighted that it all worked out. It was very difficult because the exam is a lot different to the ARTI exams due to the fact that it is all theory and there is more focus on general medical issues.

“I suppose the knowledge base is broader and you also have a lot more in terms of the legal side of things”, added Paddy who graduated from Carlow IT in 2015.

Having decided over the summer while working in a clinic that he wanted to go for the exam, Paddy was virtually in full-time preparation from September to November and based himself in Carlow IT.

Having spent four months in Ithaca College in early 2015 as part of his degree, Paddy’s contacts there enabled him to get advice and direction on many topics for the exam. He admits that this support base was a vital factor in getting through the exam.

“I really enjoyed my spell at Ithaca as it is recognised as one of the foremost colleges for Athletic Training in the USA. I made a lot of contacts and while I was studying, if there was anything I wasn’t sure of there was somebody available to help me so I think that support base as essential for me”, he explained.

Passing the exams gave Paddy the opportunity not only to study at Ithaca but also gain some valuable work experience with the college teams.

“Doing a Masters is very expensive but fortunately I will also be employed by the college for about 20/25 hours per week so that means I don’t have to worry about tuition fees and I will also get hands-on experience with a team.

“I have a choice of field hockey, track and field or rowing, so hopefully I will get hockey as I would prefer work with a contact sport”, explained Paddy who is looking forward to the new venture.

“I never had any intentions of going back to America once I had done my four month placement as I would consider myself more of a home bird. However, when the opportunity came up for 12 months I decided to go for it. At the end I will have a degree and a Masters along with practical experience so that should make me a lot more employable”, he added and pointed out that he expects many others to follow his example in taking the exam.

“I think the fact that somebody has taken the exam and passed it shows that it is possible and already I have had other people on to me looking for a bit of advice”, continued Paddy who will be strengthening the links between the colleges during his stint.

“From my experience there is a good relationship between the Irish and USA colleges and the fact the Americans are so keen to have Irish students which shows the quality of the courses we have here in Carlow IT, Athlone IT and DCU.”, he concluded.

CLICK HERE FOR ORIGINAL ARTICLE

 

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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)

CLICK HERE FOR ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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Detwiler elected to the BOC board

University of Texas of Texas Assistant Athletic Trainer Kim Detwiler, MS, LAT, ATC, CSCS, has been elected by her peers to serve on the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers (BOC) Board of Directors.

Detwiler, who has been a member of the Athletic Training staff at Texas for nearly five years, will take her Board seat in January 2017.  She will spend 2016 receiving mentorship and learning as an Athletic Trainer Director-Elect for the national organization that certifies Athletic Trainers at all levels of sport.

“We are excited to have Kim join the Board,” said BOC Executive Director Denise Fandel.  “I know she will not be shy in sharing her perspectives on the many issues facing the BOC.”

Detwiler, who works primarily with the Texas women’s softball team, previously served as Assistant Professor and Athletic Trainer at University of La Verne in La Verne, California, and as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at University of Oregon in Eugene.

She received an associate of science degree in Sports Medicine from Modesto Junior College, a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Athletic Training from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in Athletic Training from University of Oregon.

“The opportunity to serve on the board is perfectly aligned with two of my most important goals: to serve, contribute to, and advance the athletic training profession, and to represent the University of Texas well in everything I do,” said Detwiler.

Advancing understanding and mentoring the next generation of Athletic Trainers is important to Detwiler, and to the entire sports medicine team at Texas.  The school annually has approximately 40 students participating in it’s CAATE-accredited Athletic Training Program to both support UT’s student athletes and further their own education as they prepare for their careers as Board Certified Athletic Trainers.

“At Texas, we focus on not only ensuring that our student athletes get the best care in the nation, but also contributing to the future of our profession,” said Detwiler.  “I believe my role on the board will help me grow as a leader, which will serve both Texas and our students well.”

The BOC is instrumental in developing and offering Continuing Education opportunities and credits to its members, which is vital in a field that evolves seemingly day-to-day.  Advances in technique and treatment, along with enhanced focus on educational programs, is a key part of the BOC mandate, and one Detwiler takes very seriously.

“Through BOC programs, we are able to learn new skills and techniques that help us provide effective evidence-based care for our athletes and patients,” said Detwiler.  “The BOC keeps us accountable for providing quality health care and behaving ethically and professionally. ”

Detwiler’s industry leadership experience includes her work as a mentor, member and chair of various NATA committees since 2008.

The AT Director-elect received the majority vote of the BOC Certified Athletic Trainers who participated in an online election.  Board terms are 3 years, with the possibility of reappointment for 1 term.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
http://www.texassports.com/news/2015/10/28/GEN_1028155136.aspx

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Transition to Practice: Transitioning From Student to Athletic Trainer

Recently in athletic training there has been a great deal of attention given to transition to practice.  Our research into the transition to practice of new Athletic Trainers has been enlightening.  We want to discuss this topic and some of our findings in a series of articles.

The purpose of this series is to provide information about transition to practice to new Athletic Trainers and those who work with them. We hope our information will help  new employees and their employers.

We would like to begin by addressing the question: what is transition to practice?

Transition to practice is defined as:

“A process of convoluted passage in which people redefine their sense of self and develop self-agency in response to disruptive life events, not just the change but the process that people go through to incorporate the change or disruption in their life” (Kralick, et al.).

Simply put, this is a transition individuals go through when encountering a new environment and/or culture and must adapt while learning about themselves.  This transition can occur at any point in one’s life, whether it is graduating from college and accepting a first job or moving on to a different job.

New employees enter a different, unfamiliar workplace with new people and different policies and procedures.  For newly credentialed Athletic Trainers this transition is even more challenging because they are no longer students and must now make decisions on their own.  This transition is a normal process and happens at any level of education and/or experience.  Transition to practice is not new to the athletic training profession, nor are we alone in this experience.  Other healthcare professions also struggle with the transition.

Transition to practice is not based on preparedness.  Many will say students aren’t as prepared as they used to be.  Supervisors of newly credentialed Athletic Trainers will tell you they are very prepared as far as their medical knowledge (Thrasher, et al.).  Anecdotally, some say students today don’t seem to be transitioning as well as those in the past.  We don’t know if this is true or not, and it’s not the focus of this series.  We wanted to point out that preparedness does not equal transition to practice.

In closing, transition to practice is a process that takes anywhere from 6 months to 1 year.  During this time, the new employee adapts, evolves and changes who they are in this world.  For new Athletic Trainers, part of this is transitioning from student to independent healthcare provider. There are many feelings and experiences these new Athletic Trainers encounter. We will discuss more on this topic in our next article.

References

Kralick D, Visetin K, von Loon A. Transition: A literature review. J Adv Nurs. 2006;55(3):320-9.

Thrasher AB, Walker SE, Hankemeier DA, Pitney WA. Supervising athletic trainers’ perceptions of professional socialization of graduate assistant athletic trainers in the collegiate setting. J Athl Train. 2015;50(3); 321–333.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:                                                                                                                             http://www.bocatc.org/blog/athletic-trainer-stories/transition-to-practice-series-transitioning-from-student-to-athletic-trainer/