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October 20, 2009Q: Congratulation on your re-election it is well deserved. I was wondering with the negotiation with APTA did it ever come up about state associations supporting the cooperative statement also? I live in Tennessee and we have PT's cover sporting events as AT's do. ATC's are looked at as non-revenue producing personal by most clinics but more as a marketing tools. I would like to see the TPTA have to acknowledge us more as professionals than they have in the past.You would think that would be easy since the president of TPTA is a ATC also but I assure you that is not the case. I also was wondering where does this put us with HR 1137? Do you think it advances our cause at all? Your thoughts are appreciated keep up the excellent work. A: Hi, Thanks for your support! I'm honored to serve our membership and our great profession for another term. Lots of great work ahead. The Joint Settlement agreement is definitely applicable to state associations and has already been used by some with their individual initiatives. It applies to all AT members. I also think it will definitely help with our HR 1137 efforts. The Settlement clearly identifies us as health care professionals and states that the physical medicine and rehab CPT codes are not exclusive to any one profession. That, along with other key points, will definitely help our lobbying efforts.Thanks for your continued support with these initiatives. We have a great future ahead with members like you who are committed to advancing our profession. Thank you! -Marje Q: I would like to know if the NATA would consider adding physician assistant courses like pharmacology and primary care medicine, to the current curriculum, so ATC's could be more marketable to be employed by physician practices as physician extenders. Or maybe considering a joint venture with physician assistants to offer courses to help an ATC to become specialized in other areas of medicine as well as orthopedics. I'm just thinking out of the box. Thank you for your time. A: Thanks for your email. Pharmacology and general medicine content is already included in our approved curriculum programs. And in fact, has been for quite some time. Also, ATs are eligible to sit for the Ortho Tech certification, after 6 months of on the job training, to give them additional skills applicable to the physician clinic setting, as physician extenders. We do have a liaison to the PA association and have an excellent relationship with them. We look forward to future collaborative work. Thanks again for your interest in the AT physician model and for taking the time to share your thoughts. -Marje October 15, 2009Q : I am a maryland State delegate and Co-Sponsor to the legislation that enabled Athletic trainers to be licensed in the state of maryland. My 15 yr old son, is a high school football player and wants to be a Athletic Trainer as his profession. My question is: can you provide me with a list of the top ten Athletic Training Programs in the United States that also have a football program? I understand that this list may be somewhat driven by personal opinion and interest in an individual school choice determined by other criteria of your choice. If you believe that the list needs to be extended by a few additional schools, that's fine. I wanted to ask the top professionals in the field of what their personal choice would be. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any issue that you feel is important to you and the Atletic Trainers Association. A: Thanks for your email and questions regarding athletic training education programs. I really am not in a position to identify the top ten programs since all our accedited programs are excellent and upon successful completion lead to eligibility to take the BOC certification exam. Being an intercollegiate athlete while in an AT curriculum does present some challenges since both are so time demanding. That definitely extends the number of years required to complete the program beyond the usual 4. It's best to contact individual programs to get the most accurate answers to your questions. Thanks again, -Marje Q: Congratulations on staying on as the Prez of our association. I know you will lead us onto bigger and better things over the next 2 years. You can count on me to help all I can when needed. A: Thank you! I'm honored to continue to serve our membership and our great profession. Thank you for your support. You know I will continue to call on you for your help and look forward to continuing to work together. Thanks! -Marje Q: How do we become members?? A: Go to www.nata.org and all the information for membership is there. Being a member of the NATA provides many valuable benefits and keeps you up to date and involved in key issues effecting you as an athletic trainer. I encourage you to join today! -Marje Q: I wanted to touch base to let you know that Donna Karan's foundation, Urban Zen, has been receiving alot of media attention about training physicians, nurses, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and other allied health care professionals in the area of integrative therapy. We have been featured in USA Today, NY Times, NBC/ABC Nightly News, and Time Magazine. We would love to come and present at the NATA Convention. Can you and I touch base? I can provide you with additional information. Can you send me you email address? A: Hi! Good to hear from you. Glad things are going so well. I'm excited about the work that you're doing. My direct email address is marjea@nata.org. Please keep me informed and best of luck to you. Thanks! -Marje September 15, 2009Q : Hello Marje Here is a little background. I have been certified in California since 2007 and I am currently employed at a hospital that contracts me out to a local city college. My question is I have started covering events outside my normal hospital hours which means their insurance does not cover me. What is the process if any can I do to cover myself when I do these events? Thank you for everything that you are doing for us A:Thanks for your email and question. You need to purchase personal liability insurance. Go to the NATA website and there should be information on products. It's very important that you get coverage for the events outside your normal job. I'm glad you're looking into it. It's definitely the right thing to do. Thanks again. I appreciate your support. -Marje Q: Do you have to be a member of the NATA to practice athletic training? Or can you practice athletic training as long as you are in good standing with BOC? A: You do not have to be a member of the NATA to practice athletic training. You need to be BOC certified and liscensed/regulated by your state, if applicable. -Marje Q: I am from Bulgaria and I've been living in USA for 6 years now. I've been working as a personal trainer for the past 14 years but my dream is to work in the field of sports medicine. Curently I hold a Master's Degree in Psychology. Unfortunately there is no entry-level Master's Degree in Athletic Training in Georgia, I applyed at NGCSU but the thought that I have to go through years of undergraduate classes that have nothing to do with the Athletic Training is unbearable, not to mention the financial side... The closest school that offers entry-level Master's Degree is the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga but since my parents are in Bulgaria and can't help me financially I can't afford to go to out-of-state school. So I've been taking classes (physics and chemistry) that are prerequisites for the Physical Therapy Degree. I decided to write to you because my dream is to continue with Athletic Training, not Physical Therapy. I know how busy you are being an Athletic Trainer and President of NATA but I would highly appreciate any advice. Thank you so much for your time Marje, I wish you lots of success and I look forward to the day when the Athletic Trainers will be treated with respect from the society (just like the Chiropractors and Physical Therapists) as I believe the Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology hold the keys to our Health! A: Thank you for your email and passion for athletic training! I applaud you for your efforts in trying to achieve your career goals. Entry level masters programs in athletic training often offer assistantships to help defray costs. That's what I would pursue if I were you. If you contact the program directors at the various schools they will give you all the details on available financial aid and other suggestions to offset expenses. Best of luck to you and again, thank you for your commitment to our great profession! -Marje Q: When is it going to get better? I am a certified ATC with a MS and my pay and hours are horrific. I work harder than most professionals and the dues never come. They say people use the profession as a stepping stone. I cont to support our profession but at the same time feel I have to leave it in order to live a decent life that I can provide for my family. I am from District 3, specifically Maryland. We need reform and it needs to be done now. A: We are very aware of work life issues for the AT at various settings. We have developed various value models to utilize in demonstrating value to administrators and decision makers. We've developed "model practices" to implement in work settings. We're continuing to educate decision makers on recommended salary levels and work hours for athletic trainers. This area is a top priority for us.I realize that progress is slow, but we are seeing improvements in salaries across all settings. Please know that we will continue to focus on this and consider it of upmost importance. -Marje September 8, 2009Q : Specifically, what have you learned from the Presidents who served before you, and how have these lessons made you a better President of the NATA? Thank you! A: The past NATA Presidents are both an inspiration and support to me. Although each dealt with many different issues and had different leadership styles, their commitment to the profession and their integrity and ethical standards set the bar for all of us. They know those lonely moments in leadership and are always just a phone call away to provide their support and wisdom. There are also issues that are common, over time, and knowing their perspective and the history of those gives me invaluable insight on how to address issues and build on the work they've done. I'm honored and privileged to know and learn from them, constantly. Thanks for your question! -Marje
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July 13, 2009Q : My question is this: there seems to be great controversy surrounding students who "leave" to pursue professional degrees in physical therapy, physician's assistant studies, and even medical school. How can we change the treatment shown to these students in order to have allies in those fields of health care? I certainly want to promote the beauty of what we do, but I respect the role of others serving on the medical team. A: Thanks for your question. I agree, the scientific foundation of our athletic training education, is well suited to prepare athletic trainers to pursue additional degrees. Our concern, however, is that we are losing too many to these other professions and not enough of our "brightest and best" are staying with the profession. Some of the reasons for this are low pay jobs and poor job quality (too many work hours!). We are committed to addressing both of these issues to ensure that the profession of athletic training is represented by the highest level of health care professional. Thanks again! -Marje Q: I am currently employed in the state of New York and provide coverage for a local high school through an orthopaedic office. Today we received an email from the NYSED on the First Aid and CPR Certification criteria for Coaches. Part of the new certification is check off on taping techniques. I don't agree with this as I feel that is part of what we do and it can send the message that you may not need an athletic trainer to those who don’t understand all we do. I just wondered what your thoughts were on teaching coaches taping techniques as a small part of a "12 hour" course. A: Thanks for writing. I definitely share your concern. We as athletic trainers know that taping is a science and skill that addresses a therapeutic need. And, we also know that improper taping can cause harm. I would bring your concern to your NYS athletic training association and see how they can help. We all agree that coaches definitely need First Aid and CPR, but taping is certainly questionable. Thanks again for your question. -Marje
July 7, 2009Q :We are restructuring our sports medicine department in our clinic. We are looking to hire an intern/graduate assistant to cover one of our schools. He is not currently certified but is working towards his certification. Is it alright to hire him or do we have to hire a certified person? A: The best individual to hire is someone who is BOC certified and state licensed (if you are in one of the 46 states that has athletic training regulation). If the individual does not have those credentials they cannot practice without supervision and cannot assume responsibility of covering a school by themselves. There are also liability issues when someone who is not properly credentialed is providing health care services. An employer could be at great risk. Thanks for your question. -Marje Q: I have been wanting to get my ATC. I graduated through an internship program in 2000. I have been practicing in Texas for 7 years now with a license from the state. How can I go about getting my ATC? A: All questions regarding certification should be directed to the BOC. They will be able to tell you the requirements for being eligible to sit for the certification exam. Thanks for your question. -Marje June 29, 2009Q: I was a student athletic trainer in college and I really enjoyed the work and the environment. Ten years later, after receiving my degree in Kinesiology and working in health and wellness, I'm off to nursing school. I was wondering, is there a place for nurses in the athletic training/sports care industry? A: I think you'll find many opportunities as an athletic trainer/nurse dual credentialed professional. The important thing is to make sure you maintain your CEU's and keep your certification. Those credentials will make you very unique in the healthcare marketplace. Physician clinics (primary care sports med and orthopaedic) would be ideal practice settings for you where you'll be able to utilize both skill sets. Best of luck to you in your educational endeavors! -Marje Q: I am currently looking for a good school to go to so I can become a athletic training. I was wondering if you could recomend some of the top schools I could possibly look into attending that would prepare me for a career in althetic training. Any information is helpful. A: There are several hundred excellent athletic training curriculum programs in the country. The NATA website has a link to the list. Visiting the school and meeting with the athletic training faculty will help you learn more about each individual program and determine the best fit for you. Best of luck in your athletic training education. -Marje Q: In 1981, I passed the certification exam and earned CEU's through 2001 to maintain my certification. During that last year I questioned why to receive a 10 or 15 year service award, a person had to be nominated. When a person dedicates their time and effort to provide and promote Athletic Training as a profession, why does it take a "nomination" to be recognized? I am not asking this for myself, but more for the other ATC's that are in the same position. A: The nomination process for honors and awards is a common practice among professional organiztions. There are specific criteria for each award and the nominator carefully reviews those to make certain that a nominee meets all the qualifications. The nomination process assists in bringing forward the most qualified persons for award consideration. -Marje June 8, 2009Q: What’s the association’s number one priority right now? A:To secure our place in health care by obtaining state legislation in all 50 states (we have 44 states now with 2 bills waiting to be signed by the governor's) , passing our Federal legislation - The A Team Bill, and, improving jobs, salaries, and the quality of life of athletic trainers. -Marje June 1, 2009Q: Dear NATA President, I am an ATC working in a college setting. I have been certified since 2003. I have a Master's degree and I am also Licensed by my state. I feel that it is very frustrating that salaries for ATC's are so widespread. I feel that I have worked hard for my degrees but it doesn't seem to help my salary. I know of other ATC's with similar jobs descriptions and credentials to me but because they are in a different state they make more per year. I wish that there was a standardized pay rate for ATC's based on job position, years of experience, degrees earned and especially number of hours worked etc... I wish there was a way to have my credentials, years of experience and number of hours worked per week accurately reflected in my salary. Do you ever think that ATC's will have higher paying jobs? Thank you for your time. A: Thanks for your question and for taking the time to share your thoughts and feelings. Quality of life and equitable salaries are major areas of concerns for your board of directors and the NATA. The board recently passed a motion to not list jobs that did not have a competitive salary on the Career Placement Service. The NATA provides educational information to employers and prospective employers regarding recommended salary levels for ATs based on our education and experience, compared to other health care professionals. The salary survey provided by the association is a valuable tool in negotiating salary with your employer. It is available on the website. The most recent salary survey showed an increase in salaries for ATs in ALL practice settings - very encouraging! There are a number of resources available on the website, in addition to the salary survey, that are helpful in negotiating salary increases. I definitely believe that AT salaries WILL improve in the future and that we will be recognized and farily compensated for the value that we bring to our patients. Thanks again! -Marje May 25, 2009Q: I hear you live in Santa Fe now. I’m taking my family there on vacation this summer. What are the top three things we must do while we’re there? A: Hiking at Tent Rock National Monument at Cochiti - it's absolutely incredible and close to SF; Georgia O'Keefe Museum - she was an incredible artist who lived much of her life here; Palace of the Governor's on the Plaza and just roaming around the Plaza. Also, margarita's at Maria's Kitchen - let me know if you need a guide:-) Have fun! It's an awesome city. -Marje Q: Why did you decide to become an athletic trainer? A: I experienced a few minor injuries playing field hockey and basketball in college. The "men's" athletic trainer offered his time to help me. I asked why there wasn't a women's AT? That was the start of an absolutely incredible career, in the best profession anyone could be in! -Marje Q: Did you play sports when you were growing up? A: Field hockey, lacrosse and basketball in high school. Growing up in upstate NY those were the most popular. I played field hockey and basketball in college. -Marje May 18, 2009Q: Where do you see this profession going in the next 10 years? How you do you see its growth potential? What recommendations/advice would you give to young professionals? A: I see athletic training becoming the respected health care profession that we've worked for years for it to become. We are solidifying our place in health care through our Federal Legislation, state legislation (now in 45 states!), outcomes research data, and demonstration of our value. And need the help of every single member to achieve that. I believe the opportunities for ATs in the next 10 years will be unlimited! ATs will be integrated throughout health care. The hardest thing will be deciding which practice setting is right for you, because there will be so many choices. In my opinion, the best is yet to come! -Marje Q: I am currently working on a Masters in Education Administration. My professor asked all of us for a paper on women in leadership roles. I would really like to hear your story of how you got to where you are. As a women in a leadsership role within my organization, it would be wonderful to hear the story of how you got there. I'd like to know the whole story from when you decided to become an ATC to deciding to become the NATA president. I'd like to know what motivated you and what kept you motivated throughout the whole process. I'd like to know the ups and downs and how you got through those times. I know this is not really a short answer question, but it would be helpful in writing about women in leadership roles. Thank you for you time and I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great day! A: The answer to this is really too long for this format. I'd love to share with you in a personal conversation. I believe one of the most important things in my background were opportunities that were presented to me, by so many people. The key is seeing the opportunities and walking through those doors to pursue them, regardless knowing where they may lead. Be a risk taker - see the opportunities being offered to you and take advantage of them. -Marje May 11, 2009Q: I work in an industrial setting as an ATC. Our services in athletic training have come under scrutiny in regards to HIPAA regulations. The company states that we are not obliged to follow HIPAA regulations. Do we have any literature that could help in educating the parties that I work with? Thank you. A: As health care professionals, ATs must follow HIPAA guidelines. I would contact your state AT association for additional guidance or go to the HIPAA website for details. -Marje Q: Hey, it may be a bit controversial but I was wondering if the credential "LAT" was a true credential? I work in VA and am licensed by this state, which I KNOW doesn't recognize it- does any other state recognize it? I've been told that it's not a legitimate credential, but I see it all the time- most recently in the NATA News. :) Thanks! A: Your state license is recognized by the state which grants it. It is definitely a valid credential and recognized as such in health care. -Marje Q: Why isn't our profession called athletic therapists? I think it would sound more professional and maybe people will start to look at us differently if we have therapist behind our names. I like being an athletic trainer, but am sick and tired of correcting people who call us trainers!!! A: A name change for athletic trainers has been studied several times by our association. The most recent Task Force concluded that we had solid name recognition that was growing and changing the name would not benefit our "branding". In addition, one of the really problems is deciding what to change it to. "Athletic therapists" is used by the Canadian Athletic Therapy Association. There really isn't anything better out there, that we can use, and with more education and each one of us telling our story, our name recognition will only grow. Thanks for your question. -Marje May 4, 2009Q: Marje, hope this finds you doing well as I am sure you are. My question is how is that Olympic tattoo on the inside of your leg doing?? A: Still burning brightly!! The best souvenir and memory of one of the greatest experiences of my career. Great to hear from you. Thank you for your support. Q: Since I've seen you last I've left corporate PT and now own several private practice outpatient therapy clinics again. I'm just curious if we are having any dialogue with the APTA and are resolutions possible with the PT world or is it still guns blazing? I'll deal either way but was just curious. A: I am very pleased with the communication that we've established with the APTA on attempting to reach a settlement to our lawsuit. Personally, APTA President Scott Ward and I have established excellent communication and talk very often. We're building bridges and I'm thankful for that. Q: I can’t believe it’s almost time for another convention – time flies! What are you most looking forward to at this year’s meeting? A: The National Quiz Bowl!! The Quiz Bowl started in D4, and in IN. I just love it! I can't wait to see it on the main stage of our annual meeting. |