A news release from the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences reports that it will be incorporating the ImPACT Trained Athletic Trainer (ITAT) certification into the curriculum of its online Master of Health Science in Athletic Training degree program.

Students participating in the program will be provided specialized training in ImPACT neurocognitive baseline and post-injury test administration and the implementation of ImPACT’s Concussion Management Model in the online “Concussion in Sport” course. The release notes that as part of the course, students must meet all requirements necessary to become an ITAT. At the completion of the course, students will receive ITAT credentials.

Jordan Hamson-Utley, PhD, LAT, ATC, points out in the release that “Having the advanced knowledge of concussion that is gained through the ITAT certification process will give our students an immediate edge.”

According to the release, the Concussion in Sport course was developed by University of St Augustine contributing faculty member Robb Rehberg, PhD, a founding partner of the Rehberg Konin Group and executive director of Sport Safety International. Rehberg is part of a multidisciplinary team that works exclusively with patients suffering from sports-related concussion at the Center for Concussion Care and Physical Rehabilitation at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ.

Michael Wahlster, chief executive officer of ImPACT Applications, says, “Partnering with the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences to incorporate ITAT certification into the core curriculum of its online master’s in athletic training program is a privilege for ImPACT.”

Wahlster adds that he hopes other universities and colleges follow the university’s lead to further expand concussion knowledge and education among future athletic trainers.

The release notes that Labiba Russo, ImPACT’s chief training and eduction officer spearheaded the collaboration. Russo states that the organization is working to build ImPACT’s training programs as a value-added for healthcare professionals.

“We believe that comprehensive concussion management requires multidisciplinary clinicians working together to assist in safe return to play,” Russo adds.

[Source(s): ImpACT, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences]