8th Observation

On Friday afternoon at 3:30, I was introduced to Tara, senior at Nova Southeastern, by Kim Urmaza (level one trainer). We met outside of the Recplex which is located near the Athletic Training Facility.Tara, a basketball player and track runner, is a level four athletic trainer who is currently interning at the university. At this level she is able to touch the student athletes unlike those who are currenty at level one. She discussed the perks of being a level four athletic trainer which includes being able to work close with the Miami Dolphins football team. I asked her about the board of certification exam she has to take before graduation. She told me that the exam consists of three parts: the written examination, the oral/practice test, and the written simulation. If passed, the athletic trainers become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). Tara is confident and hopes that she will pass the exam. She feels that Nova's Athletic Training Program fully prepared her for to enter into the field and start working in the athletic training industry.
After interviewing Tara, I wanted to see several procedures that athletic training does. Since I was not allowed in the athletic training facility room today, we went to the gym. She showed me several strength and conditioning techniques like the wingate anaerobic cycle test while working with the student athletes. This test demonstrated an overall anaerobic lower extremity power. I used the machine that works out hips, quads, and ankles.
In conclusion, I learned many things from Tara and saw the dedication she has to program. I have faith that she will become a very successful certified athletic trainer.

7th Observation

On Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 11:30, I observed Sports Psychology (PYSC 3400) class which is located in the Carl DeSantis Building, Room 3046. The class is held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. I was able to observe the last half hour of the class because I finished my Statistics test early. I decided to observe sports psychology, study of a person's behavior in sport, because I wanted to understand the psychological aspects of an athlete's peformance during a game. Athletic Trainers have used sports psychology to understand the psychological aspects as well to better communicate with the athletes.

The class focused on Sports Psychology Skills Training. I learned about Peak Performance which the goal is to control the physical, mental, and environment which meant to train hard, be positive, and focus. Although I was not able to observe the full 75 min of this sports psychology class, I learned that mental process an athlete takes before execution during a sport's game. Athletic Trainers must have high interpersonal communications skills since they are working with athletes, coaches, and clients all day long. Understanding these mental processes are essential so that the health care they provide for the athletes is outstanding. During the next observation I hope to observe a Level Four athletic trainee to discuss the obstacles and benefits of being a part of the athletic training program. Also, I would like to observe their preparation for their advancement to graduate school in hopes of becoming a certified athletic trainer.