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Special Event $
Welcome to the 77th NATA Clinical Symposia On-Demand Education Experience! Get ready for an exceptional educational experience designed to inform, challenge and inspire. The 2026 NATA program features a dynamic mix of lectures, forums, interactive sessions and hands-on learning labs, all led by experts from across the profession and across the broader health care and sports performance communities. From foundational skills to advanced clinical applications, you’ll find content tailored to every stage of your professional journey.
Welcome to the 77th NATA Clinical Symposia
On-Demand Education Experience!Get ready for an exceptional educational experience designed to inform, challenge and inspire. The 2026 NATA program features a dynamic mix of lectures, forums, interactive sessions and hands-on learning labs, all led by experts from across the profession and across the broader health care and sports performance communities. From foundational skills to advanced clinical applications, you’ll find content tailored to every stage of your professional journey.
On-Demand open from July 31 - December 31
All courses must be completed by 11:59 p.m. CST on Dec. 31, 2026.
Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
Earn more CEUs than ever before, with more flexibility and more time to complete them! The 77th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo is expanding your opportunities to learn and earn. This year’s enhanced CEU structure is designed to reward engagement and offer unmatched flexibility for every attendee.- On-Demand Only registrants can earn a maximum of 25 CEUs.
- In-person attendees can earn a maximum of 40 CEUs: Up to 15 on-site in Philadelphia plus 25 from On-Demand.
Interested in joining us in Philadelphia? View the 77th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo event page. Important Note: Attendees who participate in a session in person should not also claim CEUs for the on-demand version. As always, it is the responsibility of the attendee to report only hours spent in educational sessions.
Extended Access
The On-Demand event will remain open through December 31, 2026, giving all attendees four months to complete their CEUs and maximize their educational investment.Immediate Credit for On-Demand Sessions
New this year, on-demand learners will receive a statement of credit immediately upon completing each session. No waiting for a post-event CEU summary.-
Register
- Non-member - $849
- Member - $499
- Certified Student - $349
- More Information
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Includes a Live Web Event on 07/30/2026 at 9:00 AM (CDT)New
The National Institutes of Health now recognizes CTE as a progressive brain disease that can cause dementia and that is caused in part by repetitive head impacts (RHI). Research-to-date suggests CTE the odds of developing CTE are associated with exposure to RHI. However, education about CTE is not yet institutionalized for athletic trainers, coaches, athletes, or parents, and CTE risk reduction is not prioritized.
Live Webinar Hosted by NATA in Collaboration with the Concussion & CTE Foundation
July 30, 2026 | 9:00–10:00 a.m. CT
Unable to attend live? The recording will be available on demand within a few days following the webinar.Abstract:
The National Institutes of Health now recognizes CTE as a progressive brain disease that can cause dementia and that is caused in part by repetitive head impacts (RHI). Research-to-date suggests CTE the odds of developing CTE are associated with exposure to RHI. However, education about CTE is not yet institutionalized for athletic trainers, coaches, athletes, or parents, and CTE risk reduction is not prioritized.This course will provide athletic trainers with the latest updates on CTE research, provide a foundation for serving as CTE community educators, and provide actionable steps athletic trainers can take to implement CTE risk reduction within their professional practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize the current state of CTE research, including the NIH’s recognition of CTE as a progressive brain disease caused in part by repetitive head impacts (RHI), and explain the neuropathological criteria used to diagnose CTE.
- Identify evidence-based strategies for reducing repetitive head impact exposure in sport, including contact limitation protocols and rule modifications, and apply these strategies within their professional practice setting.
- Demonstrate the ability to educate athletes, coaches, and parents about CTE risk factors, early warning signs of chronic neurological disease, and the importance of head impact reduction as part of a comprehensive athlete safety program.
Level:
AdvancedDomain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional ResponsibilityCEUs:
1.0 Category AKeywords:
CTE, dementia, brain injury, head impactEnhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.Robert Cantu, MD
Currently Dr. Cantu’s professional responsibilities include Medical Director and Director of Clinical Research, Dr. Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center, Chief of Neurosurgery Service and Director of Sports Medicine at Emerson Health in Concord, MA; Clinical Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Clinical Therapeutics Leader AD-CTE Center Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA; Founding member and Medical Director Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, MA; Medical Director National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research, Chapel Hill, NC; Vice President and Chairman of Scientific Advisory Committee, National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE); Member NFLPA Mackey-White Health and Safety Committee and Co-chair of the equipment committee; NCAA Concussion Safety Advisory Group Member and NCAA Student-Athletic Concussion Injury Litigation Committee (Medical Science Committee); Member of the World Rugby Concussion Working Group.
He has authored over 580 scientific publications, including 34 books on neurology and sports medicine. A past president and spokesperson for the American College of Sports Medicine, he has participated in numerous nationally televised sports programs. He has served as associate editor of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise and Exercise and Sports Science Review, and on the editorial boards of The Physician and Sports Medicine, Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, Journal of Athletic Training, Neurosurgery, and World Neurosurgery.
Daniel Daneshvar, MD, PhD
Christopher Nowinski, PhD
Chris Nowinski, Ph.D., is the founding CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation and co-founder of the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center, where he is leading a global conversation on concussions, CTE, and the future of sports.
After an All-Ivy football career at Harvard, he joined the WWE where he was the youngest Hardcore Champion in history before a 2003 kick to the chin caused career-ending post-concussion syndrome. Researching how to overcome his symptoms, he uncovered buried research showing concussions were far more serious than perceived in the culture at that time. He wrote the 2006 book Head Games: Football’s Concussion Crisis calling for change in concussion care and research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Dr. Nowinski’s research and advocacy normalized brain donation among athletes in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, helping drive the adoption of concussion protocols worldwide. He is now focused on advancing CTE prevention protocols across global sports organizations. He earned his Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience from Boston University School of Medicine in 2017 and has authored more than 65 scientific publications.
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Register
- Non-member - $25
- Member - Free!
- Student - Free!
- Certified Student - Free!
- Retired - $15
- More Information
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Includes a Live In-Person Event on 07/08/2026 at 10:00 AM (CDT)In-Person Event $
This 4.5-hour pre-conference session on Emergencies in Sport, held in conjunction with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), is designed for certified athletic trainers and team physicians. The program will focus on the management of three of the most critical emergency situations in sport: sudden cardiac arrest, head injuries, and cervical spine injuries. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and coordinated roles among athletic trainers, physicians, and EMS personnel. The session will also highlight the importance of a well-developed and rehearsed Emergency Action Plan (EAP), established emergency protocols, and the use of…
AOSSM-NATA Pre-Conference Session
Seattle, Washington - July 8, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PDT
4.5 Category A CEUsOne-Day AOSSM Registration for July 9th
& NATA 2026 Symposia On-Demand
Member: Early $940 / Regular $965
Nonmember: Early $1240 / Regular $1265
*Early pricing ends May 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.This package includes registration for the AOSSM-NATA Preconference Session PLUS the NATA 2026 Symposia On-Demand.
If you prefer to register for a different package, please click here to see all available options.
AOSSM-NATA Pre-Conference Session Information
When Seconds Matter: Managing Cardiac, Head and Spine Emergencies in Sport
This 4.5-hour pre-conference session on emergencies in sport, held in conjunction with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), is designed for certified athletic trainers and team physicians. The program will focus on the management of three of the most critical emergency situations in sport: sudden cardiac arrest, head injuries, and cervical spine injuries. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and coordinated roles among athletic trainers, physicians, and EMS personnel. The session will also highlight the importance of a well-developed and rehearsed Emergency Action Plan (EAP), established emergency protocols, and the use of the pre-event medical timeout to enhance preparedness and team communication. The conference will incorporate didactic presentations, case studies to facilitate integration of care concepts, and hands-on laboratory activities. Content will be grounded in evidence-based medicine and reflect current best practices in both sports medicine and emergency care.
Objectives:
- Describe the pathophysiology, recognition, and immediate management priorities of sudden cardiac arrest, catastrophic cervical spine injury, and sport-related head injury in the athletic setting.
- Explain the critical components of an effective Emergency Action Plan (EAP), including personnel roles, equipment readiness, venue-specific considerations, and communication pathways among MDs, ATs, and EMS.
- Demonstrate appropriate interdisciplinary response techniques for airway management, spine stabilization, equipment removal, AED deployment, and head injury assessment through case-based and scenario simulations.
- Differentiate leadership roles and responsibilities of physicians, athletic trainers, and EMS providers during time-sensitive emergencies to optimize coordinated team performance.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a pre-event medical time-out and emergency rehearsal in reducing response delays and improving patient outcomes during athletic emergencies.
- Develop a venue-specific, interdisciplinary emergency preparedness framework incorporating EAP review, role assignment, communication strategy, and post-event debriefing for implementation within participants’ own organizations.
For additional session information including presenters, lecture topics, laboratory stations, panel discussion topic, and refund/cancellation information, visit the AOSSM-NATA Pre-Conference event page.-
Register
- Non-member - $1,265
- Member - $965
- Student - $965
- Certified Student - $965
- Retired - $965
- More Information
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Includes a Live In-Person Event on 07/08/2026 at 10:00 AM (CDT)In-Person Event $
This 4.5-hour pre-conference session on Emergencies in Sport, held in conjunction with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), is designed for certified athletic trainers and team physicians. The program will focus on the management of three of the most critical emergency situations in sport: sudden cardiac arrest, head injuries, and cervical spine injuries. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and coordinated roles among athletic trainers, physicians, and EMS personnel. The session will also highlight the importance of a well-developed and rehearsed Emergency Action Plan (EAP), established emergency protocols, and the use of…
NATA 2026 Symposia On-Demand Registration
& AOSSM-NATA Pre-Conference SessionSeattle, Washington - July 8, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PDT
4.5 Category A CEUs
Member: Early $575 / Regular $600
Nonmember: Early $875 / Regular $900
*Early pricing ends May 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.This package includes registration for the AOSSM-NATA Preconference Session PLUS the NATA 2026 Symposia On-Demand.
If you prefer to register for a different package, please click here to see all available options.
AOSSM-NATA Pre-Conference Session Information
When Seconds Matter: Managing Cardiac, Head and Spine Emergencies in Sport
This 4.5-hour pre-conference session on emergencies in sport, held in conjunction with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), is designed for certified athletic trainers and team physicians. The program will focus on the management of three of the most critical emergency situations in sport: sudden cardiac arrest, head injuries, and cervical spine injuries. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and coordinated roles among athletic trainers, physicians, and EMS personnel. The session will also highlight the importance of a well-developed and rehearsed Emergency Action Plan (EAP), established emergency protocols, and the use of the pre-event medical timeout to enhance preparedness and team communication. The conference will incorporate didactic presentations, case studies to facilitate integration of care concepts, and hands-on laboratory activities. Content will be grounded in evidence-based medicine and reflect current best practices in both sports medicine and emergency care.
Objectives:
- Describe the pathophysiology, recognition, and immediate management priorities of sudden cardiac arrest, catastrophic cervical spine injury, and sport-related head injury in the athletic setting.
- Explain the critical components of an effective Emergency Action Plan (EAP), including personnel roles, equipment readiness, venue-specific considerations, and communication pathways among MDs, ATs, and EMS.
- Demonstrate appropriate interdisciplinary response techniques for airway management, spine stabilization, equipment removal, AED deployment, and head injury assessment through case-based and scenario simulations.
- Differentiate leadership roles and responsibilities of physicians, athletic trainers, and EMS providers during time-sensitive emergencies to optimize coordinated team performance.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a pre-event medical time-out and emergency rehearsal in reducing response delays and improving patient outcomes during athletic emergencies.
- Develop a venue-specific, interdisciplinary emergency preparedness framework incorporating EAP review, role assignment, communication strategy, and post-event debriefing for implementation within participants’ own organizations.
For additional session information including presenters, lecture topics, laboratory stations, panel discussion topic, and refund/cancellation information, visit the AOSSM-NATA Pre-Conference event page.-
Register
- Non-member - $900
- Member - $600
- Student - $600
- Certified Student - $600
- Retired - $600
- More Information
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Includes a Live In-Person Event on 07/08/2026 at 10:00 AM (CDT)In-Person Event $
This 4.5-hour pre-conference session on Emergencies in Sport, held in conjunction with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), is designed for certified athletic trainers and team physicians. The program will focus on the management of three of the most critical emergency situations in sport: sudden cardiac arrest, head injuries, and cervical spine injuries. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and coordinated roles among athletic trainers, physicians, and EMS personnel. The session will also highlight the importance of a well-developed and rehearsed Emergency Action Plan (EAP), established emergency protocols, and the use of…
AOSSM-NATA Pre-Conference Session
Seattle, Washington - July 8, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PDT
4.5 Category A CEUs& One-Day AOSSM Registration for July 9, 2026
Member: Early $540 / Regular $565
Nonmember: Early $840 / Regular $865
*Early pricing ends May 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.This package includes the AOSSM-NATA Pre-Conference Session PLUS one-day registration to the AOSSM Annual Meeting on July 9.
If you prefer to register for a different package, please click here to see all available options.
AOSSM-NATA Pre-Conference Session Information
When Seconds Matter: Managing Cardiac, Head and Spine Emergencies in Sport
This 4.5-hour pre-conference session on emergencies in sport, held in conjunction with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), is designed for certified athletic trainers and team physicians. The program will focus on the management of three of the most critical emergency situations in sport: sudden cardiac arrest, head injuries, and cervical spine injuries. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and coordinated roles among athletic trainers, physicians, and EMS personnel. The session will also highlight the importance of a well-developed and rehearsed Emergency Action Plan (EAP), established emergency protocols, and the use of the pre-event medical timeout to enhance preparedness and team communication. The conference will incorporate didactic presentations, case studies to facilitate integration of care concepts, and hands-on laboratory activities. Content will be grounded in evidence-based medicine and reflect current best practices in both sports medicine and emergency care.
Objectives:
- Describe the pathophysiology, recognition, and immediate management priorities of sudden cardiac arrest, catastrophic cervical spine injury, and sport-related head injury in the athletic setting.
- Explain the critical components of an effective Emergency Action Plan (EAP), including personnel roles, equipment readiness, venue-specific considerations, and communication pathways among MDs, ATs, and EMS.
- Demonstrate appropriate interdisciplinary response techniques for airway management, spine stabilization, equipment removal, AED deployment, and head injury assessment through case-based and scenario simulations.
- Differentiate leadership roles and responsibilities of physicians, athletic trainers, and EMS providers during time-sensitive emergencies to optimize coordinated team performance.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a pre-event medical time-out and emergency rehearsal in reducing response delays and improving patient outcomes during athletic emergencies.
- Develop a venue-specific, interdisciplinary emergency preparedness framework incorporating EAP review, role assignment, communication strategy, and post-event debriefing for implementation within participants’ own organizations.
For additional session information including presenters, lecture topics, laboratory stations, panel discussion topic, and refund/cancellation information, visit the AOSSM-NATA Pre-Conference event page.-
Register
- Non-member - $865
- Member - $565
- Student - $565
- Certified Student - $565
- Retired - $565
- More Information
-
Includes a Live In-Person Event on 07/08/2026 at 10:00 AM (CDT)In-Person Event $
This 4.5-hour pre-conference session on Emergencies in Sport, held in conjunction with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), is designed for certified athletic trainers and team physicians. The program will focus on the management of three of the most critical emergency situations in sport: sudden cardiac arrest, head injuries, and cervical spine injuries. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and coordinated roles among athletic trainers, physicians, and EMS personnel. The session will also highlight the importance of a well-developed and rehearsed Emergency Action Plan (EAP), established emergency protocols, and the use of…
AOSSM-NATA Pre-Conference Session
Seattle, Washington - July 8, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PDT
4.5 Category A CEUs
Member: Early $175 / Regular $200
Nonmember: Early $475 / Regular $500
*Early pricing ends May 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.This package includes registration for the AOSSM-NATA Pre-Conference Session ONLY.
If you prefer to register for a package that includes a one-day registration to AOSSM and/or access to the NATA 2026 Symposia On-Demand, please click here to see all available options.
Session Information
When Seconds Matter: Managing Cardiac, Head and Spine Emergencies in Sport
This 4.5-hour pre-conference session on emergencies in sport, held in conjunction with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), is designed for certified athletic trainers and team physicians. The program will focus on the management of three of the most critical emergency situations in sport: sudden cardiac arrest, head injuries, and cervical spine injuries. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and coordinated roles among athletic trainers, physicians, and EMS personnel. The session will also highlight the importance of a well-developed and rehearsed Emergency Action Plan (EAP), established emergency protocols, and the use of the pre-event medical timeout to enhance preparedness and team communication. The conference will incorporate didactic presentations, case studies to facilitate integration of care concepts, and hands-on laboratory activities. Content will be grounded in evidence-based medicine and reflect current best practices in both sports medicine and emergency care.
Objectives:
- Describe the pathophysiology, recognition, and immediate management priorities of sudden cardiac arrest, catastrophic cervical spine injury, and sport-related head injury in the athletic setting.
- Explain the critical components of an effective Emergency Action Plan (EAP), including personnel roles, equipment readiness, venue-specific considerations, and communication pathways among MDs, ATs, and EMS.
- Demonstrate appropriate interdisciplinary response techniques for airway management, spine stabilization, equipment removal, AED deployment, and head injury assessment through case-based and scenario simulations.
- Differentiate leadership roles and responsibilities of physicians, athletic trainers, and EMS providers during time-sensitive emergencies to optimize coordinated team performance.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a pre-event medical time-out and emergency rehearsal in reducing response delays and improving patient outcomes during athletic emergencies.
- Develop a venue-specific, interdisciplinary emergency preparedness framework incorporating EAP review, role assignment, communication strategy, and post-event debriefing for implementation within participants’ own organizations.
For additional session information including presenters, lecture topics, laboratory stations, panel discussion topic, and refund/cancellation information, visit the AOSSM-NATA Pre-Conference event page.-
Register
- Non-member - $500
- Member - $200
- Student - $200
- Certified Student - $200
- Retired - $200
- More Information
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Special Event $
Welcome to the 77th NATA Clinical Symposia On-Demand Education Experience! Get ready for an exceptional educational experience designed to inform, challenge and inspire. The 2026 NATA program features a dynamic mix of lectures, forums, interactive sessions and hands-on learning labs, all led by experts from across the profession and across the broader health care and sports performance communities. From foundational skills to advanced clinical applications, you’ll find content tailored to every stage of your professional journey.
Welcome to the 77th NATA Clinical Symposia
On-Demand Education Experience!Get ready for an exceptional educational experience designed to inform, challenge and inspire. The 2026 NATA program features a dynamic mix of lectures, forums, interactive sessions and hands-on learning labs, all led by experts from across the profession and across the broader health care and sports performance communities. From foundational skills to advanced clinical applications, you’ll find content tailored to every stage of your professional journey.
This package is intended for students and retirees only. No CEUs or statements of credit will be awarded.
On-Demand open from July 31 - December 31
All courses must be completed by 11:59 p.m. CST on Dec. 31, 2026.
Extended Access
The On-Demand event will remain open through December 31, 2026, giving all attendees four months to complete their CEUs and maximize their educational investment.
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Register
- Student - $99
- Retired - Free!
- More Information
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Register
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New
The consensus statement on concussion in sports highlights the need for tailored approaches in special populations, including athletes who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (D/HoH). Although concussion rates are comparable to that of athletes who are hearing, baseline neurocognitive, behavioral, and physical performance data of athletes who are D/HoH are limited. Differences in baseline performance of athletes who are D/HoH compared to athletes who are hearing may be due to potential anatomical, sensory, and processing factors. It is crucial for clinicians to understand these potential differences in baseline performance and how baseline outcomes will influence concussion recognition, diagnosis, and return-to-play decisions.
This presentation is a replay from NATA 2024 in New Orleans, providing another opportunity to access its valuable content and insights.
Abstract:
The consensus statement on concussion in sports highlights the need for tailored approaches in special populations, including athletes who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (D/HoH). Although concussion rates are comparable to that of athletes who are hearing, baseline neurocognitive, behavioral, and physical performance data of athletes who are D/HoH are limited. Differences in baseline performance of athletes who are D/HoH compared to athletes who are hearing may be due to potential anatomical, sensory, and processing factors. It is crucial for clinicians to understand these potential differences in baseline performance and how baseline outcomes will influence concussion recognition, diagnosis, and return-to-play decisions.Learning Objectives:
- Describe Deaf culture and its significance to Deaf sport.
- Recognize the occurrence of concussions in athletes who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
- Examine the concussion knowledge and attitudes among athletes who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
- Describe the anatomical, sensory, and processing variability of athletes who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and their implication on concussion management.
Level:
AdvancedDomain(s):
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and DiagnosisCEUs:
1.0 Category AKeywords: Disability; Baseline; mTBIa
Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.Thomas McKnight, MS, LAT, ATC, CES
Thomas McKnight, MS, LAT, ATC, CES is an Associate Athletic Trainer at Gallaudet University, where he works with the football, women’s volleyball, men’s basketball, baseball, and track & field teams. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Biology (with University honors) from Gallaudet in 2010 and a Master of Science in Athletic Training from Shenandoah University in 2013. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance at Concordia University Chicago.
With more than a decade of experience, McKnight has served as an athletic trainer for the USA Men’s Basketball Team at international competitions including the Deaflympic Games and World Championships in Brazil, Bulgaria, and Poland. He also serves on the U.S. Deaf Sports Federation Medical Commission.
In addition to his clinical work, McKnight has taught at Gallaudet since 2014 as an adjunct professor in biology and physical education, offering courses such as Human Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition, and Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries. He is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers’ Association, and the District of Columbia Athletic Trainers’ Association (DCATA). He previously served on the board of the Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Loss (AMPHL).
Originally from Shirley, Massachusetts, McKnight graduated from The Learning Center for the Deaf (now Marie Philip School) in 2006. He is also an avid disc golfer and helped design Gallaudet’s campus disc golf course in 2023, where he now advises the student disc golf club. He currently resides in Riverdale, Maryland.
Matthew Brancaleone, PhD, PT, DPT, AT
Dr. Matt Brancaleone is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State University and the long-time Medical Coordinator for the OSU Marching Band. A two-time graduate of Central Michigan University (BS in Athletic Training, DPT in Physical Therapy), he went on to complete a Sports Physical Therapy Residency and earn his PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Ohio State.
His clinical and research interests include musculoskeletal rehabilitation, health and wellness of athletes who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and the physical demands of marching artists. With more than a decade of experience, Dr. Brancaleone brings both academic expertise and practical insight to his teaching.
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Register
- Non-member - $25
- Member - Free!
- Student - Free!
- Certified Student - Free!
- Retired - $15
- More Information
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New
Clinical preceptors are essential to developing competent athletic trainers, yet many receive little formal training in how to teach in clinical settings. Most preparation emphasizes supervision and administrative tasks rather than fostering clinical reasoning, learner autonomy, and effective learning environments. This course addresses that gap by shifting the focus from supervising to developing clinicians. Participants will explore strategies to create psychological safety, support productive struggle, and apply a practical framework for balancing patient care with student learning. Emphasis is placed on real-time, efficient teaching techniques that enhance clinical reasoning and improve the overall quality of clinical education.
Abstract:
Clinical preceptors are essential to developing competent athletic trainers, yet many receive little formal training in how to teach in clinical settings. Most preparation emphasizes supervision and administrative tasks rather than fostering clinical reasoning, learner autonomy, and effective learning environments. This course addresses that gap by shifting the focus from supervising to developing clinicians. Participants will explore strategies to create psychological safety, support productive struggle, and apply a practical framework for balancing patient care with student learning. Emphasis is placed on real-time, efficient teaching techniques that enhance clinical reasoning and improve the overall quality of clinical education.Learning Objectives:
- Describe the role of the preceptor as a clinical educator rather than solely a supervisor.
- Identify key characteristics that distinguish effective preceptors from average clinical instructors.
- Apply strategies to create psychological safety and productive learning environments in clinical settings.
- Differentiate between moments that require direct intervention and those that allow for guided student autonomy.
- Implement at least one practical teaching strategy to enhance student clinical reasoning in real time.
Level:
EssentialDomain(s):
Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional ResponsibilityOrthopedic Domain(s):
N/ACEUs:
1.0 Category AKeywords:
Clinical instruction; Professional responsibility; mentorship; Quality improvement; Reflective practiceEnhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.Jonathan Jenkins, MS, SCAT, ATC
Jonathan Jenkins, MS, LAT, ATC, GTS, is an Athletic Trainer Supervisor with Prisma Health and an Adjunct Professor in the Athletic Training and Exercise Science programs at University of South Carolina. With over seven years of experience in clinical, outreach, and military leadership settings, he specializes in sports medicine, rehabilitation, mentorship, and healthcare education.
Jonathan has presented research at regional and state athletic training conferences and has been recognized with multiple honors, including the 2025 NATA Preceptor of the Year award. His professional interests include evidence-based rehabilitation, leadership development, and advancing athletic training education.
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Register
- Non-member - $25
- Member - Free!
- Student - Free!
- Certified Student - Free!
- Retired - $15
- More Information
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New
As advancements in lifesaving care have been discovered and established as best practice, the requirement to provide these for all athletes has been absent, specifically at the state level. This has allowed the creation of health disparities for lifesaving heat policies, cardiac policies and access to AEDs. This session will briefly discuss the established best practices for SCA and heat stroke, describe access to these lifesaving standards for high school athletes, and provide an overview of current collaborative efforts to enhance health and safety for high school athletes.
This presentation is a replay from NATA 2024 in New Orleans, providing another opportunity to access its valuable content and insights.
Abstract:
As advancements in lifesaving care have been discovered and established as best practice, the requirement to provide these for all athletes has been absent, specifically at the state level. This has allowed the creation of health disparities for lifesaving heat policies, cardiac policies and access to AEDs. This session will briefly discuss the established best practices for SCA and heat stroke, describe access to these lifesaving standards for high school athletes, and provide an overview of current collaborative efforts to enhance health and safety for high school athletes.Learning Objectives:
- Determine best practices related to identifying, managing, and treating sudden cardiac arrest and heat stroke in high school athletes.
- Recognize gaps and health disparities that exist in sudden cardiac arrest care and heat stroke for high school sports.
- Identify collaborative initiatives that have been used or that currently exist to address health disparities for best practices in sudden cardiac arrest care and heat stroke for high school athletes
Level:
EssentialDomain(s):
Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional ResponsibilityCEUs:
1.0 Category AKeywords: Emergency Action Plan; AED; Coach Education
Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.Rebecca Stearns, PhD, ATC
Rebecca Stearns, is the Chief Operating Officer for the Korey Stringer Institute (KSI) and has worked at KSI since it began in April of 2010. Dr. Stearns is a certified athletic trainer and has experience as an athletic trainer at the high school level and at various mass medical tent events including Boston Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, New York City Marathon, Falmouth Road Race and the Ironman Lake Placid.
She has co-authored multiple position statements related to preventing sudden death in sport and published over 85 research articles. Her particular research interest is in the effects of heat and hydration on sport performance and physiological functioning in addition to identifying the risk of future exertional heat stroke episodes. Dr. Stearns also led the creation of an online educational course specific to preventing sudden death in sport, as well as co-editing books addressing these topics which include “Preventing Sudden Death in Sport and Physical Activity” and “Emergency Management for Sport and Physical Activity.”
She is an avid runner, having completed 8 marathons which include the Boston, New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Marine Corps and Berlin marathons. Dr. Stearns earned her bachelor’s degree in athletic training at Duquesne University in 2006. She completed her master’s and doctoral degrees in kinesiology at the University of Connecticut in 2008 and 2012, respectively.
Douglas Casa, PhD, ATC
Dr. Casa is the CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute (since it was founded in 2010) and is a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Kinesiology (began at UCONN in 1999) at the University of Connecticut. Additionally, he is the editor of a book titled: Preventing Sudden Death in Sport and Physical Activity (2nd edition, 2017), published by Jones & Bartlett in cooperation with the American College of Sports Medicine. Another recent book titled Sports and Physical Activity in the heat: Maximizing Performance and Safety was published by Springer in the winter of 2018. His latest book- Elite Soccer Players: Maximizing Performance and Safety was published by Routledge in 2020. Dr. Casa has published about 400 peer- reviewed publications/book chapters and presented more than 600 times on subjects related to maximizing performance in the heat, exertional heat stroke, heat-related illnesses, preventing sudden death in sport, and hydration. As a licensed athletic trainer Dr. Casa has successfully treated 401 cases of exertional heat stroke (with 0 fatalities). In addition, from 2018 through 2021 he served on the International Olympic Committee Adverse Weather Impact Expert Group for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 (took place in 2021) that focused on the extreme heat anticipated for these games. During his 25 years as a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology at UConn the department has been ranked 1st or 2nd for 15 of the 25 years by the National Academy of Kinesiology.He has been a lead or co-author on over 15 sports medicine position statements/consensus statements/roundtables related to heat illness, hydration, and preventing sudden death and participated as a writing group member on 15 other policy statements for leading organizations (ACSM, NATA, WA, IOC, DOD, etc.). Dr. Casa has worked with numerous media outlets across the country in discussing his research including the HBO, NBC Today Show, Good Morning America, ESPN, CNN, PBS, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, among many others. Dr. Casa earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Allegheny College in 1990; his master’s degree in athletic training from the University of Florida in 1993; and his doctorate in exercise physiology from the University of Connecticut in 1997. He is happily married to his wife Tutita Casa, PhD and they have 3 kids; Montana, Navia and Alessio.Christianne M. Eason, PhD, ATC
Christianne Eason returned to the University of Connecticut to join the Korey Stringer Institute team as the director of innovATe and a contributor to the TUFSS project in the summer of 2020. Dr. Eason is a certified athletic trainer and has worked clinically in the NCAA Division I, NCAA Division III, and secondary school settings. She continues to serve as a medical volunteer at mass medical tent events including the Boston Marathon and Falmouth Road Race. Christianne has provided testimony on behalf of athletic training scope of practice legislation before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Health multiple times and continues to be a strong proponent of professional and personal advocacy.
Prior to joining the KSI team, Dr. Eason worked as an Assistant Professor of Athletic Training and the graduate school coordinator for the School of Health Sciences at Lasell University. During her time at Lasell, Dr. Eason was able to assist in the professional level degree transition of the Athletic Training program. Her research interests focus on the work-life interface of athletic trainers and the examination of individual and organizational level factors that impact retention, professional commitment, work-life conflict, and patient care. Dr. Eason is a lead or contributing author on nearly 50 peer reviewed articles, including the NATA Position Statement, Facilitating Work Life Balance in Athletic Training Practice Settings, and authored five textbook chapters. She has presented at numerous national, regional, and state conferences on topics including professional commitment, career intentions, organizational structure, and mentoring. Dr. Eason has expertise in qualitative and mixed-methodologies.
Christianne is a recreational runner and has completed half marathons in the Grand Tetons and Rocky Mountains. She is a self-proclaimed paddle board aficionado and travel enthusiast. Dr. Eason earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Connecticut, her Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Physical Activity from James Madison University and her Doctorate in Sport Management from the University of Connecticut.
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