Accessibility & Translations
Return-to-Learn: What to do for University and College Student-Athletes

Return-to-Learn: What to do for University and College Student-Athletes

Only available as part of a package

Abstract:
Current practice for Return-to-Learn following concussion utilizes a stepwise progression and has been promoted by the Concussion in Sport Group Consensus Guidelines for years; however, surmounting evidence contests the applicability and efficacy of such guidelines for university/college student-athletes and settings. Specifically, legal, professional, and logistical barriers exist that neutralize the utility of consensus recommendations, raising tangible concerns for students and healthcare professionals within higher education. This presentation details the primary reasons for why current guidelines are insufficient, covers the data specific to higher education, and ushers attendees through an evidence-based approach to supporting university/college student-athletes as they return-to-learn.

Learning Objectives:

  • Name key players within a Return-to-Learn team for university and college student-athletes.
  • Summarize why current recommendations will not translate to higher education.
  • Evaluate the proposed evidence-based approach for fit to their institution’s specific resources and infrastructure.

Level:
Essential

Domain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy 
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis  
Domain 4: Therapeutic Intervention 
Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

Orthopedic Domain(s):
Domain 1: Medical Knowledge
Domain 2: Procedural Knowledge
Domain 3: Professional Practice

Keywords:
RTL; Concussion

CEUs:
1.0 Category A

A Statement of Credit reflecting your CEUs will be issued immediately upon the successful completion of all course components.


Course Expiration: 
All sessions of the NATA 77th Symposia On-Demand must be completed by December 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.

Zachary Bevilacqua, PhD, ATC

Dr. Zachary Bevilacqua is an Assistant Professor of Athletic Training at SUNY Brockport in Rochester NY and a Concussion Initiative Advisory Committee member for the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS). His record of publication in the area of return to learn for university and college students (RTLU) led to an invitation to join BIANYS in their creation of a RTLU handbook. 

Since pursuing his RTLU interests in 2020, he has published six peer-reviewed RTLU papers, a rapid response in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, with two additional RTLU papers awaiting review. His research collectively aims to establish RTLU guidance that is accessible, reproducible, robust, and specific to higher education.

This content will not be available until 07/31/2026 at 12:00 AM (CDT)