Campbell University athletic training students joined nearly 200 other athletic trainers and students in Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s (NATA) Capital Hill Day 2010 on Feb. 23.
The attendees spent the day meeting with legislators, seeking support for a piece of legislation, HR 1137, which would ensure coverage of athletic trainers and improve patient access to physical medicine and rehabilitation services under Medicare Part B.
Campbell athletic training students Cortney Armitano and Candice Shultz, along with ATEP Director Catherine Simonson met with North Carolina Congressman Bob Etheridge and visited the offices of Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan.
NATA says the HR 1137 legislation would restore the authority to physicians to determine the type of therapy and health care professionals that best meets the clinical needs of each patient.
Athletic trainers hold at least a bachelor’s degree in athletic training and almost 70 percent of athletic trainers have a master’s degree or higher. Athletic trainers are licensed health care professionals who provide injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to patients of all ages.
From L to R: Candice Shultz (CU Athletic Training Student (ATS), Catherine Simonson (ATEP Director), Congressman Bob Etheridge (2nd District, NC), Jim Rehbock (PA, ATC), Cortney Armitano (CU ATS).