To The Bone: Sports Medicine Podcast

Ep 94. To The Bone: Specialty Certifications with Eva Frank and Mike Hudson

Most athletic trainers have a general practice foundation, but few realize the immense potential of specialized certifications to elevate their careers—and how these credentials could redefine the future of athletic training. Imagine standing out in a crowded job market, validated by an external, industry-recognized accreditation that proves your expertise in a niche area like orthopedics or mental health. This episode reveals the groundbreaking shift toward formalized specialty certifications in athletic training, akin to medical residencies, and explains why they’re crucial for career advancement, compensation, and patient care.Join us as Dr. Eva Frank and Dr. Mike Hudson, two leading experts in athletic training education and credentialing, unpack the evolving landscape of specialization. They share insights from a nearly decade-long research journey, diving deep into how certifications are developed, validated through practice analysis, and ultimately recognized across borders. You'll discover how specialty credentials can expand your scope of practice legally within your state, enhance your value to employers, and even influence healthcare reimbursement. This isn't just about advanced skills—it's about positioning yourself as a trusted expert in your field.In this episode, we break down the core concepts of specialty versus general practice, with frameworks used in medicine and other healthcare disciplines that athletic training now emulates. You’ll explore how the current infrastructure—residencies, graduate programs, CEUs, and board certifications—intersects and how a formal specialty certification can bridge gaps to legitimize expertise. We discuss the impact of state practice acts on scope, the importance of grassroots efforts in developing new specialties, and how valid, externally evaluated credentials could finally unlock competitive compensation and recognition in healthcare.Why should you care? Because the lack of standardization in specialty recognition has limited growth, leaving many athletic trainers undervalued and undercompensated. The potential for these credentials to influence practice acts, reimbursement, and professional identity is enormous. If you're passionate about advancing your career, improving patient outcomes, or shaping the future of athletic training, understanding this credentialing revolution is essential. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, this episode provides the roadmap to harnessing specialization to your advantage—and positioning athletic training as a truly professional, specialized healthcare discipline.This conversation is perfect for athletic trainers, educators, students, and healthcare administrators eager to stay ahead of the curve. Get ready to rethink what it means to be an expert in athletic training and discover how formal specialties could change the game for your practice, your career, and the profession as a whole.

Ep 93. To The Bone: The 50 Individual States of Regulations with Brian Hortz

Our profession isn't one-size-fits-all — each state's rules are shaped by local politics and needs, not some global standard. From California's registration to Texas’s dual licensure routes, understanding these differences is crucial for practitioners who move or work across state lines. Most issues boil down to the unique legislative process and local priorities, making advocacy at the state level more important than ever. Brian shares insightful examples illustrating how local politics, reimbursement hurdles, and state-specific regulations shape our profession's evolution—and how you can actively influence it. Why does recognition of athletic training remain a challenge? How do state legislatures and community advocacy play a role in the future of our profession? And what steps can you take today to ensure you're practicing safely and legally no matter where you work? This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about understanding the system to elevate your practice and protect your patients. Perfect for athletic trainers, students, and healthcare professionals eager to grasp the landscape and be part of meaningful change. Whether you're practicing in a traditional setting or navigating the wild west of per diem work, this episode equips you with the knowledge to advocate for your role, embrace local realities, and grow the profession from the grassroots level. Join us as we peel back the layers of licensure, explore the influence of politics and advocacy, and discover how a nuanced understanding can open doors for your career—and better serve your communities. Knowledge is power—hit play to make sure you're navigating the rules of the game.

Ep 92. To The Bone: Medical Sales with Julia De La Rosa

In this episode, Julia De La Rosa shares her inspiring journey from traditional athletic training in professional sports to thriving in medical sales. Discover the transferable skills, challenges, and opportunities that athletic trainers can leverage when exploring careers beyond the clinic. Main Topics: * Julia’s path from athletic training to sports technology and medical sales * Key transferable skills from athletic training to sales roles * How to approach the transition into medical sales and what to highlight on your resume * Understanding the business side: valuing services and products in athletic training and sales * Addressing burnout and the benefits of a career switch * Remote work dynamics and the team culture at Henry Schein * Tips for athletic trainers interested in entering sales and industry resources

Ep 91. To The Bone: BOC Pathfinder

In this episode Shannon Fleming and Heather Collins dives into the new CPC Pathfinder system, explaining how it impacts athletic trainers' continuing education and professional development. We break down the framework, requirements, and future vision for this innovative platform.Listen to learn more about this new tool!

Ep 90. To The Bone: PRN with Andy Carter, Paul Rupp, and Jason Doctor

Most athletic trainers don’t realize how much legal, ethical, and business knowledge is essential when working as a per diem contractor. If you're considering jumping into the freelance side of athletic training, this episode is your ultimate guide to avoid costly mistakes and maximize your earning potential. Explore the hidden risks of per diem work—liability issues, state licensure laws, documentation pitfalls, and insurance gaps—that many overlook until it’s too late. Andy Carter, Paul Rupp, and Jason Doctor, all seasoned experts in athletic training and legal compliance, reveal what you must know before stepping onto the field. They break down complex topics like state practice acts, emergency action plans, liability insurance, and documentation protocols, all in clear, actionable terms. You'll discover: how to handle emergency policies at tournaments, negotiate fair rates, and protect yourself from legal liabilities.