Chapman University's College of Educational Studies and its Athletic Training Education Program hosted the president of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association September 9.

Marjorie Albohm, MS, ATC, LAT, joined an open forum that drew nearly 120 students, faculty and clinical instructors from several local athletic training education programs.

Albohm, one of the first six women in the United States to become a certified athletic trainer, discussed future directions of the athletic training profession, including emerging practice settings such as the military, performing arts, public/civil service sectors and extreme sports. Touching on national health care reform, Albohm contends that athletic training – particularly with its emphasis on prevention – will flourish. “There will be increasing need for athletic trainers serving as physician extenders in primary care and as triage experts, as well as in cash-pay settings. People are willing to pay for what works.”