University of Denver Athletics

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Pioneer Health and Performance was created as a multi-disciplinary approach organized to maximize the student-athlete health, wellness and physical development related to competitive performance. A collaborative approach between Sports Medicine, Sports Performance, Sport Psychology and Sports Nutrition holistically enhances the total student-athlete experience.

The mission of the University of Denver Pioneer Health and Performance Department is to achieve excellence in the interrelated areas of sports performance, sports medicine, nutrition counseling and sports psychology/mental health in order to provide University of Denver student-athletes the tools to prepare for championship level performance while ensuring the health and safely of all student-athletes. 

Maximizing the potential of student athletes through the integration of educational and scientific environment with an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach.  Positively enhancing student athletes through attitude, accountability and dedication to excel physically and mentally.

The Certified Athletic Trainer
The Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) is a highly educated and skilled professional specializing in athletic health care. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the ATC functions as the integral member of the athletic health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs and other athletic healthcare settings.

Education
Certified athletic trainers have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree from an accredited athletic training education curriculum program, however, all eight full-time staff members at the University of Denver have at least a master's degree. Student athletic trainers study a wide range of topics, including human anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, emergency care, injury/illness prevention and evaluation, nutrition, psychology, pathology, pharmacology and administration. They also participate in extensive clinical experience under appropriate supervision.

Certification
Certified athletic trainers have fulfilled the requirements for certification established by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, Inc. (NATABOC). The certification examination administered by NATABOC consists of a computer generated exam.

NATA
The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the physically active worldwide. The association is committed to the advancement, encouragement and improvement of the athletic training profession. Founded in 1950, NATA today has more than 25,000 members worldwide.