ADVOCACY DAY 2019
Every year Kent State OATS goes to the statehouse to meet with representatives to discuss legal considerations for the athletic training profession. This day is called Advocacy Day.
“The point of Advocacy Day is to make sure we have a voice within our career field, “said OATS Vice President Alexander Wisnyai “We want to make sure everyone feels like they are being heard.”
Advocacy Day is celebrated by athletic training students and educators from all over Ohio going to the statehouse and discussing with legislators.
Schools such as Ohio State University, Ohio University, Kent State, Wright State and Mount Saint Joseph had students attend.
This year eight Kent State students, their clinical director Dr. Harnar and program coordinator Dr. Peer went to the statehouse.
Every year the students discuss with the state representatives about health care law and high school laws. Also, OATS members discuss state practice laws and what requirements are needed to practice in different states.
Each state has different regulations and laws about athletic training. Some states are really restrictive while others have little to no rules at all. According to OATS Secretary Kallie Van Coppenolle states like West Virginia and Missouri require no license but Pennsylvania and Ohio require licenses.
“Each state is different, and it makes it difficult for us students to know what we need to do to be an athletic trainer.” Said Van Coppenolle.
“This is really important to us. We plan, do research and have very educated conversations with the representatives because this is important for us and future athletic trainers,” said Wisnyai.
OATS 