JL
Joshua Laird
  • Athletic Training
  • Class of 2018
  • Fairview, IL

Joshua Laird an Athletic Training Major Travels to Learn

2017 Mar 21

Joshua Laird traveled to the Mid America Athletic Trainers' Association Annual Meeting and Symposium. A total of seven students attended, six are enrolled in the experiential learning course, Professional Development. The group participated in a handful of workshops and general sessions while they were there; these included but were not limited to: spine injury/emergency management, leadership development, salary negotiations and various other orthopedic injury or rehabilitation sessions.

Students also participated in three professional networking opportunities and were able to meet with several influential athletic trainers. "I was very impressed with our students," said Dr. Jay Hoffman, Department Chair of Athletic Training & Health Science. "I was particularly proud of their professional networking, and I think a few of them made very important connections that will land them jobs and/or graduate assistantships." Students also attended the MAATA (district) and MoATA (state) business meetings; where they gained insight into important business, association and legislative actions and initiatives over the last and upcoming year.

The MAATA Meeting and Symposium is held annually in march, this year there were nearly 900 participants. It took place in La Vista, Nebraska from March 16 to the 18. Those who attended were a combination of certified athletic trainers and athletic training students.