Athletic Training
Mikala McCartney received her undergraduate degree through Alfred University where she played volleyball for 4 years while completing over 1,000 clinical hours. Mikala was hired by Excelsior Orthopaedics. While she was working, she received her Master's degree through California University of Pennsylvania (now PennWest) in Exercise Science with a concentration in Sports Psychology. Mikala has been with Excelsior for almost 4 years now, and you can often see her working in our Physical Therapy clinics and our Durable Medical Equipment department when Clarence does not have school.
Athletic Training Philosophy:
The health and well-being of our students athletes is of primary importance to the Athletic Department of Clarence Central School District. Therefore, through our relationship with Excelsior Orthopedics, we are able to provide the services of a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).
Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who work under the direction of a physician to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.
The Clarence Athletic Trainer strives to establish trusting relationships with the student-athletes, coaching staff, parents and the medical community. These relationships require effective communication between all parties involved and a commitment to do what’s best for the student athlete.
Parents are encouraged to contact the Athletic Trainer with questions regarding the health and well being of their child.
Education & Certification:
To become a Certified Athletic Trainer, the candidate must complete a four year bachelor’s degree program from an accredited college, numerous clinical hours, and then pass the national certification exam administered by the National Athletic Trainers Associations’ Board of Certification. The program curriculum includes instruction and clinical experiences in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities and nutrition. ATC’s are often confused with Personal Trainers, they are NOT the same thing!
Responsibilities of the Athletic Trainer:
The Athletic Trainer is responsible for providing health care for all athletes. This includes, but is not limited to, injury prevention, evaluation, rehabilitation/reconditioning, taping/bracing, organization and administration, and education and counseling. The ATC will be present at most home practices and games as well as some away games.