AT in Connecticut

Jess Testani leads the Connecticut Athletic Trainers’ Association and is a former AT of the year recipient.

What is your AT Story?

When did you get introduced to Athletic Training?

Where did you go to college?

Where was your first job?

How long have you been practicing?

Grew up as an injured athlete in high school

Erik Lanaes at Sacred Heart

Attended Sacred Heart Univ

Played soccer there with 2 significant injuries that left me without soccer

I took an Intro to AT course

My mentor, Tim Spiker, told me I was an Athletic Trainer and not a PT

The ability to multitask and think outside the box.

Shenandoah University for the ELM

They were big on the challenge and immersion of the AT Program

Spent a season with Rutgers football

Then went to DC United and realized the schedule didn’t fit my desired life

I found the secondary setting was my real calling

Got into the Physician practice so I could spend time with family, but still felt lacking in the depth and connection with the athletes.

You were named the CATA AT of the Year in 2019. Tell me about that.

Have as many conversations with ATs as you can.

The then Vice president started asking me how we could change and push the profession.

From there I came to the board meeting and met the members, and the rest became history.

I became the secondary schools committee chair and worked to improve communication and connection.

What is a unique aspect of Athletic Training in your state?

I feel like our scope of practice is the best for ATs

What is a big challenge for Athletic Trainers in your state?

Similar to every other state – perceived value

Work life balance

We are a small state with smalled programs. So there are not a lot of ATs trying to take our place.

Functional shortage = shortage of numbers available for that setting

Contact:

Jess – presidentCATA@gmail.com

Jeremy – @SportsMedicineBroadcast

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