Opportunities for New and High-Impact Continuing Education Topics
As we continue enhancing the BOC Activity Directory, we’re also reviewing programming trends to better understand where continuing education topic offerings are robust and where wider opportunities exist.
Several topic areas currently have fewer continuing education (CE) programs available. These gaps present meaningful opportunities for BOC Approved Providers to develop new, relevant and highly discoverable content that supports Athletic Trainers (AT) across all practice settings.
Below are topical areas where additional programming would strengthen the overall CE landscape.
Underrepresented Topic Areas
Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)
EIB remains highly relevant across the lifespan, but particularly in children, adolescents, and individuals engaged in high-intensity or endurance exercise, and in certain environments. Educational offerings could explore screening protocols, symptom recognition and referral, emergency response considerations, pharmacologic management, return-to-activity decisions and sport-specific case studies.
Altitude Training & Altitude Sickness
As patients travel and are active in varied environments, altitude-related considerations should be understood in clinical practice. Potential programming could address physiologic adaptations, acclimatization strategies, prevention, recognition, acute management, emergency escalation, return-to-activity and performance implications of altitude sickness.
Dental Injuries
Dental trauma is common in physical activities but underrepresented in CE offerings. Programming could focus on sideline stabilization, emergency management, referral coordination and prevention strategies such as protective equipment and policy development.
Homeopathic and Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM)
ATs frequently encounter questions regarding alternative or home-based treatments. Courses that critically examine the evidence behind common remedies, including situations where evidence is limited or absent, along with , safety considerations, patient communication and ethical implications, would provide practical value while reinforcing evidence-based practice.
Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) and Clinical Communication
Effective communication is critical to patient safety. Programming on SBAR frameworks, clinical hand-offs and escalation of care can strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and improve outcomes across the continuum of care.
Build From What You Already Know
One of the most valuable resources for future content ideas is your own program evaluations. Participant feedback often highlights:
- Topics that suggest ongoing uncertainty or skill/competence gaps
- Requests for advanced or follow-up sessions
- Emerging practice challenges
Consider using highly rated programs as the foundation for expanded offerings or thematic series that build upon prior success.
Supporting a Stronger CE Ecosystem
Expanding programming in underrepresented topic areas:
- Increases discoverability within the BOC Activity Directory
- Broadens learning opportunities for ATs
- Enhances the overall value of CE
We encourage you to review the BOC’s Activity Directory, your current program portfolio, evaluate feedback trends and consider where your organization can help fill identified gaps. Together, we can continue advancing CE and supporting excellence across the athletic training profession.
