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In an impactful stride toward modernizing the field of athletic training, Mary Beth Zwart, a clinical assistant professor at South Dakota State University (SDSU), has played a pivotal role in reshaping the professional landscape for athletic trainers in South Dakota.
As an educator in the SDSU School of Health and Consumer Sciences and the current president of the South Dakota Athletic Trainers’ Association, Zwart's influence extends far beyond the classroom, directly impacting the future of her students and the profession at large.
Zwart's advocacy culminated in the passing of Senate Bill 151 during the 99th Legislative Session, a significant piece of legislation aimed at “revising and repealing provisions related to the licensure of Athletic Trainers.”
This bill, which successfully repealed around 12 sections of outdated state law, represents a significant update to align with contemporary practices in athletic training. Zwart emphasized the necessity of this change:
“The previous law really wasn’t in totality what athletic trainers are educated to do today... Really the new definition essentially just modernized that language.”
The journey of SB 151 through the legislative process was met with unanimous support, a testament to the recognition of the evolving role of Athletic Trainers beyond the confines of sports teams to a broader patient population.
During her testimony to the House Health and Human Services Committee, Zwart drew a vivid picture of how healthcare, and by extension, athletic training, has transformed since 1984, underscoring the profession's expansion into areas like the performing arts, public safety, and occupational health.
This legislative victory not only broadens the scope of practice for Athletic Trainers but also opens new doors for entrepreneurship within the profession, as highlighted by Zwart's response to inquiries about the potential for ATs to start their own businesses in South Dakota.
The importance of advocacy was further emphasized through the SDATA's "Hit the Hill" legislative advocacy day and Student Leadership Conference, initiatives designed to educate and engage future Athletic Trainers in the legislative process.
“I think the biggest piece is that our students see the value of advocating. Nobody else is going to advocate for you, your profession or for an organization.”
This experience, as shared by Master of Science student Faith Weiland, underscores the significance of self-advocacy and the potential for increased professional opportunities in South Dakota.
As this legislation prepares to take effect on July 1, the anticipation within the athletic training community is palpable. Zwart views these developments not just as a legislative victory but as an educational triumph, preparing her students for a future where they can confidently advocate for their profession.
This change signifies a brighter future for athletic training in South Dakota, promising enhanced professional recognition, expanded practice settings, and greater autonomy for Athletic Trainers to serve their communities.
And these actions have also set a precedent for how legislative advocacy can pave the way for the profession's growth and evolution nationwide!
Read more on the South Dakota State University website!
