La Roche University, in conjunction with UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), provides comprehensive care for all of its student-athletes. This coverage includes having a Certified Athletic Trainer present at all practices and home events. In addition to the full-time coverage, the partnership with UPMC not only allows La Roche student-athletes direct access to the finest in Sports Medicine physicians and Orthopedic surgeons, but also to physical therapy, sports nutritionists, sports performance training, neuropsychologists for concussion care, and access to all other specialists within the hospital system. The UPMC Health System Sports Medicine program is the area's leader in the prevention, care, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries.

A Certified Athletic Trainer is a qualified allied health care professional educated and experienced in the management of health care problems associated with sports participation. In cooperation with physicians and other allied healthcare personnel, the Athletic Trainer functions as an integral member of the athletic healthcare team at the Center for Sports Medicine and La Roche University. The Athletic Trainer functions in cooperation with medical personnel, athletic and school administrators, coaches and parents, and insurance companies in the development and coordination of efficient and responsive athletic healthcare delivery systems. The domains of the profession of Athletic Training include prevention, recognition and evaluation, management/treatment and disposition, rehabilitation, organization and administration, and clinical education and counseling.

The Athletic Trainers are responsible for the return of athletes to their sport through a progressive, functional, and innovative rehabilitative program, which is under the guidance of a team physician. Whenever possible we will strive to integrate education about athletic injuries so that our athletes can be motivated to lead healthier lifestyles. We are committed to using any technology available and affordable in the delivery of these services. We will remain committed to the continuous upgrading of the equipment used in the delivery of sports medicine services so our athletes will be assured of the most modern care available.

This philosophy places a high value on health and wellness, thus enabling injured student athletes to return to sport as soon as is medically safe. These services will be provided to maintain the highest standards of quality consistent with the National Athletic Trainers' Association's Code of Professional Practice and credentialing statutes of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the intention of this medical team to support La Roche University with the human resources necessary to accomplish the stated goals of this program.

The team physician(s) is responsible for the delivery of medical care to all
La Roche University athletes, including coordination of pre-season physical examinations and subsequent authorization for participation, injury / illness evaluation, referral to medical specialists, and prescription of therapeutic modalities and rehabilitation exercise for return to competition. In all instances, the team physician determines the criteria and makes the final decision relative to the injured / ill athlete's return to competition. It is also critical that the team physician and the athletic trainer share philosophical opinions regarding injury management and rehabilitation programs.

College or University Athletic Training Students are required to fulfill a certain number of internship hours under the supervision of a Certified Athletic Trainer as part of the NATA educational requirements. Duquesne University utilizes La Roche University as a clinical site for their Athletic Training Students. The Student Athletic Trainer's responsibilities are to observe and assist the staff Athletic Trainer in the daily functions of Athletic Training. They are certified in first aid and CPR. La Roche University is an educational setting for the Student Athletic Trainer.