Our Approach to Student-Athlete Care

Florida State College at Jacksonville uses a scientific approach to help athletes perform at their maximum capability by helping athletes develop an understanding of the links between fitness, exercise, diet and health. Areas of expertise for our staff include: biomechanics, sports nutrition, sport & exercise psychology, motor control/development, and exercise physiology. In addition, athletes receive guidance evaluating health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments, developing individual weight training plans, and promoting positive health habits that our athletes can use for the rest of their lives.

SPORTS MEDICINE

Injuries are an unfortunate possibility during sports competition and training. At FSCJ, we strive to minimize this risk via appropriately prescribed exercise (both with resistance training and aerobic conditioning) as a form of injury prevention. However if pain or injury occurs, there is a course of action that ensues: the athlete will see our athletic trainer to evaluate the issue and perform the appropriate diagnosis. This is often resolved with an alteration in training strategies and variables (modification of intensity, frequency, adopting altered movement patterns, rehab, etc.).

Occasionally further medical evaluation may be necessary. We have established relationships with qualified local physicians and can make the appropriate referral should an athlete need assistance setting up an appointment in the area. Athletes or their parents may also choose to see a physician closer to home due to personal preference or to meet primary insurance requirements.

FSCJ has enjoyed a strong and healthy 20 year relationship with Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute who provides outreach sports medicine coverage for all sports. Part of FSCJ's sports medicine staff is the Team Physician Dr. Carlos Tandron. Dr. Tandron has been working with JOI for over 20 years and also is one of JOI's founding members. JOI also provides Certified Athletic Trainers to work closely with the team physician to optimize the health of our student-athletes.

ATHLETIC TRAINING

Amber Melton serves as the Head Athletic Trainer for FSCJ Athletics, and she has been employed with JOI providing athletic training coverage at FSCJ since 2024.

Certified Athletic Trainers at FSCJ provide professional care to our population of student-athletes under the following scope of practice:

• Provide care and education to individuals about prevention of athletic injuries
• Evaluation and diagnosis of athletic injuries
• Recognition and immediate care of emergency, acute, and chronic injuries
• Treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning of athletic injuries
• Health care administration through documentation
• Professional development through continuing education and well-being

Questions on athlete care can be sent to athletics@fscj.edu or call 904-646-2119.

Note: the Sport Accident Insurance provided by the College for athletes will not provide any benefits until your primary health insurance has been applied.