Professor JosE. Rivera is the curriculum coordinator for the Athletic Training program at IUP. Mr. Rivera received a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education and Athletic Training from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985 anda Master of Science in Athletic Training from Old Dominion University in 1987. Additionally, he has completed graduate studies in Orthopedic Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Massage Therapy at the Muscular Therapy Institute in Boston, and Administration and Leadership Studies at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.
Mr. Rivera has been a certified athletic trainer (ATC) since 1986 and a college professor since 1994. His professional experience includesten years of working with high school, college, and professional athletesbefore he becamea college professor. His experience includes serving as clinical athletic trainer for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Athletic Department; the Puerto Rico Olympic Training Center and the P.R. National Wrestling, Tae Kwon Do and Baseball teams; the Puerto Rico professional baseball league; and the Center for Sports Medicine of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; and company therapist for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater.
Mr. Rivera has been an active participant and has been appointed to a variety of professional organizations/committees. Among them are Advisory Committee for the City of Pittsburgh Marathon; site visitor for the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Athletic Training; the NATA Board of Certification National Examination Development Committee and the Role Delineation Study Panel; and the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Athletic Trainers' Society Ethics Committee.In addition, he has various published and unpublished papers/research andmore thanthirty professional presentations in local, regional, and national professional conferences (1990-2006).
Mr. Rivera is currently the IUP Athletic Training program curriculum coordinator and teaches courses in Human Structure and Function, Athletic Training (musculoskeletal pathophysiology, rehabilitation/therapeutic exercises, and clinical practicum courses), and Health and Wellness. In addition, he is a member of various departmental and university committees, including the IUP University Senate; advisor for approximately one-third of the students majoring in Athletic Training at IUP; and advisor for the IUP Martial Arts Club.