Sports Medicine
Academy for Sports Medicine
Fundamental Requirements
This is a satellite academy where the program is housed at Roxbury HS. The Academy for Sports Medicine provides comprehensive education in sports injury prevention, clinical evaluation, diagnosis, immediate care, treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning. Students develop expertise in anatomical and physiological terminology, human physiology concepts, and medical analysis while exploring sports medicine principles through both rigorous classroom study and hands-on clinical observation experiences.
Learning Experience
Students engage in an immersive four-year observation and laboratory environment where they witness and interact with student athletes receiving evaluation and treatment for real injuries. The program emphasizes authentic clinical methodology through direct participation in medical assessments and rehabilitation processes that mirror professional sports medicine practices.
Skills and Prerequisites for Success
Prospective students should demonstrate a passionate interest in sports medicine and possess a basic understanding of exercise and human body systems. The program requires individuals who can handle rigorous science coursework, recall and utilize anatomical terminology daily, and adapt to learning large amounts of material at an engaging pace.
Important Considerations
- Science Course Load: Strong performance in a rigorous scientific curriculum
- Critical Thinking: Problem-solving abilities for medical analysis and evaluation
- Work Habits: Disciplined approach to mastering anatomical and physiological terminology
- Laboratory Participation: Active engagement in hands-on medical analysis activities
- Clinical Observation: Four-year immersive experience with real student-athlete care
- Professional Behavior: Appropriate conduct in clinical and laboratory settings
- Collaboration: Effective teamwork with peers and healthcare professionals
- Time Management: Meeting deadlines while completing required observation hours
- Communication: Clear verbal and written expression in medical contexts
- Adaptability: Flexibility to handle change and learn independently
- Active Learning: Asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating engaged listening
- Fast-Paced Learning: Ability to master diverse topics at an accelerated rate
This program is ideal for students who are passionate about sports medicine, enjoy rigorous scientific study, and are prepared to engage in both classroom learning and authentic clinical observation experiences.
Email: jkoch@roxbury.org
Phone: RHS 973-584-1200 x1287
Qualifications: Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ Graduate: Master of Education with Specialization in Athletic Training Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia Internship: Norfolk State University
Mr. Joseph Koch
Hello and Welcome to the Academy of Sports Medicine. I have been the classroom instructor of the Academy since its inception in the 2019-2020 school year. In addition to being a teacher, I have also been practicing as a Certified Athletic Trainer at Roxbury High School since 2018. By continuing to practice I am able to assist students in the real world application of the concepts learned in class.
Some areas of expertise include:
Clinical evaluation and diagnosis of Injuries
Immediate and emergency care of injuries
Rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise, joint mobilizations and modality usage and selection
Concussion evaluation and management
Heat Illness and acclimatization
Injury Prevention and sports performance testing
Strength and Conditioning
Special certifications held in:
CPR
First Aid
Functional Movement Screens
Selective Functional Movement Assessment
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
A member of the Seton Hall University Graduate Athletic Training Advisory Board
Preceptor for Seton Hall University Graduate Athletic Training Program
A member of the County College of Morris Exercise Science Advisory Board
Email: cforlenza@roxbury.org
Phone: 973-584-1200 x0370
Qualifications: Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science Exercise Science - Nutrition Concentration University of Scranton, Scranton, PA Graduate: Masters of Science - Athletic Training Seton Hall University, East Orange, NJ
Mr. Corey Forlenza
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & SOCIETIES:
National Athletic Trainers’ Association
Athletic Trainers’ Society of NJ
Certified CPR instructor
Seton Hall Excellence in Research Award
Experience: NY Giants, FDU, Seton Hall, Caldwell Univ.
Career Field - Sports Medicine
Career Pathways in Sports Medicine (include but are not limited to):
Therapeutic Services: Art/Music/Dance Therapist(s), Athletic Trainer, Certified Nursing Assistant, Chiropractor, Chiropractic Assistant, Dietitian/Nutritionist, EMT/Paramedic, Exercise Physiologist Kinesiotherapist, Licensed Practical Nurse, Massage Therapist, Medical Assistant, Nurse Practitioner Occupational Therapist, Mobility Specialist, Orthoptist Orthotist/Prosthetist/
Diagnostics Services: Specialist Cardiovascular Technologist, Computer Tomography (CT) Technologist, Sonographer, Exercise Physiologist, Technologist Radiologist
Health Informatics: Admitting Clerk, Applied Researcher, Health Educator, Health Information Mgmt. Administrator, Health Information Mgmt. Technician, Healthcare Access Manager, Healthcare Administrator, Information Privacy Officer, Managed Care, Medical Coder, Medical Historian, Medical Illustrator, Medical Transcriptionist, Patient Account Manager, Patient Advocate, Patient Information Coordinator, Public Health Educator.
Support Services: Community Health Worker, Dietary Manager, Dietetic Technician, Environmental Health Advocate, Environmental Health Practitioner, Environmental Services/ Specialist, Food Safety Specialist, Health Advocate, Medical Health Counselor, Mortician/ Funeral Director, Nurse Educator, Occupational Health Nurse, Occupational Health & Safety Expert, Social Worker Transport Technician
Seniors at the Academy for Sports Medicine have completed internships with (including but not limited to):
Advanced Cardiology and Primary Care LLC
Active Care Physical therapy
Tri County Orthopedics
Ivy Rehab
Sports Care Physical Therapy
Twin Boro Physical Therapy
Parabolic Performance
Inception Athletic
Crunch Fitness
Celebrate the Children
Carroll Physical Therapy
Jag One PT
NJ Center of Physical Therapy
Athletic Republic
Krank Sports Performance
Santiago Sports Chiropractic
MT. Freedom Physical Therapy
Academy Course of Study
9th Grade
- Foundational Components of Athletic Training & Physical Therapy: This course provides a general overview of the allied health professions of athletic training and physical therapy. It is intended to inspire the students to think critically about the various disciplines, roles and opportunities of the members of the sports medicine team. The course will engage the students with cooperative learning opportunities as well as self directed projects.
- Clinical Internship (25 Hours): Students can choose to perform a combination of clinical internship hours between the athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy and adapted physical education options
10th Grade
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Pathology & Prevention of Sports Injuries: To introduce students to the sciences of human anatomy and physiology as well as skill development, prevention of injuries through exercise, basic rehabilitation, sport psychology, the tissue response to injuries, understanding basic taping, wrapping and bracing for injuries, clinical evaluation, recognizing the needs of different sports injuries as well as injuries/conditions seen in the lower extremity.
- Clinical Internship (25 Hours): Students can choose to perform a combination of clinical internship hours between the athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy and adapted physical education options
11th Grade
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Kinesiology & Orthopedic Assessment: To continue to facilitate the comprehension of the science of human anatomy specific to the examination skills including the locations of anatomical landmarks (muscle origins, insertions, bony landmarks, ligaments). To discover proper movement patterns of the body and the causes and consequences of poor movement. Upper extremity anatomy, injuries, concerns and issues with associated rehabilitation,and appropriate selection of therapeutic modalities will also be reviewed. An introduction to necessary adaptations for special needs students. To be introduced to traumatic brain injury evaluation and management as well as facial injuries, general medical conditions and youth injuries.
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Clinical Internship (30 Hours): Students can choose to perform a combination of clinical internship hours between the athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy and adapted physical education options
12th Grade:
Senior Year College Option: Providing students meet the academic criteria, they may attend County College of Morris for all academic and occupational courses and earn up to 24 credits, paid for by Morris County Vocational School District
Continue at Roxbury High School for advanced courses/projects including:
- Injury Rehabilitation, Management and Surgical Intervention: This course is designed to give the student a detailed examination of exercise physiology and the effects of nutrition and supplementation as well as the effects of pharmacology, post-injury management techniques. The curriculum will focus on surgical techniques and their implications on rehabilitation/activity and capture the totality of injury management including pathology, immediate management, diagnostic imaging, definitive and differential diagnoses, medical management, medications, surgical intervention, post-injury and/or post-surgical management and rehabilitation. The objective is to apply skills learned from 1, 2 and 3, while working independently on research projects. Students will also assist in the instruction of students in the first three courses in order to facilitate comprehension.
- Introduction to Exercise Science/Introduction to Exercise Psychology
Structured Learning Experience (SLE): Required 120 hour Internship