Performing Arts Medicine Certificate
Shenandoah University is committed to meeting the needs of practicing clinicians who seek advanced education in the emerging practice area of performing arts medicine.
The mission of the performing arts medicine masters certificate program is to educate health care professionals and performing arts educators on the prevention, assessment, and management of injuries and disorders specific to dancers, theatre artists, and musicians along with promoting clinical research to determine best practices.
The Performing Arts Medicine (PAM) certificate program has put me on the best track ever and set me up for true success in this field. Without the support, tough love and amazing teaching of the SU Master of Science in Athletic Training and PAM programs, I wouldn’t have been able to make my dream a reality.
– Molly McEvoy ’19, ’20, athletic trainer, Harkness Center/Dance Theatre of Harlem, New York City
The foundation of Shenandoah University’s mission states that the university distinguishes itself by providing opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills in a collaborative, personalized environment that intertwines professional and liberal learning. This graduate certificate program embodies collaboration between various health professions alongside educators of the performing art with the common goal of developing teaching practices, healthcare prevention, assessment, and treatment strategies that will enhance and potentially prolong the career of a performing artist.
This program is open to the following health care professionals that would have a role in treating performing artists:
- Nurse Practitioners*
- Medical doctors
- Physical Therapists*
- Certified Athletic Trainers*
- Occupational Therapists*
- Podiatrists
- Chiropractors
- Physician Assistants*
Meet a Performing Arts Medicine Alumna
Carina Nasrallah ’15, who works to improve the health of dancers with the Houston Ballet, earned Shenandoah University’s unique graduate Certificate in Performing Arts Medicine as she earned her master’s degree in Athletic Training at Shenandoah. A former dancer herself, Nasrallah is devoted to helping dancers practice their art and grow in their careers in the healthiest ways possible.
In order to complete the courses PAM 706 and PAM 708, the student will be required to find a place where he/she has access to intern with performing artists that is approved by the course advisor.
PAM Graduate Certificate Requirements
In order to be retained in the curriculum, all courses must be passed with a grade of “B” or higher and a minimum GPA of 3.0 must be maintained at the time of program completion. All course work must be successfully completed within three years of the start date of the program. Remediation of a grade of less than 80 may be considered at the discretion of the Program Director. If a student earns a failing grade, the student will have one additional year to retake the course (at the current credit rate as set forth by the university at that time) during the next regularly scheduled course offering. In the event that the student is not successful upon the second course attempt, the student will be dismissed from the PAM graduate certificate program. All students are eligible to reapply for admission to the program at the next enrollment period. No exceptions to this policy will be considered.
PAM Course Descriptions
This certificate program has a 15-credit curriculum.
Our accomplished and caring faculty serve as mentors beyond the classroom. As a team, they prepare you to serve as a compassionate athletic trainer, critical thinker and ethical leader. You’ll benefit from small class sizes that enable faculty members to provide individualized attention and nurture your academic and professional development.
Application materials are reviewed as they are received.
Applicants must submit the following:
Current Shenandoah Students
Current Shenandoah University enrollees and applicants from articulated programs within these health professions may apply to this program for study in addition to their entry-level curriculum. These students must submit a graduate application for admission, as well as a letter requesting admission into the program to the Performing Arts Medicine Program Director by the designated deadline. They must also have a letter of support for this endeavor from their respective Dean/Program Director. These students must be in good academic standing from their entry-level program in order to be considered.
Outside Applicants
All applicants from outside of Shenandoah University must submit:
- A completed Shenandoah university graduate application for admission including the $30 application fee.
- All official higher education transcripts.
- A photocopy of your most current US/state license to practice medicine, physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, podiatry, chiropractic medicine, physician assistant, nurse practitioner.
- Foreign-educated students must submit above information as well as verification of full-time employment for at least six months in the U.S. in one’s respective health profession.
