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Waters College of Health Professions > Tactical Athlete Initiative > Military Initiatives > Soldier Athlete Human Performance Optimization (SAHPO) Program

Soldier Athlete Human Performance Optimization (SAHPO) Program

About SAHPO

The program is designed to prevent and reduce injuries in soldiers. Data has shown a significant decrease in the number of injuries to soldiers enrolled in the program. Through a train-the-trainer model, Doctor of Physical Therapy students provide education to select soldiers who then take the information back to their units. Soldiers participating in the program are able to receive university credit toward a Tactical Athlete Certificate.

Program Benefits

  • Aims to decrease soldier evacuation due to musculoskeletal disorders, which account for 25 percent of all military injuries
  • Allows the State of Georgia to take an innovative stance on improving force readiness.
  • Enhances ties between the local communities and the Army.
  • Creates opportunities for students to gain experience working with tactical athletes/local military by understanding the unique demands of armored brigade combat teams.

Contact

Nancy Henderson, PT, Ph.D., DPT, OCS, Cert MDT

Email: nhenderson@georgiasouthern.edu

Last updated: 11/7/2023

Clinical Internship/Practicum Experience Update

Many of the clinical programs offered by the Waters College of Health Professions require a clinical internship or practicum experience to fulfill degree requirements.  Pursuant to the University's legal agreements, participants in clinical experiences are required to abide by the workplace rules of the clinical site. The University is aware of recent federal requirements that would mandate vaccination against COVID-19 for those working in certain settings, including health care. At this time, we expect that these new requirements may significantly impact our ability to locate a placement for students who remain unvaccinated. As always, WCHP will continue to make every effort to place students at clinical sites. However, please be aware that we may be unable to locate a site to accept unvaccinated students, which may cause a delay or inability to progress and complete the program of study.

Waters College of Health Professions • chp@georgiasouthern.edu

Armstrong Campus: Dept #4073 • 11935 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA • Tel: 912-344-2565

Statesboro Campus: PO Box 8073 Statesboro, GA • Tel: 912-478-5322 • Fax: 912-478-5349