
ABOUT US
Cogent Steps, LLC is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Our mission is to equip students and licensed healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver optimal assessment and management of athletes experiencing acute injury or illness in sideline and venue emergencies.
Our course, Emergency Response for the Athlete, fulfills the Acute Management of Injury and Illness requirement for initial board certification in sports physical therapy through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).
What is Cogent Steps?
The word cogent means “appealing powerfully to the mind through clear and convincing evidence.” Steps signifies moving forward and upward through enlightenment and learning. The words together, Cogent Steps, reflect a commitment to advancing knowledge through evidence-based education. Founder and CEO Michele Leavitt Weinstein, PT, EdD, ATC, and Medical Director Matthew Sedgley, MD, bring extensive experience in delivering education to diverse audiences. They are actively engaged in leadership roles at the local, regional, national, and international levels and are dedicated to providing high-quality education that enhances the emergency care of athletes.
Who are the Cogent Steps instructors?
Cogent Steps instructors represent a diverse range of professional backgrounds and practice settings, including clinical practice, colleges and universities, the military, and emergency response organizations. We bring together broad experience and specialized expertise in emergency care management across a variety of environments. Our instructors are located throughout the United States and are readily available to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
To learn more about our instructors, please visit Our Team.
Why train at Cogent Steps?
Cogent Steps, LLC is the leading provider of the acute injury and illness management course required for board certification of sports physical therapists. Our instructors actively work in sports venues alongside fire, EMS, and law enforcement personnel, delivering care to athletes across all levels of competition, including youth, high school, collegiate, professional, and Olympic athletes. We remain current with the latest evidence-based practices and clinical skills to ensure comprehensive and appropriate care for athletes. In addition, we partner with large-scale events such as the Boston Marathon to provide participants with meaningful, hands-on practical experiences.
Who registers for Cogent Steps courses?
Cogent Steps courses are designed for students and licensed professionals in athletic training, nursing, physical therapy, and medicine. Participants include individuals affiliated with sports residencies, professional and Olympic teams, regional and private clinics, youth athletic leagues, and other athletic organizations.
Cogent Steps, LLC is not an approved educational provider for firefighters or EMT professionals seeking training and testing required for National Registry certification.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE FOR THE ATHLETE (ERA) COURSE
Designed for physical therapists, athletic trainers, nurses, and physicians who want specialized training in sideline and venue emergency management of the athlete. [20 CEUs for PTs / 17.5 Cat. A CEUs for ATs]
ERA RECERTIFICATION COURSE
The Emergency Response for the Athlete recertification course can be taken in person or virtually. [7.0 CEUs for PTs / 7.0 Cat. A CEUs for ATs / additional credit for immersive course completion]
ADDITIONAL ONLINE COURSES
Our interactive online courses include Youth Sports: Special Considerations, Pregnant & Postpartum Athlete, Acute AC Joint Injuries, and more! [CEUs range from 1.0 to 4.75 depending on the course]

