Athletic Trainer

Athletic Trainer

An Athletic Trainer is a certified and licensed health care professional who practices in the field of sports medicine. Athletic trainers have been recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as an allied health care professional since 1990.

Overview

Athletic Trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. They work with people of all ages and all skill levels, from young children to soldiers and professional athletes. Athletic trainers are usually one of the first healthcare providers on the scene when injuries occur, and therefore must be able to recognize, evaluate, and assess injuries and provide immediate care when needed.

Education and Certification

To become an Athletic Trainer, one must graduate with a degree in Athletic Training from an accredited athletic training program and also pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification (BOC). Once certified, they must meet ongoing continuing education requirements in order to remain certified. Athletic trainers must also work under the direction of a physician and within their state practice act.

Roles and Responsibilities

Athletic trainers provide medical services to all types of patients, not just athletes participating in sports, and can work in a variety of job settings. Athletic trainers relieve widespread and future workforce shortages in primary care support and outpatient rehab professions and provide an unparalleled continuum of care for the patients.

Athletic trainers improve functional outcomes and specialize in patient education to prevent injury and re-injury. Preventative care provided by an athletic trainer has a positive return on investment for employers. ATs are able to reduce injury and shorten rehabilitation time for their patients, which translates to lower absenteeism from work or school and reduced healthcare costs.

See Also

• Physical therapy
• Sports medicine
• Exercise physiology