Athletic Training is recognized as an allied health care profession by the American Medical Association. Athletic Trainers are multi-skilled health care professionals who provide medical care in six domains:
- Injury Prevention
- Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis
- Immediate Emergency Care
- Therapeutic Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning
- Organization and Administration
- Professional Responsibility
Athletic Trainers Treat Many Conditions and Illnesses Such As:
- Orthopedic injuries
- Concussion
- Heat stroke and other heat illnesses
- Sudden cardiac arrest and other cardiac emergencies
- Exertional sickling
- Early onset osteoarthritis
- Substance abuse
- Environmental and weather-related health conditions
Athletic Trainers Practice in Many Different Settings Including:
- Military and Armed Forces
- Public and Private Schools
- Preforming Arts
- Professional Sports
- Hospital and Clinics
- Public Safety
- Occupational Health
- Colleges and Universities
- NASA
- Disney
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How Do You Become an Athletic Trainer?
To become an Athletic Trainer, one must graduate from an accredited educational program and pass a comprehensive certification exam. Athletic Training is an entry-level master's academic major accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Upon completion of a CAATE-accredited athletic training education program, students become eligible for national certification by successfully completing the Board of Certification For the Athletic Trainer Inc. examination. They must also keep their knowledge and skills current by obtaining at least 50 continuing education credits every two years.
How Does an Athletic Trainer Practice Their Craft?
Once a student passes their Board of Certification exam and graduates from a CAATE-accredited program, they will apply for a license or another form of state regulation to practice. Once a license is obtained, the Athletic Trainer will be required to enter into a written plan of care with a supervising physician, setting forth the practices in which the licensed Athletic Trainer shall engage in while providing treatment.
National Organization for Athletic Trainers
Currently there are 57,000 certified Athletic Trainers in the United States. Most of which are members of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). The NATA mission is to represent, engage and foster the continued growth and development of the Athletic Training profession and Athletic Trainers as unique health care providers. The NATA provides its members with valuable educational resources such as position statements to promote awareness of certain issues.
Gear up for National Athletic Training Month with our exclusive Athletic Training crossword puzzle! Test your knowledge, challenge your brain, and celebrate the dedication of Athletic Trainers everywhere.