ATHLETIC TRAINING

What is Athletic Training Specialized care given to athletes and

those involved in exercise Provided by a Certified Athletic Trainer Includes

PreventionRecognitionEvaluationcare/rehabilitation

History of Athletic Training The National Athletic Trainers’

Association (NATA) was founded in 1950. It is the professional membership

association for certified athletic trainers and others who support the athletic training profession.

The NATA has grown to more than 30,000 members worldwide today

History Continued The American

Medical Association recognized Athletic Training as an allied health profession in 1991.

Qualities of an Athletic Trainer Enjoy exercise, sport and recreation Work with people Problem solve Work under stress Analyze communicate

Workplace Work outside of traditional work day

NightsWeekendsTravelHolidaysOften more than 40 hours a week

Work outside in all types of weather lifting

Duties

Analyzing injuries Taping and wrapping Implement and design rehabiliation programs Demonstrate movements Use modalities and equipment Record, organize and store information

Code of Conduct Respect the rights, welfare and dignity

of all individuals Comply with the laws and regulations

governing the practice of athletic training Accept responsibility for the exercise of

sound judgement Mainntain and promote high standards

in the provision of services

Conduct continued Not engage in any

form of conduct the constitutes a conflict of interest or that adversely reflects on the profession

Education Minimum of a bachelor’s degree Students must complete a program for

athletic training that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training (CAATE)

Education continued In this program, they must master

course work in basic sciences: anatomy and physiology physics exercise physiology injury evaluation and rehabilitation nutrition risk managementhealthcare administration

Students are required to get clinical experience practicing their assessment and treatment skills. This is usually obtained through acting as a student athletic trainer for their respective school's athletic teams under the supervision of an ATC which is often supplemented with the guidance of a more experienced student trainer.

Once one has successfully completed the program requirements (i.e. graduating), a successful applicant must pass the NATA’s (National Athletic Trainer’s Association) Board of Certification (BOC) certification exam in which students are evaluated in their knowledge of: injury prevention clinical evaluation immediate care treatment and rehabilitation organization and administration professional responsibility2

Once an athletic trainer is certified, he/she may need to be licensed by his/her respective state in order to practice which the ATC does by completing the appropriate forms.

Once practicing, an ATC must maintain certification by staying current in field related topics and completing continuing education requirements that are subject to audit every three years.

A vast majority of ATC’s further their education by earning master’s and/or doctorial degrees. In fact over 70% of certified athletic trainers have earned a master’s degree.1

Work Settings High school: most have teaching credentials College: most have master’s degrees Professional: small number of jobs, low turn

over, mostly for men Clinical: work with physical therapist Non-traditional

IndustryRodeoperformance

Salary