| What is Athletic Training? | |
| Related Major Skills | |
| Career Planning Links | |
| Related Career Titles |
Athletic Training is an allied health care profession recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) that specializes in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, management and rehabilitation of athletic related injuries and illnesses.
The Certified Athletic Trainer (AT) is an allied health care professional that is certified by the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC). Certified Athletic Trainers are also sometimes referred to as sports therapists or sports medicine practitioners and are the centerpiece of the sports medicine team. They serve as a liasson to the athlete, coach, physician and other supplemental personnel providing care to athletes sustaining physical or emotional trauma. Specifically, the Certified Athletic Trainer's role delineation encompasses six domains:
- Athletic Injury Prevention and Risk Management
- Recognition, Evaluation and Assessment of Injuries and Illnesses
- Immediate Care of Injuries
- Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning
- Health Care Organization and Administration
- Professional Development and Responsibility
Many athletic training majors find employment in the areas listed below; however, several of these careers may require education beyond a bachelor's degree.
| High School Athletic Trainer | Sports Physical Therapist | Strength & Conditioning |
| Team Physician | Massage Therapist | Assistant Athletic Trainer |
| Fitness Consultant | Personal Trainer | Fitness Instructor |
| University Athletic Trainer | Teacher | Coach |
| Sports Club & Resort Mgr | Aerobics Instructor | Sports Dietician |
| Exercise Physiologist | ||
| Employment Settings for the Athletic Trainer | ||
| Public & private high schools Colleges and Universities Professional sports teams Amateur sports teams |
Sports medicine clinics Corporate settings Hospitals |
Health and fitness centers United States Olympic Centers International athletic orgs. |
| Problem Solving | Working with People |
| Analyzing Injuries | Demonstrating physical stretches and rehabilitative movements |
| Taping, Bandaging, and Stretching Athletes | Operating modality machines and other training equipment |
| Motor Skills | Deductive Reasoning Skills |
| Communication (inform proper nutrition & diet for athletes) | Referring athletes to appropriate physicians when necessary |
| Monitor rehabilitative programs | Maintain poise in emergency situations |
| Basic First-Aid and CPR Skills / Certification | Recording, organizing and storing information on injuries and rehabilitation |
| Proficient knowledge in anatomy, physiology and biology | Implement exercise & rehabilitation programs for athletes |
| Work well under stress | Good judgment and decision-making |