An athletic trainer is a certified healthcare professional who collaborates with physicians to deliver a spectrum of medical services to physically active individuals. They are specialists in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries and medical conditions related to physical exertion. Functioning as allied health professionals, they require a college degree and board certification to practice.
What an Athletic Trainer’s Job Involves
Injury and Illness Prevention
A primary function of an athletic trainer is to mitigate the risk of injury and illness. They develop and implement prevention programs, which includes educating athletes on proper form and safe techniques. They also apply protective devices such as tape, bandages, and braces to support vulnerable joints and muscles. Monitoring environmental conditions, like heat and humidity, to prevent heat-related illnesses is another part of their preventative role.
Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis
When an injury occurs, athletic trainers are often the first healthcare providers on the scene. They are skilled in performing immediate, on-field assessments to determine the nature and severity of an injury, such as a sprain or concussion. This evaluation involves observing the situation, gathering information from the athlete, and conducting physical tests. Based on this clinical evaluation, they form a preliminary diagnosis that guides injury management.
Immediate and Emergency Care
Athletic trainers provide immediate and emergency care. They are trained to administer first aid and life-saving interventions like CPR when necessary. For acute injuries, such as dislocations or fractures, they provide stabilization and prepare the athlete for transport to a medical facility. Their ability to manage these situations effectively on-site can significantly impact an injury’s outcome.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Following a diagnosis, athletic trainers design and implement treatment and rehabilitation programs. These plans are customized to be sport-specific, position-specific, and age-appropriate, focusing on restoring function for a safe return to activity. Treatment may involve therapeutic exercises to regain strength and mobility, as well as manual therapy techniques. They work with individuals daily to monitor their progress through recovery.
Health and Wellness Administration
Beyond direct patient care, athletic trainers handle a variety of administrative duties. They are responsible for maintaining detailed medical records for the individuals under their care. These tasks also include writing reports, managing insurance documentation, and developing emergency action plans for their organization.
Where Do Athletic Trainers Work?
The skills of a certified athletic trainer are utilized in a wide array of settings beyond professional sports. Common employment settings include:
- Educational institutions, providing medical coverage for athletes at high schools, colleges, and universities.
- Sports medicine clinics, where they treat patients, provide outreach coverage for schools, and conduct educational workshops.
- Hospitals and physician’s offices, where they assist in clinical settings and emergency rooms.
- Corporate and industrial settings, where they use their expertise in ergonomics to manage workplace injuries.
- Government and military settings.
- The performing arts, supporting the health of dancers and musicians.
Athletic Trainer vs. Other Health Professions
Athletic trainers are often confused with personal trainers and physical therapists. A personal trainer focuses on fitness instruction, developing exercise programs to help clients achieve physical fitness goals. They are not healthcare providers and are not qualified to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
The distinction with a physical therapist is more nuanced but clear in their scope of practice. Athletic trainers specialize in the immediate care of a physically active population, often providing on-site services during practices and competitions. While physical therapists also help patients recover from injuries, their work often centers on post-operative rehabilitation and a broader patient population. An athletic trainer’s daily interaction with a team allows for a deep understanding of the specific demands of their sport.
Key Skills and Qualities of an Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers require a combination of technical knowledge and personal attributes. They must have the ability to remain calm and think clearly under high-pressure situations, such as a severe on-field injury. Strong interpersonal communication skills are necessary for interacting with athletes, coaches, physicians, and family members.
Empathy is an important quality, as trainers support athletes through the physical and emotional challenges of an injury. Strong organizational skills are also needed to manage administrative tasks like record-keeping and scheduling for multiple individuals.
How to Become an Athletic Trainer
The path to becoming a certified athletic trainer involves a specific educational and certification process. Aspiring trainers must earn a degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). While a bachelor’s degree was previously the standard, a master’s degree is now required for entry into the profession.
Academic programs include extensive coursework in subjects like anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. These programs also feature supervised clinical experiences directed by a certified athletic trainer. Upon completion of an accredited program, graduates must pass the national Board of Certification (BOC) exam to earn the “ATC” credential.
After achieving national certification, individuals must meet state-level requirements. Most states have regulations that require athletic trainers to be licensed or registered to practice. These state-specific requirements can vary, so professionals must comply with the laws in the state where they intend to work.