“The certified athletic trainer (ATC) is a highly educated and skilled professional specializing in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the ATC functions as an integral member of the athletic healthcare team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, industrial settings and other healthcare environments”(NATA, 2000).

 

An ATC performs many roles in the field of sports medicine. He/she works diligently in helping the athletic population perform to their highest ability. The ATC has an extensive background in many different areas such as exercise prescription, therapeutic modality usage, injury assessment, program administration, and taping/bandaging. Due to their diverse background and work ethic, ATC’s are now becoming very sought after in the healthcare industry. Today it has become more and more common for athletic trainers to have many different responsibilities in a variety of settings in the field of sports medicine.

 

Education domains of an Athletic Trainer include:
(1) Assessment of injury and illness
(2) Exercise Physiology
(3) First Aid and Emergency Care
(4) General Medical Conditions and Disabilities
(5) Healthcare Administration
(6) Human Anatomy
(7) Human Physiology
(8) Kinesiology/Biomechanics
(9) Medical Ethics and Legal Issues
(10) Nutrition
(11) Pathology of Injury and Illness
(12) Pharmacology
(13) Professional Development and Responsibilities
(14) Psychosocial Intervention and Referral
(15) Risk Management and Injury/Illness Prevention
(16) Strength Training and Reconditioning
(17) Statistics and Research Design
(18) Therapeutic Exercise and rehabilitative techniques
(19) Therapeutic Modalities
(20) Weight Management and Body Composition