Athletic trainer

Athletic Trainer

An athletic trainer is a certified and licensed healthcare professional who practices in the field of sports medicine. Athletic trainers specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities in athletes and physically active individuals.

Roles and Responsibilities

Athletic trainers collaborate closely with physicians to provide a comprehensive approach to healthcare for athletes. Their key responsibilities include:

• Injury Prevention: Athletic trainers develop programs to prevent injuries from occurring or reoccurring.
• Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis: They are skilled in evaluating the extent of an injury and diagnosing the condition.
• Immediate and Emergency Care: Providing first aid and emergency care to athletes in the event of an injury is a critical role of athletic trainers.
• Treatment and Rehabilitation: They design and implement rehabilitation programs for injured athletes.
• Organization and Professional Health and Well-being: Athletic trainers also play a role in administrative tasks and promoting the overall health and well-being of athletes.

Education and Certification

To become an athletic trainer, one must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training program and pass a comprehensive exam to become certified by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC). In the United States, athletic trainers must also be licensed or otherwise regulated in almost every state.

Work Settings

Athletic trainers work in a variety of settings, including:

• High schools
• Colleges and universities
• Professional sports teams
• Sports medicine clinics
• Military
• Performing arts

Importance in Sports Medicine

Athletic trainers are integral to the sports medicine team, working to ensure the health and safety of athletes. They play a crucial role in injury prevention, emergency care, and rehabilitation, helping athletes return to play safely and efficiently.

Challenges and Considerations

Athletic trainers must be prepared to address a wide range of medical conditions and injuries, from minor ailments to serious emergencies. They must also navigate the psychological aspects of injury and recovery, providing support and motivation to injured athletes.

Future Directions

The field of athletic training is evolving, with ongoing research into the best practices for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and the use of technology in sports medicine. Athletic trainers must stay current with these developments to provide the best care for their athletes.

See Also

• Sports medicine
• Physical therapy
• Exercise physiology

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  Nate Lucero and George Springer in June 2014