| What is an Athletic Trainer? |
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The Certified Athletic Trainer is a highly educated and skilled professional specializing in athletic health care. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the athletic trainer functions as an integral member of the athletic health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, and other athletic health care settings.
EDUCATION
Certified athletic trainers have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree, usually in athletic training, health, physical education or exercise science. In addition, athletic trainers study human anatomy, human physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition and psychology/counseling. Certified athletic trainers also participate in extensive clinical affiliations with athletic teams under appropriate supervision.
CERTIFICATION
Certified athletic trainers have fulfilled the requirements for certification established by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, Inc. (NATABOC). The certification examination administered by NATABOC consists of a written portion with multiple choice questions; a practical section that evaluates the skill components of the domains within athletic training; and a written simulation test, consisting of athletic training related situations designed to approximate real-life decision making. This last portion of the test evaluates athletic trainers' ability to resolve cases similar to those they might encounter in actual practice.
The examination covers a variety of topics within the six practice domains of athletic training:
Once athletic trainers pass the certification examination proving skills and knowledge within each of the six domains, they use the designation "ATC" or "CAT."
A TYPICAL DAY
The typical day for a certified athletic trainer varies with the level of competition and other institutional requirements. Some high school athletic trainers are hired by school systems and may also teach. These individuals must manage their time carefully to ensure students receive professional academic instruction in the classroom and quality health care in athletic endeavors. Before practice, the athletic trainer tapes, bandages, wraps, braces and completes similar preventive measures. During practice, the athletic trainer evaluates injuries and determines whether to refer athletes to a physician or follow standing orders and manage minor injuries. The athletic trainer must ensure continual communication between the injured athlete, physician, coach and family on when and how the athlete can return to practice and competition. As specialists in the prevention, recognition and rehabilitation of injuries incurred by athletes, athletic trainers administer immediate emergency care and - under the supervision of the family or team physician - use their knowledge of each athlete's injuries and the factors influencing them to develop a treatment program based on medical, exercise and sports sciences.
FEMALE ATHLETIC TRAINERS
Although athletic training was once considered a male-dominated profession, more than 45% of all members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association are women. As of January 1990, more than half of the athletic trainers certified by the NATABOC have been women. NATA The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of athletes worldwide. The Association is committed to the advancement, encouragement and improvement of the athletic training profession. Founded in 1950 with a membership of 200 athletic trainers, the NATA today has more than 27,000 members worldwide. Approximately 92 percent of all certified athletic trainers in the country belong to the Association. In 1990, the American Medical Association recognized athletic training as an allied health profession. The Association sets the standards for athletic trainers through its education programs. Almost 100 universities and colleges offer NATA-approved curricula. Based in Dallas, Texas, the organization provides a variety of services to its membership including continuing education, governmental affairs, certification and public relations.
The NATA also publishes the Journal of Athletic Training, a quarterly scientific journal; and NATA News, a monthly news magazine.