Athletic Training as a Profession

Chapter Objectives Define athletic training Describe the roles of the certified athletic trainer Describe the roles of other health care providers and the sports medicine team List the requirements for becoming a competent certified AT Describe the job opportunities available to certified ATs

Athletic Training Athletic Training is a profession dedicated to maintaining and improving the health and well-being of the physically active population and preventing athletics-related injuries and illnesses ATC-credential for the certified athletic trainer 1991-when the American Medical Association formally recognized athletic training as an allied health care profession 1950-National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) was formed Board of Certification (BOC)

Roles of Athletic Trainer Injury Prevention: PPE, strength and conditioning, equipment fitting, bracing and taping Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis: know when to refer to a physician Immediate Care: First aid and CPR Treatment, Rehabilitation, and Reconditioning: Rehab exercises, reconditioning for physical shape Organization and Administration: Paperwork, documenting injuries, treatments, and rehab Professional Development: stay current on new technology and research

Sports Medicine Team Sports medicine team consists of central and peripheral members Central Team Athlete Parent Team Physician Athletic Trainer Coach

Peripheral Team Primary care physician Podiatrist: specializes in lower leg and foot problems Allergist: specializes in allergies Urologist: treats problems of the urinary tract Gynecologist: deals with the female reproductive system Cardiologist: treats heart disease Dentist: treats mouth and teeth

Peripheral Team Physician assistant: works under the supervision of a physician and conducts exams, orders tests, and writes prescriptions Neurologist: specializes in nervous system Chiropractor: holistic approach to patient care by focusing on spinal misalignments Nurse: identify and care for illnesses and disorders Dietitian: nutritional specialist Massage therapist: specializes in working with muscles and tendons

Peripheral Team Physical therapist: provides rehab to return to normal function Emergency medical technician: specialist in acute care for those with critical injury or illness Sports psychologist: works with athletes who need help with goal setting, anxiety, frustration, self-esteem Strength and conditioning coach: keep athletes in shape for sport Equipment manager: purchases and maintains proper protective eqiupment

How to become an athletic trainer Obtain Master’s degree in athletic training from Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) program Pass BOC Also must obtain licensure, certification or registration based on which state you want to work in

Settings High School College and University Professional Clinics Industrial settings Military