Athletic Training: An Allied Health Profession

What is an Athletic Trainer? A certified athletic trainer is an allied health professional. Educated and trained to provide healthcare for the athletic and physically active population. ATCs work together with other health professionals.

History of Athletic Training Began in late 19th century with the establishment of intercollegiate and interscholastic sports. In the beginning the extent of the AT profession included... “Rub down” Application of counterirritants Prescription of home remedies In 1950 the NATA was formed. Purpose?

National Athletic Trainer’s Association To set profesional standards Promote professional meetings to exchange ideas Create and promote research Work as an entity for ONE purpose

Sports Medicine American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) defined SM as multidisciplinary including Physiological Biomechanical Psychological Pathological phenomena

What is The Job of an ATC? Athletic Injuries Prevent Assess Treat Rehabilitate Athletic Injuries

Typical Responsibilities of an ATC Injury Evaluation Injury Management Rehabilitation Treatment Teaching Wellness Event Coverage Supervision of Staff Budgeting/Purchasing Specific responsibilities will vary based on the setting

Where Do They Work? High schools Colleges/Universities Professional Sports Clinics/Hospitals Corporate Settings

Requirements to Become an ATC Coursework: Anatomy & Physiology Exercise Physiology Sport Psychology Sport Ethics Nutrition AT Clinicals Evaluation Techniques Rehabilitation Techniques Therapeutic Modalities Pharmacology Earn 4 year bachelor’s degree Must be in an accredited program Pass the NATABOC certification exam

Continuing Education To maintain certification, athletic trainer must: Acquire 80 CEUs every 3 years Must be through approved NATABOC programs Update CPR and First Aider Certification

Domains & Competencies NATABOC created 5 domains an entry-level ATC should possess Education council created 12 competencies that should be taught.

5 Domains ATCs Practice Preventing athletic injuries Recognition, evaluation, and immediate care Rehabilitation Education and guidance of patients, coaches, and parents Healthcare administration

Prevention of Injury Health assessments to identify previous or pre-disposing conditions. Achieved by use of Preparticipation Exams (physicals) Supervision and inspection of environmental conditions, equipment, and protective devices. Application of functional taping, bracing, wrapping, and supports. Educating athletes, coaches, spectators, and parents on injury and prevention

Recognition, Evaluation, and Immediate Care of Injury and illness Develop an injury management plan (i.e. EAP) Administer First Aid Obtain a medical history Inspect, palpate, and perform specific evaluation and functional tests Make proper medical referral, when necessary

Rehabilitation and Conditioning Implement a rehab program following protocols Follow doctor’s orders when necessary (i.e. post surgery) Adjust program according to patient’s progress Evaluate athlete’s willingness to RTP

Education and Guidance Develop and implement educational programs to help reduce injury rate and illness Promote healthy lifestyles Develop guidance programs for drug, alcohol, psychological, and nutrition issues Develop in service programs to meet needs of staff, athletes, patients, etc.

Healthcare Administration Maintain update medical records Establish emergency action plan Establish guidelines for injury management and referral Develop review system to ensure maintenance of high quality care Insurance processing Budgeting

Personal Qualities of the ATC Stamina and Ability to adapt Empathy Sense of humor Communication Intellectual Curiosity Ethical Practice Professional Memberships

The Athletic Trainer & the Athlete The athlete must always be informed. May also be required to inform the parents/ guardian.

Team Physician Compiling Medical Histories Diagnosing Injury Deciding on disqualification and Return to Play. Attending Practices and Games. Committing to Sports and the Athlete.

We Need ATCs!!! Recent date collected by NATA shows… Patient satisfaction is over 96% when treated by ATC AT methods are effective for treating injuries and illness Studies show quick intervention by ATs reduces surgery probability and re-injury rate Produce great outcomes after injuries & returning athletes to pre-injury functional status

The American Red Cross Recommends ATCs in All High Schools “The daily utilization of services provided by a certified athletic trainer to high school athletes can result in the reduction of accident insurance premiums for the high school.” -John Joy, President Scholastic Insurers Inc.

For More Information On Athletic Training, Contact: National Athletic Trainers’ Associate Phone: (214) 637- 6282 Web: www.nata.org Fax on demand: (888)-ASK-NATA OR Contact your local certified athletic trainer