1. Careers in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training
Chapter 1
Careers in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training

2. Sports Medicine
Branch of medicine that deals with injuries that occur to athletes and the active population of all ages
Prevention
Research
Education
Evaluation
Treatment
Rehabilitation

3. Sports Medicine Circle of Care
Athlete on field or individual in motion
Immediate treatment of injury
Diagnosis
Rehabilitation
Prevention
Return to activity or field of play

4. Sports Medicine Requires knowledge from such disciplines as: Anatomy
Physiology
Kinesiology
Strength training
Psychology
Nutrition

5. Career Opportunities
Career opportunities that are clinical in nature include:
Physician
Physician assistant
Nurse
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapy Assistant
Athletic trainer

6. Career Opportunities
Career opportunities that are clinical in nature include:
Chiropractor
Physical Therapy Aide
May find employment in hospitals, sports clinics, physicians’ offices, or other clinical environments.
May also be self-employed

7. Athletic Trainers Athletic Training Division of sports medicine
Encompasses prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions

8. Athletic Trainers What does it take to be an athletic trainer?
Ability to work in a variety of settings, under many different conditions
Ability to travel and be on call
Must be prepared for various emergency situations
Desire to help and take care of people

9. Characteristics of a Successful Athletic Trainer
Dependability/time management skills
Adaptability/organizational skills
Critical thinking/problem-solving skills
Leadership/communication skills
Good judgment

10. Characteristics of a Successful Athletic Trainer
Sense of humor/people skills
Good physical health
Passionate about sports and helping others

11. CAATE Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
To hold ATC credential, athletic trainers must earn a degree from a CAATE-accredited program and pass the Board of Certification certificate exam.
Accredited programs and exam information available at

12. CAATE
Mission
To provide comprehensive accreditation services to institutions that offer athletic training degree programs
To verity that all CAATE-accredited programs meet acceptable educational standards of professional (entry-level) training education

13. Board of Certification (BOC)
Certifying organization for the athletic trainer
Responsible for certification of athletic trainers since 1969

14. National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)
National membership organization for the profession of athletic training
Mission is to:
Enhance the quality of health care provided by certified athletic trainers
Advance the athletic training profession

15. Strength and Conditioning Specialists
CSCS credential obtained after passing a written exam
To be eligible for the exam, you must have a current CPR and AED certificate and hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
CSCS has different identities, determined by job setting
Personal trainer, fitness instructor, strength and conditioning specialist, strength coach

16. Other Related Careers Teacher/College Professor
Physical Therapist (PT)
Physical Therapy Assistant/Aide
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Occupational Assistant/Aide
Emergency Medical Responder
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

17. Other Related Careers Paramedic Exercise Physiologist/Biomechanics
Massage Therapist
Sports Psychologist
Dietician
Chiropractor
Podiatrist

18. Other Related Careers Orthotics/Prosthetics Specialist
Physician Assistant
Physician
Orthopedic Surgeon
Equipment Personnel

19. Personal Attributes Required for a Career in Sports Medicine
People skills
Communication skills
Leadership skills
Compassion
Good listening skills
Ability to follow directions and work as team member

20. Personal Characteristics Required for a Career in Sports Medicine
Healthy body
Passionate about the profession
Sincere desire to learn
Positive attitude