1. The Athletic Trainer
A Brief Overview

2. Athletic Training
The rendering of specialized care to individuals involved in exercise and athletics

3. Certified Athletic Trainers
Professionals who have attained certification in the field of athletic training
The ACT (or CAT) works in cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel.

4. Title IX Federal legislation in effect since 1972
Title IX prohibits discrimination in school athletic participation on the basis of sex.
The result of Title IX has been a tremendous increase in female athletic participation, creating an even greater need for qualified certified athletic trainers.

5. Communication
Certified athletic trainers must remain calm in emergency situations and be able to communicate effectively with an injured athlete.

6. Skills Certified athletic trainers should possess
Problem-solving abilities
Deductive reasoning skills
Good judgment
Good decision-making skills
Proficient knowledge of anatomy and physiology

7. Skills (cont.) Certified athletic trainers should possess
Proficiency in First Aid
Motor skills
Communication skills
Ability to work with people
Ability to work under stressful conditions
Ability to maintain poise in emergencies

8. Tasks Certified athletic trainer duties include Analyzing injuries
Taping and bandaging
Implementing exercise and rehabilitation programs
Monitoring rehabilitative programs

9. Tasks (cont.) Certified athletic trainer duties include
Demonstrating physical and rehabilitative movements
Using various modalities and training equipment
Recording, organizing, and storing information on injuries and rehabilitation

10. NATA
The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) has been in operation since 1950 and is the largest certifying organization for certified athletic trainers in the United States.
See on the Internet.

11. Code of Conduct
ACTs must abide by the rules and procedures of their certifying organization.
They must also abide by requirements established by the state legislature.
Failure to abide by these rules and regulations may result in disciplinary action or termination.

12. Educational Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in athletic training, health, physical education, or exercise science
Training in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, psychology, and biomechanics
Clinical experiences under appropriate supervision

13. Certification Certifying body is NATA
Certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions, skills assessment, and simulations.

14. Six Practice Domains Prevention Recognition, evaluation, assessment
Immediate care
Treatment, rehabilitation, reconditioning
Organization and administration
Professional development and responsibility