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What is Athletic Training?

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Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences. More than 70 percent of certified athletic trainers hold at least a master’s degree.

Athletic training is the application of the principles and procedures for managing athletic injuries. This includes preconditioning, conditioning, and reconditioning activities.

Athletic trainers work under the supervision of licensed physicians to provide services to individuals who have suffered athletic injuries.

Certified athletic trainers manage athletic injuries and illnesses such as sprains, strains, contusions, and postsurgical reconditioning.

Athletic trainers:

  • identify factors that may contribute to athletic injury and eliminate them before an injury occurs
  • conduct preparticipation screenings
  • develop appropriate fitness and training programs
  • apply protective or injury preventative devices, such as tape, bandages, or braces
  • at athletic events, athletic trainers provide emergency care and first aid to individuals who have sustained an athletic injury, evaluate athletic injuries, and make referrals to appropriate medical personnel

Through individual consultation and lectures, certified athletic trainers also instruct coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, and communities in the care and prevention of athletic injuries.