Interested In Athletic Training?
The ATC credential identifies a Certified Athletic Trainer. To become certified, one must graduate from 4 year accredited college athletic training education program and then take a national exam administered by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification (NATABOC.)
Certified Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals who are experts in injury prevention, assessment, diagnosis, treatment & rehabilitation, intervention of emergency/acute/chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations and disabilities, particularly in the orthopedic and musculo-skeletal disciplines. Athletic Training has been recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as an allied healthcare profession since 1990.
The following information, found on the BOC website, outlines the college content areas, professional practice domains and employment settings of athletic trainers.
Athletic Training Content Areas
Risk Management and Injury Prevention
Pathology of Injuries and Illnesses
Orthopedic Clinical Examination and Diagnosis
Medical Conditions and Disabilities
Acute Care of Injuries and Illnesses
Therapeutic Modalities
Conditioning and Rehabilitative Exercises
Pharmacology
Psychosocial Intervention and Referral
Nutritional Aspects of Injuries and Illnesses
Healthcare Administration
Professional Development and Responsibility
Athletic Training Practice Domains
Prevention
Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis
Immediate Care
Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning
Organization and Administration
Professional Responsibility
Employers of Athletic Training Services
Professional & Collegiate Sports
Secondary Schools
Sports Medicine Clinics
Hospital ER and Rehab Clinics
Occupational Settings
Fitness Centers
Physician Offices
Ideal Practices for Athletic Trainers as Physician Extenders
Orthopedics
Osteopathy
Family Practice
Primary Care
Physiatry
Occupational Medicine
Chiropractic
Professional Preparation
Students participate in clinical education in a variety of practice settings such as high schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, emergency rooms, physician offices and healthcare clinics throughout their education. Clinical education can (and should) occur throughout their education.
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, rehabilitation, 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.
To learn more:
High School Students: http://nata.org/students