Certified athletic trainers receive higher-level education from a CAATE-accredited college or university. The current minimum entry point into the profession of athletic training is the baccalaureate level (e.g. Bachelor of Science), however it was recently decided by the AT Strategic Alliance that the minimum professional degree level will be a Master's, a change to be implemented by Fall 2022.

After completion of the CAATE-accredited athletic training program, the student will be eligible to sit for the national Board of Certification, Inc (BOC) examination. Upon completing and passing the exam, the student is now certified as an athletic trainer, and may use the credentials, "ATC". Depending on the athletic trainer's state laws and regulations, he/she may need to apply for licensure as a healthcare professional. For example, the Virginia Board of Medicine requires athletic trainers to be licensed to be able to practice in the state. Once licensed, the athletic trainer may use the credentials, "LAT". 

As a part of the health care team, services provided by certified athletic trainers include primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.

Certified athletic trainers work in a variety of settings including secondary schools, colleges & universities, professional sports teams, hospitals & clinics, public safety & military, performing arts, and corporate health & wellness programs.