About Athletic Training
A certified athletic trainer is an allied health professional who minimally has a bachelor's degree from an
accredited college or university and has fulfilled the requirements for certification established by the National
Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification. In addition, he or she has passed the certification
examination administered by the NATABOC and has met all requirements to maintain certification. Only
after successfully completing the certification examination are athletic trainers entitled to use the designation
"AT". Many states, including New Jersey, also require licensure for Athletic Trainers.
ATs are highly skilled and educated health professionals who work under the direction of licensed physicians
to provide the health care of student athletes. With a bachelor’s or post-graduate degree in athletic training,
health, physical education or exercise science, the AT has an extensive background in human anatomy, human
physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology. In addition, he or she is trained in the recognition,
rehabilitation, treatment and management of injuries, as well as in nutritional and psychological counseling.
Beyond this academic background, all ATs are required to participate in extensive clinical internships under
strict supervision. The AT is well prepared to apply skills for the prevention of injury, to provide care for an
acute injury, and to manage rehabilitation after an injury. Based on these qualifications, the certified athletic
trainer, other than a physician, is the most qualified individual to deal with secondary school athletic injuries
on a daily basis.
Secondary school athletic trainers are available to provide quality health and injury care for student athletes
involved in both practices and contests.
AT’s providing immediate care to acute injuries may have a significant impact on a reduction of re-injuries athletes incur. Following proper evaluation and treatment procedures, athletes are less likely to aggravate an existing injury when the directions from an on-site AT are followed. Full-time secondary school athletic trainers offer the additional benefit of being available during the school day to assist the injured athlete with recovery by implementing the instructions from the team or personal physician for treatment of that injury.
Administrators, coaches, parents, and physicians who have had the opportunity to work with certified athletic
trainers enjoy the increased communication that has been provided. Coaches and administrators are relieved
that someone is present with knowledge of injury management, not only for emergency situations, but also to
make an objective evaluation of the athlete's health status prior to his or her return to play. Physicians and
parents appreciate the fact that someone is on staff who will have contact with the injured athlete on a daily
basis, and the physician is more comfortable knowing that the AT will make sure that his or her directions are
followed. Parents are reassured that an allied health professional is looking out for the best interests of the
health and safety of their child on a daily basis.
Athletic trainers are required to be proficient in the following areas.
Assessment and Evaluation
Recognizing and evaluating athletic injuries is one of the primary aspects of athletic training. Specific tests for
range of motion, joint stability, flexibility and manual muscle testing, as well as a thorough screening of
neurological, sensory and motor ability are used by the AT to evaluate the severity of the injury.
Acute Care of Injury and Illness
The certified athletic trainer is skilled in administering the proper emergency care and in making prompt,
appropriate medical referrals.
Therapeutic Exercise for the Physically Active
During the recovery of an injured student athlete, the certified athletic trainer initiates a treatment regimen
under the direction of the team physician or the student athlete’s personal physician. These treatments may
include rehabilitative exercises designed to return the student athlete to his or her athletic endeavor in the
same, if not better, physical condition than before the injury.
General Medical Conditions and Disabilities
The certified athletic trainer has knowledge of the general medical conditions and disabilities of secondary
school athletes and as such, is better able to to recognize a potential problem, to provide appropriate acute care,
and to make a referral to the appropriate medical consultant.
Pathology of Injury And Illness
The certified athletic trainer has the special skills and the knowledge that allow him or her to understand the
physiological responses of human growth and development, as well as the progression of injuries and the
illnesses and diseases that may afflict the secondary school athlete.
Pharmacological Aspects of Injury and Illness
The certified athletic trainer has in-depth knowledge and skill regarding the pharmacological aspects of dealing
with the injuries and illnesses of secondary school athletes. The AT understands the indications,
contraindications, precautions, interactions, and governing regulations relevant to the treatment of the injuries
and illnesses of the secondary school athlete.
Nutritional Aspects of Injury and Illness
The certified athletic trainer has been thoroughly educated to understand the relationship between athletic
performance and nutrition. The AT also understands the signs and symptoms of eating disorders and is skilled
in referring problems to the appropriate member of the medical community for consultation.
Health Care Administration
The certified athletic trainer has the knowledge and skills to develop, administer and manage a health care
facility. An effective secondary school athletic training program must be well organized, paying careful
attention to the details of record keeping, developing and maintaining an up to date Emergency Action Plan,
standard operating procedure, supply inventory and facility maintenance. Purchasing supplies and equipment
is of constant concern, especially in times of restricted budgets.
Psycho-Social Intervention and Referral
Certified athletic trainers are also educators and counselors. They instruct and counsel the student athletes in
all areas of their physical condition and explain the recovery and rehabilitation process.
Professional Development and Responsibilities
In order to maintain their certification, the BOC requires the AT to earn continuing education units by
attending seminars and symposia relating to the profession of sports medicine and athletic training. They have
an understanding of national and state regulatory agencies and standards.
Concussion assessment, treatment, management and rehabilitation
Due to recent state laws enacted regarding recognition, care and treatment of head injuries, athletic trainers are
the gatekeepers for appropriate evaluation and care for student athletes that suffer from a concussion.