Athletic Trainers assess and manage a wide range of athletic injuries and medical conditions. The Athletic Trainer uses their knowledge base, clinical experience and the most up to date evidence-based medicine to make decisions that are in the best interests of both an athletes' short and long-term health.
Once an assessment has been made, the Athletic Trainer will put the athlete into one of four status categories:
The Athletic Trainer will communicate this status to the athlete and the coach. The Athletic Trainer will decide when an athlete needs further medical attention, be it Emergency care, Orthopedic referral, or referral to another specialist. When appropriate, communication can also involve the school nurse, the athlete's physician/specialist and parents.