The Athletic Training Profession By Mrs. Heinz

What is Athletic Training? 1. Athletic Training falls under the umbrella of SportsMedicine 2. It is an allied healthcare profession as recognized by the American Medical Association 3. Critical link between the sport program and the medical community. 4. Provide a very broad range of direct services.

Athletic Training (continued) 5. Certified by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Board of Certification (BOC) 6. Background in human anatomy, human physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, psychology, organization and administration, first aid, emergency care, injury prevention, injury assessment, and therapeutic modalities & rehabilitation.

Main Duties of an ATC a. Injury Prevention b. Recognition and Evaluation of Injuries/Illnesses c. Injury Management/Treatment and Disposition d. Rehabilitation e. Organization and Administration f. Education and Counseling

Where do ATC’s work? Secondary schools: Public and private secondary schools offer special job opportunities for ATCs. Parents and administrators are discovering the benefits an ATC can offer in preventing and caring for injuries. Many certified athletic trainers also teach classes at the high school level. Colleges and universities: Certified athletic trainers’ jobs in colleges generally fall into two categories: Athletic department staff assignment Combination ATC/Teacher (very rare today)

Professional sports Professional sports: in this setting, certified athletic trainers work only one sport, such as football, baseball, basketball, hockey or soccer. Although teams operate only a few months per year, ATCs work year-round conditioning and rehabilitating athletes. Fewer jobs are available in this practice setting due to the limited number of teams.

In the Clinic Sports Medicine Clinics: This growing setting provides certified athletic trainers the opportunity to work with a number of different health care professionals and a diverse patient population. In addition to athletic injury rehabilitation, many clinics provide athletic training services for secondary schools

And even…. Corporate health programs Health clubs Clinical and Industrial health care programs Athletic training education programs Military Physical therapy clinics Orthopedic Offices

Education Earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum or meet other requirements set by the NATABOC. Bachelor’s Degree (4 year currently, but switching to minimum Master’s Degree) Pass the certifying exam put on by the Board of Certification (BOC) Written Written Simulation Practical

After the Exam Maintain professional standards Continuing education units = 80 units/hours due every 3 years Payment to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)

Professional Organizations NATA = National Athletic Trainers’ Association (www.nata.org) not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing, encouraging and improving the athletic training profession Annual Meeting & Trade Show NATA Publications Government Relations Job Referral Services Public Relations

Professional Organizations American College of SportsMedicine (ACSM)=www.acsm.org Founded in 1954 “Advancing health through science, education, and medicine” Largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world

Professional Organizations Association of schools of Allied Health Professions (www.asahp.org) Their mission is to champion Allied Health Education. Goals Influence Governmental Health and Education Policy Promote High Quality Education Collaborate and create partnerships Strengthen research and scholarship Develop academic leaders

Salary In 2015, the national median annual salary for all ATC’s was $31,670-$53,654. Salary can vary slightly due to degrees held, credentials, years of experience, and place of employment.