Careers in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training Chapter 1 Careers in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training

Sports Medicine Branch of medicine that deals with injuries that occur to athletes and the active population of all ages Prevention Research Education Evaluation Treatment Rehabilitation

Sports Medicine Circle of Care Athlete on field or individual in motion Immediate treatment of injury Diagnosis Rehabilitation Prevention Return to activity or field of play

Sports Medicine Requires knowledge from such disciplines as: Anatomy Physiology Kinesiology Strength training Psychology Nutrition

Career Opportunities Career opportunities that are clinical in nature include: Physician Physician assistant Nurse Physical Therapist Physical Therapy Assistant Athletic trainer

Career Opportunities Career opportunities that are clinical in nature include: Chiropractor Physical Therapy Aide May find employment in hospitals, sports clinics, physicians’ offices, or other clinical environments. May also be self-employed

Athletic Trainers Athletic Training Division of sports medicine Encompasses prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions

Athletic Trainers What does it take to be an athletic trainer? Ability to work in a variety of settings, under many different conditions Ability to travel and be on call Must be prepared for various emergency situations Desire to help and take care of people

Characteristics of a Successful Athletic Trainer Dependability/time management skills Adaptability/organizational skills Critical thinking/problem-solving skills Leadership/communication skills Good judgment

Characteristics of a Successful Athletic Trainer Sense of humor/people skills Good physical health Passionate about sports and helping others

CAATE Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education To hold ATC credential, athletic trainers must earn a degree from a CAATE-accredited program and pass the Board of Certification certificate exam. Accredited programs and exam information available at www.bocatc.org

CAATE Mission To provide comprehensive accreditation services to institutions that offer athletic training degree programs To verity that all CAATE-accredited programs meet acceptable educational standards of professional (entry-level) training education

Board of Certification (BOC) Certifying organization for the athletic trainer Responsible for certification of athletic trainers since 1969

National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) National membership organization for the profession of athletic training Mission is to: Enhance the quality of health care provided by certified athletic trainers Advance the athletic training profession

Strength and Conditioning Specialists CSCS credential obtained after passing a written exam To be eligible for the exam, you must have a current CPR and AED certificate and hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. CSCS has different identities, determined by job setting Personal trainer, fitness instructor, strength and conditioning specialist, strength coach

Other Related Careers Teacher/College Professor Physical Therapist (PT) Physical Therapy Assistant/Aide Occupational Therapist (OT) Occupational Assistant/Aide Emergency Medical Responder Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Other Related Careers Paramedic Exercise Physiologist/Biomechanics Massage Therapist Sports Psychologist Dietician Chiropractor Podiatrist

Other Related Careers Orthotics/Prosthetics Specialist Physician Assistant Physician Orthopedic Surgeon Equipment Personnel

Personal Attributes Required for a Career in Sports Medicine People skills Communication skills Leadership skills Compassion Good listening skills Ability to follow directions and work as team member

Personal Characteristics Required for a Career in Sports Medicine Healthy body Passionate about the profession Sincere desire to learn Positive attitude