Athletic Training Some basic information you need to know…

What is an athletic trainer? A professional dedicated to maintaining and improving the health and well-being of the physically active population and preventing athletics-related injuries and illnesses. So basically, a trainer is an athlete’s guardian angel, making sure the athlete is healthy and tries to keep him/her healthy.

6 Roles of an Athletic Trainer Injury prevention –Physicals, strength and conditioning programs, proper equipment and proper equipment fitting, taping, wrapping, and good nutrition Recognition, evaluation, and assessment –Must be able to recognize the severity of an injury and decide how to treat it Immediate care of athletic injuries –Maintain CPR, AED, and first aid certifications

Roles continued… Treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning of athletic injuries –Helping the athlete return to the sport through strengthening and conditioning exercises. Organization and administration –Must be able to manage the facility, order the necessary supplies, and keep accurate records on the athletes Professional development of responsibility –Remain current to latest health care developments

Sports Medicine Team Central team –Works together to make initial decisions about injuries, illness, and even sport performance –Includes: the athlete, athlete’s parent/guardian, team physician, certified athletic trainer (ATC), and the coach

Sports Medicine Team Peripheral team –Provide more specialized care or assistance based upon the injury –Can include: family doctor, podiatrist, allergist, urologist, gynocologist, cardiologist, dentist, pediatrician, physical therapist, neurologist, chiropractor, school nurse, registered dietician, and equipment manager

How do I become a ATC? Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university with a athletic training program. Take and pass the Board of Certification (BOC) certification exam May need state licensure in addition to the national certification

Typical classes Assessment of athletic injury and illness Exercise Physiology First aid/emergency care General medical conditions/disabilities Health care administration Human anatomy PhysiologyKinesiology Medical ethics and legal issues Nutrition Pathology of injury and illness Pharmacology Strength training and reconditioning Statistics and research design Therapeutic exercise and rehab techniques therapeutic modalities

Athletic Training Careers Organized Athletics –High school –Colleges and Universities –Professional and Semi-pro teams –Youth sports leagues **In 2003, the average income for a high school trainer was $37,990; college was $35,976; professional was $37,977; youth sports was $27,500**

Athletic Training Careers Clinical and Industrial Settings –Sports medicine centers –Health and fitness centers –Industrial and manufacturing sites –Clinics **In 2003, average income for ATC in clinical setting was $40,770; health and fitness settings was $37,411; industrial settings was $43,451.