1. The Athletic Training Profession
By Mrs. Heinz

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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.

7. 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

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

9. 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

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

11. Professional Organizations
NATA = National Athletic Trainers’ Association (
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

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

13. Professional Organizations
Association of schools of Allied Health Professions (
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

14. 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.