1. Careers in Sports Medicine
Chapter 1 & 2

2. Sports Medicine
The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention and treatment of injuries that occur to athletes and the active population.
Those who work in sport medicine must draw from a vast array of disciplines including anatomy, physiology, strength training, psychology and nutrition to help clients attain, regain and maintain physical fitness.

3. Career Opportunities Athletic Training
Deals with the care and prevention of athletic injuries and the management of the training methods used by professional or amateur athletes.
Complete 4 year program that leads to Bachelors degree and pass certification exam.
YouTube - Athletic Training Career Overview

4. Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers must possess the following skills, knowledge, characteristics:
First aid, CPR, and other emergency skills
Taping, wrapping, and bracing skills
Time management skills
Listening skills
Communication skills
Basic computer skills
Organizational skills
Education in the treatment of acute and chronic injuries
Education in Anatomy & Physiology, strength training, nutrition, and psychology

5. Athletic Training Adaptability Dependability Common sense
The ability to set priorities
Good physical health
A sense of humor
An interest in helping others and sports

6. Athletic Trainer Responsibilities
Injury prevention and care are the primary responsibilities of the athletic trainer.
The AT must make sure all coaches are CPR and First Aid certified.
Emergency Medical Planning International provides this certification.
The athletic trainer keeps records of all injuries.
This information will help coaches prevent injuries in the future.

7. Athletic Trainer Responsibilities
The AT must be skilled in protective taping, padding, and bracing.
AT must make sure all coaching staff is able to properly tape and brace.
Provide necessary medical assistance to visiting teams.
Must set up athletic training room.
Be involved with the rehab of injured athletes.
Must make sure team has its own first aid kit, water coolers for home or away events.
Patient advocate
Cannot prescribe rehab

9. Obtaining Certification
A certified athletic trainer must be a college graduate and must possess a background in biology and health sciences, as well as well as specific courses in athletic training.
CPR certification and First Aid card required
EMT certificate is recommended
National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) – not for profit organization

10. Two ways to obtain certification from NATA
Graduate from NATA program and pass exam
Must then undergo 800 hours of training under certified athletic trainer
25% of these hours must be spent in: football, basketball, gymnastics, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, wrestling, volleyball, rugby or rodeo.
Complete an internship under NATA athletic trainer and pass national exam
1500 hours over 2-5 years
Must take place while in college
1000 of the hours must be spent in an athletic training room setting
Same 25% rule

11. Student Athletic Trainer
Someone enrolled in a curriculum to learn how to become an athletic trainer
Works under a certified AT
Can not authorize return to sport

12. Student athletic trainer can…
Administer first aid to injured
Activate EMS
Taping, bandaging, or bracing
Overseeing rehab or use of therapeutic modalities
Organize forms
Assist with daily records
Ensure athletic training room is clean
Prepare playing field
Cannot return athlete to play
Help the certified athletic trainer be aware of the athletes and their concerns.

13. Student Athletic Trainer
Goal is to provide safest environment for athletes
Student trainers can help make sure athletes are properly hydrated
Act as observers
A student AT can also help with alternative exercises
Always remember there are limits to what you can do
NO ROOM FOR GUESSWORK IN PROVIDING QUALITY MEDICAL CARE!!!

14. Record Keeping
Information contained in the injury log is a valuable tool in the prevention of athletic injuries.
Proper record keeping can protect you and your team from any legal action in the event of serious injury.
Assumption of risk – acceptance of responsibility for the risks involved in the participation of a given activity. DOES NOT COVER NEGLIGENCE!
Liability – legal responsibility

15. Special Instructions/ Physicals
It is important to take note of any special instructions that may affect the athletes health for legal action.

16. Are you fit for the job? People person
Caring
act like you truly want to help them!
Good sense of humor
be able to laugh and cry with them
Leader
Lead clients to healthier lifestyle and higher level of fitness
Good sense of fun
Make it enjoyable
Healthy & physically fit
Clients will put trust in you if you look like you practice what you preach!
People person
Able to listen to and anticipate needs