1. Introduction to Athletic Training
Core Concepts in Athletic Training and Therapy
Susan Kay Hillman

2. Objectives
Describe the education, training, and licensure and certification of the athletic trainer.
Provide a general history of the athletic training profession.
Identify the top three employment settings for athletic trainers in 2009.
Identify various employment opportunities for athletic trainers.
Describe five members of the sports medicine team and explain the general duties of each.

3. Becoming an NATA Certified Athletic Trainer
Training and Education
Require at least 4 years of college education
ATEP: Athletic Training Educational Program
Accredited school
Standards set by NATA
Housed under majors like Kinesiology
350 + entry level ATEP programs
Find on NATA website: CAATE-accredited athletic training programs
2 years of hands on practice
Evaluation, prevention and management of athletic injuries

4. Becoming an NATA Certified Athletic Trainer
Certification
Must satisfactorily complete undergraduate degree at accredited program
See page 2 and 3 for courses required
Take and pass a national certification exam
Written, practical demonstration, and written simulation
Pass all 3 become an ATC, Certified Athletic Trainer
80 CEU’s every 3 years to maintain certification
Adhere to NATABOC standards of professional practices

5. Becoming an NATA Certified Athletic Trainer
Licensure
A.T. need to get licensed in some states
Ensure legal practices of athletic training
See figure I.1
California just denied licensure for athletic training
Code of Ethics
Written by athletic trainers in 1950’s
Code of Ethics:
Infractions may result in loss of certification

7. Becoming an NATA Certified Athletic Trainer
Organization
Each state represented within 1 of 10 NATA Districts: Figure I.2
Committees and subcommittees in each district
Coordination of the organization from state to national level
NATA provides money to state organizations for educational, research and licensure purposes

8. History of Athletic Training
Knowledge of history provides understanding of the AT profession
Began with few athletic trainers across nation, mostly in college/university settings
Current size of NATA more than 35,000
Clinics, schools, professional sports. Industry, health and fitness, and educational programs

9. History of Athletic Training
The 1930s and 1940s: Promoting the Exchange of Ideas
Need for organization for AT
Strain caused by WWII, but several accomplishments made
The 1950s: Establishing the Organization
1947 AT began to grow, but AT had no formal education
Skills learned from others in field
1950 first national meeting held and NATA established
Considerable growth for NATA in 50’s
Undergraduate programs established
Constitution and By-Laws
Official Logo
Journal of AT established
Code of ethics established

10. History of Athletic Training
The 1960s: Continuing the Growth
1969 American Medical Association recognized importance of AT
The 1970s: Developing Standards for Certification
Licensure debate began and each state responsible for own regulations
The 1980s: Strengthening the NATA's Role
Role delineation study to establish understanding of skills required for athletic trainers
The 1990s: Becoming a Recognized Allied Health Profession
Tremendous growth for NATA
Official recognition of AT as allied health profession by AMA
Monumental achievement
Curriculum evaluation: creation of guidelines for schools to follow to ensure compliance for program accreditation
AT moved from school and team environments to clinical and industrial settings

11. History of Athletic Training
SIDEBAR: Athletic Training Curriculum Model: Suggested Courses. Page 10
The New Millennium
First female president of NATA Julie Max
Internship route for ATS changed in 2004
Refine and develop competencies for which all AT are measured
Redefine and structure clinical education

12. Employment Opportunities in Athletic Training
Athletic training Course Instructors
University or College Athletic Trainers
High School Athletics Trainers (Secondary Schools)
Student Athletic Trainer
Graduate School Opportunities
Athletic Trainers/Coaches
Clinic Athletic Trainers
Athletic Trainers for Professional Sports
Workplace Athletic Trainers
Other Potential Opportunities

14. The Sports Medicine Team
The Athletic Training Team
Physicians
Orthopedic Surgeons and Other Specialists
Rehabilitation Specialists
Nutritionists
Sport psychologists
Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians
Other Support Staff
Coaches and Athletes

15. The Sports Medicine Team
Sports medicine refers to a broad field of medical practices related to physical activity and sport
Defined by American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as multidisciplinary
Includes physiological, biomechanical, psychological and pathological phenomena associated with exercise and sport
Clinical application in these areas is aimed at improving and maintaining functional capacities for physical labor exercise and sports
Sports medicines generally focuses on areas of performance enhancement, injury care, prevention and management

16. The Sports Medicine Team
Areas of specialization that focus primarily on performance enhancement
Exercise physiology
Biomechanics
Sports psychology
Sports nutrition
Strength & conditioning
Personal fitness training
Coaching
Physical education

17. The Sports Medicine Team
Areas of specialization that focus on health care and injury/illness management specific to the athlete
Practice of medicine (physicians & physician assistants)
Athletic training
Sports physical therapy
Massage therapy
Dentistry
Osteopathic medicine
Sport podiatry
Orthotist/prosthetists
Sports chiropractic

18. Role of Athletic Trainer
Work with athletes from time of injury to resolution
Directly responsible for all phases of health care in an athletic environment

19. Role of Athletic Trainer
Injury prevention
Ensure appropriate training, monitor environment, nutrition, maintain & fitting equipment, appropriate use of medication
Clinical evaluation and diagnosis
Recognize nature and extent of injury
Immediate care
Provide first aid and management of acute injuries
Minimum of CPR/AED and First Aid
Treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning
Knowledge of equipment, manual therapy, therapeutic modalities
Organization & administration
Budgeting, inventory, injury records, supervision of assistants, insurance, EAP development
Professional responsibility
Educating the public through seminars, research & providing good care

20. Relationship Between the Sports Medicine Team and Athlete
Primary concern should be that of the athlete
All individuals must work cooperatively in the best interest of the athlete
Coach should differ to the medical staff and support decisions regarding athlete health care
Close communication between all parties involved is critical

21. Relationship Between the Sports Medicine Team and Athlete
All parties must work to develop solid working relationship
Each member will have to gain trust and confidence in the skills and abilities of each other
Imperative that the athlete is kept well-informed
Coach and athletic trainer must make a point of educating the student-athlete