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What is Athletic Training?
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Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) are recognized by
the American Medical Association as healthcare providers with a
primary practice area in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
They are health care professionals equivalent to physical,
occupational, speech, language, and other similar therapists.
Specifically, ATCs are experts in preventing, recognizing,
managing and rehabilitating injuries and illnesses for both athletes
and employees alike. The Certified
Athletic Trainer is most recognized as a vital member of the sports medicine team,
which includes various surgeons, general physicians, exercise
physiologists and numerous other professionals. Each member of the
team has defined duties and responsibilities in assisting with the
patient's recovery. The Certified Athletic Trainer is usually the
first healthcare provider to see the
athlete with an injury and works closely with the team physician and
the injured athlete from the time of the accident throughout the
recovery and rehabilitation processes.
Career Opportunities For ATs
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The Athletic Trainer functions as an integral member of the sports
medicine team in providing and assisting in the development and
coordination of efficient, comprehensive, and responsive athletic
healthcare delivery systems. Athletic Trainers are traditionally
hired by national or international sports teams who can be both
professional or amateur in their competition status, colleges and
universities, high schools and even some younger age groups are
finding the benefits of an ATC. In most collegiate and high school
settings, the Athletic Trainer may be a
member of the teaching faculty. Athletic Trainers may also
be employed by sports medicine clinics, can be run within a
hospital campus or privately owned by
physicians or other healthcare professionals. Regardless of the
target population, the profession is
expanding into new and non-traditional settings to offer
Athletic Training services to the
military, corporate business, industrial facilities, NASCAR,
Professional Rodeo/Bull-Riding, and many more.
How do I become an AT?
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Athletic Training is governed by the National Athletic Trainers'
Association (NATA) and individual state healthcare provider laws. Students who want to
become Athletic Trainers must earn a bachelors degree from an
accredited athletic training education program (ATEP). Formal instruction for the
Athletic Training Student includes risk management, prevention of
injuries, assessment and evaluation of injuries, emergency care,
general medical conditions, disabilities, exercise physiology,
pathology of injury and illness, sports nutrition, kinesiology,
biomechanics, pharmacology, therapeutic exercises and modalities,
health care administration, psychosocial intervention/referral as
well as professional development.
National Athletic Trainers Association
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Athletic Trainers ensure a high standard of professional
practice. Certification by the examination approved by the Board of
Certification (BOC) is the credential required by all employers. To be
eligible to sit for the certification exam, students must earn a
bachelors degree from an accredited Athletic Training Education
Program curriculum.
The exam has recently transitioned from a three-part exam,
including a written, written simulation, and practical section, to a
computer based exam. The computerized exam consists of text
based simulation, multiple choice, drag and drop, N-wise multiple
choice, and animated simulation. Exam scroes range from
200-800, with a score of 500 set as the passing point. Only
after passing with 500 or more points will the candidate be eligible
for certification.
The
NATA is an organization dedicated to advancing, encouraging and
improving the Athletic Training profession. Through its commitment
to improving athletes' health and well being, NATA promotes
excellence in athletic health care through public awareness and
education.
Click on the logo below to find out more about the
National Athletic Trainers' Association.


National Strength and Condition
Association
American College of Sports Medicine
Gatorade Sports Science Institute
The
American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
NATA Board of
Certification
The Commission on Accreditation of
Athletic Training Education
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