What does an athletic trainer do?
ATCs are medical experts in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity. Athletic trainers can help you avoid unnecessary medical treatment and disruption of normal daily life; if you’re injured, they can get you on the mend and keep you on the move.
Specifically, the ATC specializes in six practice areas or domains:
- Prevention
- Recognition, evaluation and assessment
- Immediate care
- Treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning
- Organization and administration
- Professional development and responsibility
As part of a complete health care team, the certified athletic trainer works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care professionals, athletics administrators, coaches and parents. The ATC gets to know each athlete or patient individually and can treat injuries more effectively as a result.
ATCs work in settings such as high schools, collegiate athletics, sports medicine clinics, medical sales, industrial rehabilitation, and professional sports. Visit the National Athletic Trainers' Association website for a thorough explanation of athletic training as a profession.
What are the qualifications to become an Athletic Trainer?
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