Athletic Trainer

What is an athletic trainer?

The certified athletic trainer is a qualified health care professional educated and experienced in the management of health care problems associated with physical activity. Specifically, the Athletic Trainer specializes in six practice areas or performance domains established by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification (NATABOC)

* Prevention of Injuries

* Recognition, evaluation and assessment of injuries

* Immediate care of athletic injuries

* Treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning of athletic injuries

* Health care administration

* Professional development and responsibility

Athletic trainers also receive formal instruction in some of the areas such as first aid and emergency care, human anatomy, nutrition, pharmacology etc. No certain areas of specialization except at high levels where trainers specialize by sport.

Trainers help athletes prevent and recover from sports injuries. Trainers work with team coaches to set up injury prevention programs to help athletes avoid injuries that may keep them off the field. They attend at all games and practices to evaluate injuries, perform simple treatments and get medical attention if necessary. Athletic trainers also work with physicians in the rehabilitation of injured players.

Tasks include:

* Attending games and practice sessions

* Taping, wrapping and bracing athlete's ankles and knees etc.

* Ordering medical supplies and monitoring the use of these supplies

* Establishing training room rules and policies

* Maintaining medical files

* Coordinating off-season rehabilitation programs for injured players

* Using knowledge of nutrition, hygiene, psychology, conditioning, and protective equipment to prevent injury and enhance performance

* Treating and rehabilitating