About Athletic Training

What is an Athletic Trainer?

Athletic Trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide patients with:

  • preventative services
  • emergency care
  • clinical diagnosis
  • therapeutic intervention
  • rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.

 

What fields can Athletic Trainer's work in?

  • Public and private secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional and Olympic sports
  • Youth leagues, municipal and independently owned youth sports facilities
  • Physician practice, similar to nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists and other professional clinical personnel
  • Rural and urban hospitals, hospital emergency rooms, urgent and ambulatory care centers
  • Clinics with specialties in sports medicine, cardiac rehab, medical fitness, wellness and physical therapy
  • Occupational health departments in commercial settings, which include manufacturing, distribution and offices to assist with ergonomics
  • Police and fire departments and academies, municipal departments, branches of the military
  • Performing arts including professional and collegiate level dance and music

 

What are the requirements to become an AT?

  1. Graduate from a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited Master of Athletic Training Education Program (MAT).
  2. Pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification (BOC).
  3. Complete ongoing continuing education requirements in order to remain certified. Athletic trainers must also work in collaboration with a physician and within their state practice act.

 

CAATE website search for accredited Athletic Training Master Programs!

 

Athletic Training Affiliates

 Athletic Training Links
NATA logoNational Athletic Trainer's Association
CAATE logoCommission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
CATA logoCalifornia Athletic Trainers' Association
FWATA logoFar West Athletic Trainers’ Association
Boc main logoBoard of Certification