Athletic Training

Introduction to the Career of Athletic Training

Athletic Training Rendering of specialized care to those individuals involved in exercise and athletics.  It is recognized as an allied health career by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1991.  Dates as far back as the treatment of gladiators in Rome 

 Galen was a trainer and physician to the

gladiators

Athletic Training cont. As more people become involved in athletics the field will continue to grow  Certified Athletic Trainers are professionals who have worked to attain certification in the field of athletic training. 

 Highly educated and skilled professionals who

specialize in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries



Athletic Trainers are an integral part of the athletic health care team

Title IX Federal legislation that prohibits discrimination of the basis of sex as to participation in athletics in schools receiving federal funds  Number of females participating in athletics has increased the demand of Athletic Trainers 

History and Development of Athletic Training 

Cramer Family (1920s)  Gardner, Kansas  Started a chemical company and began

producing a liniment to treat ankle sprains  Publication of First Aider in 1932  Family instrumental in early development of the athletic training profession  Continue to play prominent role in education of student athletic trainers

Skills Required       

 

Problem-solving ability Good Judgment Good decision-making skills Proficient knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biology, and advanced first aid Motor skills Communication skills Ability work well with people Ability to work well under stressful conditions Ability to maintain poise in emergencies

Education   

Bachelor’s Degree in athletic training The program must be accredited Classes taken include      



Anatomy and physiology Biomechanics Exercise physiology Athletic training Nutrition Psychology

Must pass the BOC examination to become certified

Certification Certification exam is administered through the BOC (Board of Certification)  Three part exam 

 Written portion ○ Multiple choice  Practical portion ○ Evaluates the skills of the athletic trainer  Simulation ○ Athletic training-related situations designed to approximate real-life decision making

Certification cont. 

Six practice domains on exam  Prevention  Recognition, evaluation, and assessment  Immediate care  Treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning  Organization and administration  Professional development and responsibility



Once they pass they are able to use the designation ATC

Work Settings Secondary schools  Colleges and universities  Clinics  Professional sports teams  Industrial settings 

Responsibilities 



   

Prevention, recognition, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries Taping and bandaging Monitor rehabilitation programs Use of modalities and training equipment Recording, organizing , and storing information on injuries and rehabilitation Compared to other professions, Athletic Trainers see the whole injury cycle

Hours 

Athletic trainers typically work over a 40 hour work week especially in the secondary, collegiate, and professional levels  Most work weeks are 60 to 70 hours Monday

through Friday depending on the amount of games during the week

High School

College

Professional

Clinical

Salary

37,500

47,000

60,000

48,500

Days/Week

5

5+

6+

5

Hours/Week

40-60

40-60

50+

40

Evenings

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Athletes/Day

>30

>30