Athletic Trainer

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The certified athletic trainer (ATC) is an allied health care professional who is specialized in prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries that occur during sport or physical activities.

As part of a sports medicine team of health care professionals, the certified athletic trainer works under the direction of a licensed physician in cooperation with orthopedists, physical therapists, massage therapists, dietitians and others. Also, an ATC cooperates with athletics administrators, coaches and parents.

In Canada, the equivalent of an ATC is a certified athletic therapist.

As defined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, «athletic trainers help prevent and treat injuries for people of all ages. Their clients include everyone from professional athletes to industrial workers. Recognized by the American Medical Association as allied health professionals, athletic trainers specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. Athletic trainers often are one of the first heath care providers on the scene when injuries occur, and therefore they must be able to recognize, evaluate, and assess injuries and provide immediate care when needed. They also are heavily involved in the rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries. Athletic trainers should not be confused with fitness trainers or personal trainers, who are not health care workers, but rather train people to become physically fit.» [U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook]

To become a certified athletic trainer (ATC) it is required at least a bachelor's degree, usually in athletic training, from an accredited undergraduate education program. However, many athletic trainers hold a higher degree. Accredited athletic training education programs can be found through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

After completing the required education programs, students must pass an examination by the Board of Certification (BOC). In order to qualify as a candidate for the BOC certification exam, an individual must meet the following requirements:

  • Endorsement of the exam application by the recognized Program Director (PD) of the CAATE accredited education program
  • Proof of current certification in emergency cardiac care (ECC)

[The information about the certification exam is available at the Board of Certification (BOC) web site.]

The web sites of the main athletic training organizations are a great source of additional information about the athletic trainer's profession.