Department of Kinesiology
Athletic Training Education Program
What is an Athletic Trainer?
Are you looking for a career that will combine your love for athletics and medicine? Have you considered athletic training?
The certified athletic trainer (ATC) is an allied health care professional, recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) that is highly educated and skilled in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the ATC functions as an integral member of the athletic health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, industrial settings, and other healthcare environments.
Athletic trainers provide direct care, consultation, and instruction to athletes at all levels of competition. The ATC is dedicated to improving the ability of an athlete to function successfully in his/her sport. An athletic trainer is responsible for educating the athlete, ensuring that the athlete takes appropriate preventive measures to decrease the chance of injury, and if an athlete is injured, the athletic trainer provides the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation with the goal of return to the sport. The ATC is also qualified to engage in formal education, research and serving in administrative roles.
Athletic trainers are eligible to practice after they pass the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification (BOC) and/or the state licensure examination (varies by state). One is eligible to sit for the BOC upon graduation from an accredited athletic training education program.