Description...
Certified athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, evaluation and rehabilitation of injuries to athletes and those engaged the physical activity. Athletic trainers administer emergency care for acute sports injuries and rehabilitate chronic injuries.

Certified athletic trainers contribute to a cost-effective health care system by emphasizing injury prevention and injury evaluations that prevent unnecessary trips to emergency rooms and unnecessary x-rays. Through aggressive rehabilitation, they focus on restoring patients' good heath and ability to participate.

Certified athletic trainers work with: secondary school interscholastic athletic programs, intercollegiate athletic programs, professional athletic teams, corporate health programs, sports medicine clinics, physicians' offices, health clubs and industrial health programs.

The National Athletic Trainers' Association, Inc. (NATA) is the largest organization representing athletic trainers. NATA Board of Certification certified athletic trainers have met educational and experiential requirements and have passed a competency examination. Certified athletic trainers use the credentials ATC.

Athletic training is an allied health care profession recognized by the American Medical Association. Athletic training programs are accredited by the AMA's Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Programs include courses in orthopedic evaluation, immediate care, therapeutic exercise, injury prevention/risk management and therapeutic modalities, among others.

Certified athletic trainers practice the art and science of athletic training under the direction of a licensed physician.

Education / Certification...
Certified athletic trainers have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree from an accredited athletic training education curriculum program. Student athletic trainers study a wide range of topics, including human anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, emergency care, injury/illness prevention and evaluation, nutrition, psychology, pathology, pharmacology, and administration. Student athletic trainers also participate in extensive clinical experience under appropriate supervision.

Certified athletic trainers have fulfilled the requirements for certification established by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, Inc. (NATABOC). The certification examination administered by NATABOC consists of three sections: a written portion with multiple choice questions; a practical exam that evaluates the psychomotor skill component; and a written simulation exam that evaluates clinical and decision-making skills.

The examination covers a variety of topics within the performance domains of athletic training. The test is aligned to the NATABOC Role Delineation Study, the job analysis for the practice of athletic training.

After successfully completing the certification examination, athletic trainers are entitled to use either designation "ATC" or "C.A.T."

A Typical Day...
The typical day for a certified athletic trainer varies with the level of competition, employment setting--traditional, clinical, industrial, corporate--and other institutional requirements. Some certified athletic trainers are hired by school systems and may also teach. These individuals must manage their time carefully to ensure students receive professional academic instruction in the classroom and quality health care in athletic endeavors.

Before practice, the certified athletic trainer tapes, bandages, braces and completes similar preventive measures.

During practice, the ATC evaluates injuries and determines whether to refer athletes to a physician or follow standing orders and manage minor injuries. The certified athletic trainer must ensure continual communication between the injured athlete, physician, coach and family on when and how the athlete can return to practice and competition.

As specialists in the prevention, recognition and rehabilitation of injuries incurred by athletes, certified athletic trainers administer immediate emergency care and--under the supervision a licensed physician--use their knowledge of the injuries incurred by the physically active individual and the factors influencing them to develop a treatment program based on medical, exercise and sports sciences.

National Athletic Trainers Association Code of Ethics...

The Code of Ethnics of the National Athletic Trainer's Association has been written to make the membership aware of the principles of ethical behavior that should be followed in the practice of athletic training. The primary goal of the Code is the assurance of high quality health care. The Code presents aspirational standards of behavior that all members should strive to achieve.

The principles cannot be expected to cover all specific situations that may be encountered by the practicing athletic trainer, but should be considered representative of the spirit with which athletic trainers should make decisions. The principles are written generally and the circumstances of a situation will determine the interpretation and application of a given principle and of the Code as a whole. Whenever there is a conflict between the Code and legality, the laws prevail. The guidelines set forth in this Code are subject to continual review and revision as the athletic training profession develops and changes.

PRINCIPLE 1: Members shall respect the rights, welfare, and dignity of all individuals. Members shall not discriminate against any legally protected class. Members shall be committed to providing competent care consistent with both the requirements and the limitations of their profession. Members shall preserve the confidentiality of privileged information and shall not release such information to a third party not involved in the patient's care unless the person consents to such release or releases permitted or required by law.

PRINCIPLE 2: Members shall comply with the laws and regulations governing the practice of athletic training. Members shall comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws and institutional guidelines. Members shall be familiar with and adhere to all National Athletic Trainers' Association guidelines and ethical standards. Members are encouraged to report illegal or unethical practice pertaining to athletic training to the appropriate person or authority. Members shall avoid substance abuse and, when necessary, seek rehabilitation for chemical dependency.

PRINCIPLE 3: Members shall accept responsibility for the exercise of sound judgment. Members shall not misrepresent in any manner, either directly or indirectly, their skills, training, professional credentials, identity, or services. Members shall provide only those services for which they are qualified via education and /or experience and by pertinent legal regulatory process. Members shall provide services, make referrals, and seek compensation only for those services that are necessary.

PRINCIPLE 4: Members shall maintain and promote high standards in the provision of services. Members shall recognize the need for continuing education and participate in various types of educational activities that enhance their skills and knowledge. Members who have the responsibility for employing and evaluating the performance of other staff members shall fulfill such responsibility in a fair, considerate, and equitable manner, on the basis of clearly enunciated criteria. Members who have the responsibility for evaluating the performance of employees, supervisees, or students, are encouraged to share evaluations with them and allow them the opportunity to respond to those evaluations. Members shall educate those whom they supervise in the practice of athletic training with regard to the Code of Ethics and encourage their adherence to it. Whenever possible, members are encouraged to participate and support others in the conduct and communication of research and educational activities that may contribute knowledge for improved patient care, patient or student education, and the growth of athletic training as a profession. When members are researchers or educators, they are responsible for maintaining and promoting ethical conduct in research and educational activities.

PRINCIPLE 5: Members shall not engage in any form of conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest or that adversely reflects on the profession. The private conduct of the member is a personal matter to the same degree as is any other person's except when such conduct compromises the fulfillment of professional responsibilities. Members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association and others serving on the Associations committees or acting as consultants shall not use, directly or by implication, the Association's name or logo or their affiliation with the Association in the endorsement of products or services. Members shall not place financial gain above the welfare of the patient being treated and shall not participate in any arrangement that exploits the patient. Members may seek remuneration for their services that is commensurate with their services and in compliance with applicable law.

Real Life Setting of an Athletic Trainer...

Clinics: In a sports medicine clinic, athletic trainers have a variety of responsibilities. They may work with patient treatment and rehabilitation, provide athletic training coverage for a high school or small college and conduct coaches certification workshops and other sports medicine educational programs.

High School: Athletic trainers in the high school work to prevent and treat athletic injuries which may happen during practice or competition. Some athletic trainers teach at the high school during the day, while others may work at a sports medicine clinic.

College and University: At the college level the athletic trainer covers practice sessions and home and away competitions, supervises the educational experiences of student trainers and may teach sports medicine courses. Many colleges and universities in Ohio offer an NATA approved undergraduate curriculum where students major in athletic training.

Professional: Athletic trainers work year-round with the professional sports teams in Ohio, including football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. Although teams operate only a few months per year, Certified Athletic Trainers work year-round conditioning and rehabilitating athletes. Fewer jobs are available in this practice setting due to the limited number of teams.

Sports Medicine Guidelines for Student Athletes...

1. Report all injuries to your coach, and the Athletic Trainer, as soon as possible. The Athletic Trainer will determine if participation is appropriate. A player should not simply decide not to go to practice because they are hurt.

2. Any athlete unable to complete a practice due to injury will be required to obtain clearance from the trainer before returning to play. Parental permission to return to play may also be required.

3. An injured athlete is still considered a part of the team, and expected to be present. All athletes must report to practice each day, unless released be the Athletic Trainer. Player unable to compete due to injury will be given alternate condition and rehabilitative activities. Appropriate clothing/practice attire must be worn.

4. Athletes are expected to be at practice on-time, regardless of their need to see the Athletic Trainer. Plan ahead, and report to the training room early. Injury evaluation and treatment may be scheduled before school, and during lunch and/or free periods. If an athlete requires extensive treatment, a practice status slip will be issued, letting the coach know why the athlete was late.

5. Injury care after school will be "first come, first served", with priority given to players with Away games, and those able to practice.

6. Except in an emergency, all athletes should notify the Athletic Trainer before seeing a doctor for sports-related injuries. Proper medical forms should be picked up in advance of your appointment. A signed medical clearance, on athletic department forms, will be required before returning to participation.

7. Report all dangerous conditions and/or broken equipment to your coach immediately. Do not use any safety equipment (helmets, pads, etc) that are not functioning properly or not fit properly. It is your responsibility to check your safety equipment daily.

8. The Athletic Trainer may continue to hold out an athlete that has been cleared by a doctor when such action will result in a faster/safer return to full competition.

9. The Athletic Training Room is a medical facility, and should be treated as such. Do not touch or remove any items/materials with out permission. Athletes must sign-in for all injuries/treatments. Proper behavior, attire, and language will be required at all times.

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