The Certified Athletic Trainer

The Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) is a highly educated and skilled allied health care professional specializing in the healthcare of athletes and other physically active individuals. In cooperation with physicians and other healthcare professionals, the Certified Athletic Trainer functions as an integral member of the Sports Medicine Team in colleges/universities, high schools, pro sports, clinics, and industrial settings. All Certified Athletic Trainers shall be competent, but not limited to the following domains:

a. Prevention of athletic injuries
b. Recognition, Evaluation and Assessment of athletic injuries
c. Immediate emergency care of athletic injuries
d. Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning of athletic injuries
e. Healthcare Organization and Administration
f. Professional Development and Responsibility

Education

To become a Certified Athletic Trainer, one must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited CAHEEP athletic training curriculum. Within in a curriculum individuals study coursework in human anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, emergency care, injury/illness prevention and evaluation, therapeutic modalities, injury rehabilitation, nutrition, psychology, pathology, pharmacology and administration. In addition to the coursework, an individual must receive countless hours of clinical experiences under direction and supervision of certified athletic trainers. Most Certified Athletic Trainers continue on to receive their Master’s degree.

Certification

Certified Athletic Trainers have fulfilled the requirements for certification established by the National Athletic Trainer’s Association Board of Certification, Inc (NATABOC). Only individuals who have completed and passed all the required coursework, documented clinical hours and received their bachelor’s degree can sit for the certification exam. The certification exam consist of three sections: written multiple–choice exam, written simulation exam and a practical exam. Certified Athletic Trainers must meet requirements for State Licensure based on each individual State Law.

Professional Organization

The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of health care for athletes and those engaged in physical activity, and the advancement of the Athletic Training Profession through education and research in prevention, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of injuries. Founded in 1950, NATA today has more than 30,000 members worldwide.

For more information about the NATA and the Certified Athletic Trainer go to www.nata.org