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Colorado Athletic Trainers' Association |
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Introduction
to Athletic Training
Salary & Results of NATA Membership Survey The certified athletic trainer (ATC) is a highly educated and skilled professional specializing in athletic health care. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the certified athletic trainer functions as an integral member of the athletic health care team in secondary school, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, and other athletic health care settings. EducationCertified athletic trainers have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree usually in athletic training, health, physical education or exercise science. New standards enacted by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Board of Certification to take place 2004 will require that all candidates in hopes of being eligible for the certification exam must possess a post-baccalaureate degree in athletic training from an accredited college or university. In addition to the introductory and advanced athletic training classes, athletic trainers study human anatomy, human physiology, Biomechanics, exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition, and psychology/counseling. Athletic Trainer’s RoleA certified athletic trainer has many different responsibilities when providing athletic health care. In March 1982 the National Athletic Trainers Association, in conjunction with the Professional Examination Service, completed a Role Delineation study. The study identified six "major tasks" or areas of competency for the certified athletic trainer.
Prevention of Athletic InjuryOne major responsibility of the athletic trainer is to make the competitive environment as safe as possible to reduce the likelihood of injury. If injury could be prevented initially, then there would be no need for first aid and subsequent rehabilitation. Evaluation of Athletic InjuriesFrequently, the certified athletic trainer is the person to see an athlete who has sustained an injury. The athletic trainer must be able to efficiently and accurately evaluate that injury. Information obtained in this initial evaluation may be critical later when swelling, pain and guarding mask some of the functional signs of the injury. It is essential that the certified athletic trainer be alert and observe, as much as possible, everything that occurs in practice and games. Invaluable information regarding the nature of the injury can be obtained by actually seeing the mechanism of the injury. The subsequent on-field examination should include:
Information obtained in this initial evaluation should be documented by the athletic trainer and given to the physician if the athlete is to be referred. First Aid and Emergency CareThe certified athletic trainer is responsible for administering appropriate first aid to the injured athlete and for making correct decisions in the management of acute injury. The certified athletic trainer must possess sound skills, not only in the initial recognition and evaluation of potential serious life-threatening injuries, bur also in emergency care. The certified athletic trainer must be certified in CPR and first aid. Many athletic trainers have gone beyond these essential basic certifications and have completed requirements for emergency medical technician (EMT). Rehabilitation and ReconditioningOnce the certified athletic trainer or team physician has evaluated the injury, the rehabilitation process begins immediately. In most cases, the athletic trainer will design and supervise an injury rehabilitation program, modifying that program within the healing process. The certified athletic trainer must also be familiar with therapeutic modalities and therapeutic exercise techniques if the rehabilitation program is to be successful. Counseling and GuidanceThe certified athletic trainer is responsible for counseling and advising athletes not only with regard to rehabilitation and treatment specific to injuries but also on any matter that might help the athlete. It is the certified athletic trainer’s responsibility to keep all information in the training room confidential. Organization and AdministrationThe certified athletic trainer is responsible for the organization and administration of the athletic training room facility, including requisition and inventory of the necessary supplies and supervision of assistant or student athletic trainers.
Job OpportunitiesOpportunities for employment as a certified athletic trainer have changed dramatically during recent years. Since the 1950’s the traditional employment setting for the athletic trainer has been in a training room at the college, university, or professional levels. During the 1980’s the majority of the jobs available were at the high school level. Today the largest percentage of certified athletic trainer are employed in sports medicine clinics or industry, areas that until recently had been considered nontraditional settings. Secondary SchoolsPublic and private secondary schools offer job opportunities for certified athletic trainer. More high schools now appreciate that athletic injuries can be prevented or better cared for when the health care team includes a certified athletic trainer. Many athletic trainers in the high school setting also teach classes in various academic subjects. Colleges and UniversitiesAt the college or university level the athletic training position varies considerable for institution to institution. In smaller schools the certified athletic trainer may be a half-time teacher in physical education and a half-time athletic trainer. In most cases the athletic trainer is full time, does not teach and works in the department of athletics. Employment in this setting remains stable with little turnover. A majority of colleges and universities now require a master’s degree for employment. Professional SportsIn this setting certified athletic trainers work only one sport, such as football, baseball, basketball, hockey or soccer. Although the teams operate only a few months of the year, athletic trainers work year-round in conditioning and rehabilitation. Athletic trainers have fewer opportunities in professional sports due to the smaller number of teams. Sports Medicine ClinicsThis fast growing setting (more athletic trainers are employed in sports medicine clinics than in any other employment setting) provides athletic trainers with the opportunity to work with a number of different health care professionals and a diverse patient population. In addition to athletic injury rehabilitation, a number of clinics provide athletic training services to secondary schools. Industrial SettingIt is becoming relatively common for corporations or industries to employ certified athletic trainers to oversee fitness and injury rehabilitation programs for their employees. It is likely that many job opportunities will exist for the certified athletic trainer in industry in the next few years. Salary & Results of NATA Membership SurveyThe NATA recently published the results of a members survey regarding employment setting, salary and benefits. The following is a copy of the article as published in the February 2001 issue of the NATA News.
Please note that a great deal of this information has been made available through various publications distributed by the National Athletic Trainers Association. For further information on athletic training please visit their site:
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