Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) are highly educated and skilled professionals specializing in athletic health care. ATCs are medical experts in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity.
The American Medical Association (AMA) recognizes athletic training as an allied health care profession and recommends certified athletic trainers in every high school to keep athletes safe and healthy. The ATC specializes in six practice domains: prevention; recognition, evaluation and assessment; immediate care; treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning; organization and administration; and professional development and responsibility.
The certified athletic trainer works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care professionals, athletic administrators, coaches and parents. Because the ATC gets to know each athlete individually she/he can treat injuries more effectively.
On an average day, an ATC may: prepare athletes for practice or competition through taping, bandaging, and bracing; evaluate injuries to determine their management and referral; develop conditioning programs; and implement treatment and rehabilitation programs.
