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What is an ATC? (A)thletic (T)rainer (C)ertified?
The role of an athletic trainer can often be confused
with a physical or personal trainer.
Let’s dive into the education, responsibilities, and role of this sports medicine professional.
- They are diverse and unique health care professionals. ATCs follow a medical-based education model.
- They graduate from an accredited Masters educational program and pass a comprehensive State Board certification exam.
- They are licensed and regulated in 49 states and the District of Columbia.
- They must keep their knowledge and skills current by participating in continuing education.
- They work in elementary schools, middle schools and high schools; colleges and universities; professional and amateur sports organizations; and hospitals and clinics.
- Learn more about what education is needed to become an ATC
The Athletic Trainers' Society of NJ put together this short video that shows just what an ATC is:
Training to become an ATC is intense. Their training includes the following fields:
- Musculo-Skeleton System
- Patient Education
- Prevention
- Evaluation
- Treatment
- Management of on-the-field emergencies
- Rehabilitation
ATCs are qualified to treat everything from ankle sprains to concussion.
Following an injury, the ATCs goal is to return the athlete to an optimal level of function.
ATCs specialize in patient education to prevent injuries in the first place, which reduces rehabilitation and re-injury healthcare costs.
ATCs Continuing Education - Required per the Board of Certification
Continuing education requirements are intended to promote continued competence, current knowledge and skills development, and professional skills and judgment enhancement. Therefore, these activities must focus on increasing knowledge, skills, and abilities related to athletic training.
As information continually changes, professionals must learn the latest about athletic training. Continuing education requirements ensure ATs resume to learn to provide the most up-to-date care.
