What’s an Athletic Trainer?

Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who render service or treatment in accordance with their education, training, and a state’s statutes, rules and regulations.  Athletic trainers provide primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. 

National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)

Athletic trainers provide primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergency care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.

WebMD Editorial Contributors

Athletic trainers must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited professional athletic training education program, pass a comprehensive test administered by a Board of Certification, and be medically licensed to practice in most states.

Athletic trainers are often confused with personal trainers, however Athletic trainers are certified healthcare professionals with a much higher degree of education and directly support the health and welfare of athletes on the field.

Athletic Trainers support athletes at the high school, college, and professional level. They are able to recognize, evaluate, and assess injuries to provide immediate care. They may also apply athletic tape, medical wraps, bandages, or other preventative measures as treatment.