What is an Athletic Trainer?
"Certified athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity. As part of a complete health care team, the certified athletic trainer works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care professionals, athletics administrators, coaches and parents.

Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences. More than 70 percent of certified athletic trainers hold at least a master's degree.

Athletic training is not the same profession as personal training. And certified athletic trainers work with more than just athletes - they can be found Just about anywhere that people are physically active.

To become certified athletic trainers, students must pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification. Once certified, they must meet ongoing continuing education requirements in order to remain certified. "

Where Do Athletic Trainers Work?
"Certified athletic trainers can be found almost anywhere people are physically active. Here are some of the places you'll find them:"

What is a Typical Day Like for an Athletic Trainer?

What Kind of Education is Needed to Become an Athletic Trainer?
"Entry-level athletic training education uses a competency-based approach in both the classroom and clinical settings. Using a medical-based education model, athletic training students are educated to serve in the role of physician extenders with an emphasis on clinical reasoning skills. Educational content is based on cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skill), and affective (professional behaviors) competencies and clinical proficiencies (professional, practice-oriented outcomes)."