Given that March is National Athletic Training Month, I would like to open up to the world of Athletic Training to you! What is an Athletic Trainer? Athletic Trainers (AT’s) are health care professionals who work under the direction of physicians as prescribed by state licensure statutes. What services can an AT provide? The services provided by AT’s comprise prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.
The statutory title of “athletic trainer” is actually a misnomer, but is derived from the profession’s historical roots. Athletic trainers provide medical services to all types of people – not just athletes participating in sports – and do not “train” people as personal or fitness trainers do. However, the profession continues to embrace its proud culture and history by retaining the title. In other countries, the profession bears the label of athletic therapist or physiotherapist.
Here in the U.S., the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) represents more than 44,000 members domestically and internationally, there are about 50,000 ATs practicing nationally. The athletic training profession began early in the 20th century, and NATA was established in 1950. At Your Own Risk is a public awareness campaign sponsored by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association designed to educate, provide resources and equip the public to act and advocate for safety in work, life and sport. In an effort to provide comprehensive information, the association has launched a website, AtYourOwnRisk.org that provides recommendations on keeping student athletes and communities active and employees safe on the job.
Did you know that Advanced Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine provides Athletic Trainers for the Appleton Area School District, St. Mary Catholic High School, Lawrence University and numerous industrial sites in the area? Well, they do! Advanced Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine can provide the care for you, your student-athlete, or your event!
Please explore more about athletic training at the following pages:
Wisconsin Athletic Trainers' Association: Homepage
Reference:
Profile of Athletic Trainers. NATA.org.https://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/profile-of-athletic-
trainers.pdf.Published July 2016.Accessed March 1,2018.