What Is Athletic Training?

Athletic Training is practiced by Athletic Trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients.  Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities.   A person working in the field of athletic training must be a Certified Athletic Trainer (see below). Certified Athletic Trainers are unique health care providers who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses. For more information about Athletic Training, visit www.nata.org, or for specific facts about athletic trainers click here.

Athletic Training Domains

Athletic Trainer's duties cover a wide range of responsibilities. The National Athletic Trainer's Association has developed six domains in which a Certified Athletic Trainer must demonstrate and maintain proficient knowledge and skill. The six domains are

• Prevention
• Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis
  
• Immediate Care
• Treatment, Rehabilitation, and Reconditioning
• Organization and Administration
• Professional Responsibility

Certification Information

A degree or major in athletic training, awarded by an institution does not qualify the graduate to work as an "athletic trainer." In order to become a certified athletic trainer, a student must graduate from an accredited athletic training education program and pass the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) examination. The BOC sets the standards for the practice of athletic training.  The BOC is the only accredited certifying body for Athletic Training in the US.  Some states, including Illinois, have legislation that also requires athletic trainers to be registered or licensed to practice in that state. The Athletic Training Education Program at Trinity is a, Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), accredited program and meets all current requirements for licensure in the state of Illinois. Students should check with the states in which they plan to practice athletic training for specific requirements.