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Athletic Training

I am an athletic trainer logo

These days people are more active, more interested, and more educated than ever before in playing sports. The word “Trainer” is a broad description and can cover many things. It cannot accurately describe what an “Athletic Trainer” is. Here are some differences between an Athletic Trainer and a Personal Trainer.

An Athletic Trainer is:

An Athletic Trainer is an expert at recognizing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal injuries. ATs meet qualifications set by the Board of Certification, Inc., and adhere to the requirements of a state licensing board. ATs practice under the direction of a physician and are members of a health care profession recognized by the American Medical Association.

American Medical Association Recognition

Education / Degrees –

  • Must obtain, at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training
  • Must pass a comprehensive exam to earn the ATC credential
  • Must keep their knowledge and skills current by participating in continuing education yearly
  • Must adhere to standards of professional practice set by one national certifying agency andto a national code of ethics

What they do –

  • Prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate injuries (acute and chronic)
  • Provide physical medicine and rehabilitation services
  • Coordinate care w/ physicians and other health care professionals
  • Work in schools, colleges, professional sports, clinics, hospitals, corporations, industry, military, and performing arts
Athletic Trainer Iceberg

A Trainer is:

A "Trainer or Personal Trainer", to be more accurate, develops, monitors and changes an individual’s specific exercise program in a fitness or Gym setting; some can make nutritional recommendations. Personal trainers can earn credentials through a number of agencies and can work as fitness trainers without formal collegiate degrees or certification.

Education / Degrees

  • May or may not have higher education in health sciences
  • May or may not be required to obtain certification or state licensing
  • May or may not participate in continuing education
  • May become certified by any one of numerous organizations that set varying education and practice requirements.

What they do

  • Assess fitness needs & design appropriate exercise regimens
  • Work w/ clients to achieve fitness goals
  • Help educate the public on the importance of physical activity
  • Work in health clubs, wellness centers and other locations where fitness activities take place

Contacts

  • Renae Scott
  • renae.scott@aps.edu
Student in sports med

"I enjoy being able to help an athlete through the recovery process. Athletes come to you for help and being able to deliver that means the world. There's something new every day". Alex C. - Level 3 student 18-19, 19-20, 21-22).

Athletic Training Room

Athletic Training Room

Athletic Trainer

Noun - Athletic Trainer; Plural - Athletic Trainers

1. Someone who solves problems that you never knew existed in ways that will blow your mind.

Synonyms - Ninja, Legend, Hero, Life Saver