Introduction to the Career of Athletic Training

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Rendering of specialized care to those individuals involved in exercise and athletics.
It is recognized as an allied health career by the American Medical
Association (AMA) in 1991.
Dates as far back as the treatment of gladiators in Rome
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Galen was a trainer and physician to the gladiators

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As more people become involved in athletics the field will continue to grow
Certified Athletic Trainers are professionals who have worked to attain certification in the field of athletic training.
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Highly educated and skilled professionals who specialize in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries
Athletic Trainers are an integral part of the athletic health care team

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Federal legislation that prohibits discrimination of the basis of sex as to participation in athletics in schools receiving federal funds
Number of females participating in athletics has increased the demand of
Athletic Trainers

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Cramer Family (1920s)
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Gardner, Kansas
Started a chemical company and began producing a liniment to treat ankle sprains
Publication of First Aider in 1932
Family instrumental in early development of the athletic training profession
Continue to play prominent role in education of student athletic trainers

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Problem-solving ability
Good Judgment
Good decision-making skills
Proficient knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biology, and advanced first aid
Motor skills
Communication skills
Ability work well with people
Ability to work well under stressful conditions
Ability to maintain poise in emergencies

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Bachelor’s Degree in athletic training
The program must be accredited
Classes taken include
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Anatomy and physiology
Biomechanics
Exercise physiology
Athletic training
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Nutrition
Psychology
Must pass the BOC examination to become certified

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Certification exam is administered through the BOC (Board of Certification)
Three part exam
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Written portion
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Multiple choice
Practical portion
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Evaluates the skills of the athletic trainer
Simulation
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Athletic training-related situations designed to approximate real-life decision making

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Six practice domains on exam
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Prevention
Recognition, evaluation, and assessment
Immediate care
Treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning
Organization and administration
Professional development and responsibility
Once they pass they are able to use the designation ATC

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Secondary schools
Colleges and universities
Clinics
Professional sports teams
Industrial settings

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Prevention, recognition, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries
Taping and bandaging
Monitor rehabilitation programs
Use of modalities and training equipment
Recording, organizing , and storing information on injuries and rehabilitation
Compared to other professions, Athletic
Trainers see the whole injury cycle

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Athletic trainers typically work over a 40 hour work week especially in the secondary, collegiate, and professional levels
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Most work weeks are 60 to 70 hours Monday through Friday depending on the amount of games during the week

Salary
Days/Week
Hours/Week
Evenings
Athletes/Day
37,500
5
40-60
Yes
>30
High School College
47,000
5+
40-60
Yes
>30
Professional Clinical
60,000
6+
50+
Yes
<45
48,500
5
40
No
<20

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There is a national association called the
National Athletic Trainer’s Association along with regional and state associations
Hippocratic Oath
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“I will use treatment to help the sick according to my ability and judgment, but I will never use it to injury or wrong them.”
Liable: obligated according to law or equity
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Anyone who works outside his or her scope of practice and expertise can be found negligent and liable for his or her actions

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Work within scope of practice of knowledge and expertise
Keep proper documentation and maintain accurate records
Follow proper training room rules and procedures
Always have adequate training room supervision
Keep in close contact with coaches, administration, and parents of athletes

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Inspect practice and game facilities
Establish a return – to – play protocol
Involve the team physician in all aspects of the program
Establish an advisory program with members of all involved parties
Establish and practice an emergency action plan

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw3
RHKTkBMk

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Preventative
Recognition, Evaluation, and Immediate
Care
Rehabilitation Course of Action
Administration
Professional Development
Personal Skills

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Pre-Participation Screening (PPE)
Conditioning
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Total body
Sport or injury specific
Monitoring Environmental Conditions
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Field conditions
Weather
Properly Fitted Equipment
Educate
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Parents, coaches, athletes

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Emergency
Acute
Course of Action

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Short Term
Long Term
Return to Play

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Documentation
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Daily records
Treatment logs
Insurance
Family history
Medications
Surgeries
Written Guidelines
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Policy and Procedures
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Daily operations
Rules/regulations
EAP
Scheduling

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Membership in Different Professional
Organizations
Stay current
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CEU
Be active in organizations

1. Know the Athlete:
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Medical History past/current
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Injuries, allergies, meds, contact lens, dental appliances
Personality
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Low tolerance vs. high tolerance
2. Know the Sport:
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Fundamentals
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Demands of sport
Same injury
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In one sport not cleared, in another can play

3. Remain Calm:
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Self calm
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Calm the athlete
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Very difficult to assess if the athlete is scared, excited, and anxious
4. Alert:
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Observe all athletes
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Limping, down, acting unusual
5. Good Judgment:
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Common sense

6. Experience:
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Confidence
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Assessment skills
7. Patience (with):
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Evaluation
Athlete
Self

8. Referral:
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Record all information
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Send to physician
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Doubts, concerns
Clearance