“Are they like personal trainers? Do they just do sports performance work? I heard they just tape ankles and hand out ice bags. Are they Physical Therapist aides”
These are all common questions that come up whenever I introduce myself as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). The answers surprise many. Athletic Trainers are nationally certified health care professionals. They are licensed by state boards of medical examiners (just like a doctor or nurse) in every state but one (get with it California). The truth is, we are trained and skilled in a HUGE number of medical disciplines. From acute management and emergency care to injury prevention; from therapeutic rehabilitation to clinical examination; from documentation to sports performance/nutrition; from general medical conditions to basic psychology, Certified Athletic Trainers really do know A LOT.
The best analogy I can offer is this. Athletic Trainers are the Swiss Army Knives of the medical community. We are tough, durable, and often are the perfect tool for when a problem arises. We are capable of doing so much to help in so many situations, once you have one you will wonder how you ever got on without it. Sadly, like a trusty Swiss Army Knife, we are often neglected through failure to our maintain moral, failure to acknowledge when we go above and beyond our duties, and in some case, undeniable abuse. But despite these things we have held strong in our beliefs as a profession that our patients come first. So what makes these superheros super?
Let’s start with the basics. How does one become a Certified Athletic Trainer? Well, up until recently to even qualify to sit for the national certification exam you had to have completed a four year degree in Athletic Training or a two year graduate degree in Athletic Training from a from a University accredited by the Commision on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. Then you had to sit for the national certification exam. If you passed, you were officially an ATC. You still couldn’t treat anyone until you were licensed but you earned the credential.
As I said, that used to be the case, but as of 2022, in order to sit for the certification exam you must complete a Masters in Athletic Training. Most athletic trainers can boast over 1000 hours of direct patient care before they even graduate with their undergraduate degree. They undergo some of the most rigorous testing standards potential medical professionals face. When they emerge, they are well prepared to handle any and everything that comes their way.
Unfortunately for as much as we know and as awesome as we are, few recognise us for what we are worth if they recognise us at all. Those of you lucky enough to have met and interacted with a Certified Athletic Trainer can attest to the immense effect on an individual’s life we can have. Almost all of the students in my classrooms have a personal story that drove them to want to become a Certified Athletic Trainer.
So if you are one of those lucky enough to know a Certified Athletic Trainer or have ever been helped by these unsung heroes, take moment to thank them or at least think of them, as that is what drives us to keep working hard for you. We run on props, pride and coffee. Lots of coffee
These are all common questions that come up whenever I introduce myself as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). The answers surprise many. Athletic Trainers are nationally certified health care professionals. They are licensed by state boards of medical examiners (just like a doctor or nurse) in every state but one (get with it California). The truth is, we are trained and skilled in a HUGE number of medical disciplines. From acute management and emergency care to injury prevention; from therapeutic rehabilitation to clinical examination; from documentation to sports performance/nutrition; from general medical conditions to basic psychology, Certified Athletic Trainers really do know A LOT.
The best analogy I can offer is this. Athletic Trainers are the Swiss Army Knives of the medical community. We are tough, durable, and often are the perfect tool for when a problem arises. We are capable of doing so much to help in so many situations, once you have one you will wonder how you ever got on without it. Sadly, like a trusty Swiss Army Knife, we are often neglected through failure to our maintain moral, failure to acknowledge when we go above and beyond our duties, and in some case, undeniable abuse. But despite these things we have held strong in our beliefs as a profession that our patients come first. So what makes these superheros super?
Let’s start with the basics. How does one become a Certified Athletic Trainer? Well, up until recently to even qualify to sit for the national certification exam you had to have completed a four year degree in Athletic Training or a two year graduate degree in Athletic Training from a from a University accredited by the Commision on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. Then you had to sit for the national certification exam. If you passed, you were officially an ATC. You still couldn’t treat anyone until you were licensed but you earned the credential.
As I said, that used to be the case, but as of 2022, in order to sit for the certification exam you must complete a Masters in Athletic Training. Most athletic trainers can boast over 1000 hours of direct patient care before they even graduate with their undergraduate degree. They undergo some of the most rigorous testing standards potential medical professionals face. When they emerge, they are well prepared to handle any and everything that comes their way.
Unfortunately for as much as we know and as awesome as we are, few recognise us for what we are worth if they recognise us at all. Those of you lucky enough to have met and interacted with a Certified Athletic Trainer can attest to the immense effect on an individual’s life we can have. Almost all of the students in my classrooms have a personal story that drove them to want to become a Certified Athletic Trainer.
So if you are one of those lucky enough to know a Certified Athletic Trainer or have ever been helped by these unsung heroes, take moment to thank them or at least think of them, as that is what drives us to keep working hard for you. We run on props, pride and coffee. Lots of coffee
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