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An athletic trainer is an individual that specializes in the care and prevention
of athletic injuries caused by physical activity and sports. Athletic trainers
may treat patients immediately following a physical trauma (spraining an ankle
in a basketball game) or they may be involved with the long-term management of
an injury (such as tendonitis). An athletic trainer manages and treats injuries
by first determining the extent of an individual?s condition and how it has
affected an individual?s strength, speed, agility, range of motion and function.
The athletic trainer will then develop and implement a rehabilitation program
designed to treat the injury. Athletic trainers also play an important part in
the prevention of injuries by developing programs aimed at stopping physical
problems before they happen. Such programs may include taping and bracing and
specific warm up exercises and/or stretches. Athletic trainers work in a variety
of settings such as high schools, colleges, wellness centers and rehabilitation
clinics. Athletic trainers are also needed on professional sports teams such as
those found in the NBA, NFL, NASCAR, etc.
In terms of education, this position requires a minimum of a bachelor?s
degree (approximately four years) from an accredited athletic training education
program. Upon completion of the program, individuals must pass
a national certification examination given by the National Athletic Trainers' Association
Board of Certification in order to become a certified athletic trainer.
In the state of Ohio, licensure is also required and licensing information can be
found at the
State of Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers
Board. For additional information on athletic training, please visit the
National Athletic Trainers? Association
website. Please use the links provided below to learn more about specific
educational programs pertaining to this field.
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