1. Introduction to the Career of Athletic Training Athletic Training

2. Athletic Training • 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 • Galen was a trainer and physician to the gladiators

3. Athletic Training cont. • 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. • 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

4. Title IX • 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

5. Skills Required • 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

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

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

8. Certification cont. • Six practice domains on exam • 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

9. Work Settings • Secondary schools • Colleges and universities • Clinics • Professional sports teams • Industrial settings

10. Responsibilities • 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

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

13. Professionalism • There is a national association called the National Athletic Trainer’s Association along with regional and state associations • Hippocratic Oath • “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 • Anyone who works outside his or her scope of practice and expertise can be found negligent and liable for his or her actions

14. Risk Management • 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

15. Risk Management cont. • 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

16. Smooth Professional – Athletic Trainer video • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw3RHKTkBMk