MCHC Health Careers Guide: Chapter 3

HEALTH CAREERS GUIDE

Chapter 3: Careers in Medicine and Dentistry

Athletic Trainer

The athletic trainer is an integral part of a complete athletic program. The trainer's duties consist of implementing prevention-of-injury programs and immediate treatment and rehabilitation procedures for the injured athlete as directed by the physician. The athletic trainer has various skills. A certified trainer must have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology, psychology, hygiene, nutrition, taping, conditioning, prevention-of-injury, methodology and protective equipment.

The certified trainer must have an excellent rapport with the team physician, the coaches, the administration and the athletes in order to perform effectively. While the physician diagnoses and prescribes treatment for the injury, the certified trainer carries out this treatment in addition to keeping the coach informed of the athlete's physical and emotional condition.

Some of their responsibilities might include:
•	Treating an injured athlete with ice or heat
•	Supervising strength and conditioning programs
•	Inspecting athletic equipment to insure that it is working properly
•	Taping knees and ankles to prevent or lessen injury
•	Designing specific equipment, such as pads or braces
•	Educating athletes on the prevention-of-injury

Job Outlook
Athletic trainers are employed by high schools, colleges, universities and professional sports teams. According to the National Athletic Trainers Association, the area of greatest employment potential and often better salaries is at the high school level where the trainer is also a teaching faculty member.

Educational Requirements
High school students should take classes in health, first aid, biology, physiology, chemistry, physics and general science. A trainer must have a sincere interest in athletics and the athlete's well being. Other necessary basics would include having the ability to get along with people, poise, confidence, integrity, a sense of humor, good communication skills and common sense.

There are two ways to become a certified athletic trainer (ATC}:

1. Obtain a bachelor's degree or master's degree from a college sponsoring an athletic trainer educational program and accredited by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA); or

2. Obtain a bachelor's or master's degree in a related health field plus complete an 1,800 hour internship under the direct supervision of an athletic trainer certified by the NATA.

In both cases, certification requirements also include: current certification in first aid, current certification in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), and successful completion of the NATA certification examination.

Educational Programs - Illinois

Eastern Illinois University
Department of Physical Education
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 581-2223
http://www.eiu.edu/

Illinois State University: Department of Health and Physical Education
North and School Streets
Normal, IL 61761
(309) 438-2181
http://www.ilstu.edu/

Northern Illinois University: Department of Physical Education
Anderson Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115-2854
(815) 753-0446
http://www.niu.edu/index.html

Southern Illinois University
Department of Physical Education
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 453-4381
http://www.siu.edu/

University of Illinois: Urbana Department of Physical Education
10 Administration Building
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-0302
http://www.uiuc.edu/index.html

Western Illinois University: College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation
900 West Adams Street
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 298-1891
http://www.wiu.edu/

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