What Is an Athletic Trainer?
Learn what Athletic Trainers do, where they work, and the education, training, and credentials required to become an Athletic Trainer.
Athletic Trainers are licensed and certified healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions affecting physically active individuals.
As part of the healthcare team, Athletic Trainers work under the direction of or in collaboration with physicians to provide medical care in a variety of settings both on and off the field.
Athletic Trainers are often the first healthcare providers to respond during emergencies and play an important role in keeping athletes, workers, performers, and active individuals safe and healthy.
Athletic Trainers Are Healthcare Professionals
Athletic Trainers are not personal trainers or fitness coaches. Athletic Trainers are highly trained healthcare providers who specialize in injury prevention, emergency care, clinical evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation.
What Do Athletic Trainers Do?
Athletic Trainers provide a wide range of healthcare services, including:
- Injury and illness prevention
- Emergency and acute care
- Clinical evaluation and diagnosis
- Therapeutic intervention
- Rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions
- Return-to-play decision making
- Wellness promotion and education
- Concussion management
- Emergency Action Planning (EAP) development and implementation
Athletic Trainers serve as an essential part of the healthcare team and often coordinate care with physicians, physical therapists, nurses, and other healthcare providers.
Where Do Athletic Trainers Work?
While Athletic Trainers are commonly associated with sports teams and schools, they work in many different environments, including:
- Secondary schools
- Colleges and universities
- Professional sports organizations
- Hospitals and physician practices
- Industrial and occupational settings
- Military and public safety organizations
- Performing arts organizations
- Sports medicine clinics
- Corporate wellness programs
Athletic Trainers can be found everywhere from football sidelines to manufacturing facilities and performing arts venues.
Education and Credential Requirements
Athletic Trainers complete extensive education and clinical training before entering practice.
Most Athletic Trainers must:
- Graduate from an accredited athletic training program
- Complete supervised clinical education experiences
- Pass the national Board of Certification (BOC) examination
- Obtain state licensure where required
- Complete continuing education requirements to maintain certification and licensure
Today, entry into the profession requires graduation from an accredited master's level athletic training program in the United States.
Athletic Trainers vs. Personal Trainers
Athletic Trainers and personal trainers are often confused, but they are very different professions.
| Athletic Trainer | Personal Trainer |
| Licensed healthcare professional | Fitness professional |
| Provides medical care and treatment | Provides fitness instruction and exercise guidance |
| Educated through accredited healthcare programs | Certification requirements vary |
| Works under physician direction or collaboration | Does not provide medical treatment |
| Evaluates, treats, and rehabilitates injuries | Focuses primarily on exercise and fitness goals |
The Preferred Term Is "Athletic Trainer"
The preferred professional title is Athletic Trainer (AT). The term "trainer" alone can create confusion with fitness professionals or personal trainers.
Why Athletic Trainers Matter
Athletic Trainers improve outcomes by providing immediate access to medical care, reducing injury severity, improving recovery times, and helping patients safely return to activity.
Their work supports athlete safety while reducing healthcare costs and improving access to care across many industries and communities.
FAQs
Are Athletic Trainers healthcare professionals?
Yes. Athletic Trainers are licensed and certified healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.
Are Athletic Trainers the same as personal trainers?
No. Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals who provide medical care and treatment, while personal trainers focus on exercise instruction and fitness programming.
Do Athletic Trainers need to be licensed?
Most states require Athletic Trainers to hold state licensure or other forms of professional regulation before practicing.
What credentials do Athletic Trainers hold?
Most Athletic Trainers hold the national Board of Certification credential and maintain state licensure where required.
Do Athletic Trainers only work with athletes?
No. Athletic Trainers work with athletes, workers, military personnel, performing artists, and physically active individuals of all ages.
Can Athletic Trainers diagnose injuries?
Athletic Trainers are trained to evaluate injuries and medical conditions and work under the direction of or in collaboration with physicians in accordance with state laws and regulations.
Can Athletic Trainers provide emergency care?
Yes. Athletic Trainers are trained to provide emergency and acute care and are often among the first healthcare professionals to respond during emergencies at events and athletic activities.
Why does Go4 require Athletic Trainers to maintain credentials?
Go4 verifies three core credentials to help ensure organizations have access to qualified healthcare professionals:
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Board of Certification (BOC)
-
Professional Liability Insurance (PLI)
-
State Licensure (where required)
These requirements help protect patients, organizations, and Athletic Trainers while maintaining the integrity of the marketplace.